Hillcrest Labs Announces 9-Axis Freespace Sensor Module

The FSM-9 is an off-the-shelf motion solution that delivers ultimate performance for the rapidly growing markets where head-mounted displays and other wearable computers are used,” said Chad Lucien, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hillcrest Labs. “Our ultra-high performance 9-axis sensor fusion and calibration software, low power system, and low cost package, enables customers to easily and quickly integrate motion into products for these markets and a wide range of other applications.”

The FSM-9 combines Hillcrest’s MotionEngine Universal software on an embedded microprocessor, along with a 3-axis digital gyroscope, 3-axis digital accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer (compass). MotionEngine software combined with a proprietary factory testing and calibration process provides 360° of high-performance motion data, including: heading, linear acceleration, angular position, angular velocity, and cursor position. Key features of the FSM-9 include: configurable sampling rates for motion output up to 250 Hz, contextual smoothing for jitter-free visualization, proprietary calibration methods to reduce gyro drift, comprehensive automated calibration, and advanced magnetic field interference tracking and filtering to improve performance in various environmental settings. Motion data communication is through either USB or SPI, and the module is supported by libfreespace, Hillcrest’s open source motion control API, enabling easy integration into existing applications.

Compared to Hillcrest’s 6-axis module (the FSM-6), the 9-axis module includes a heading reading, offers enhanced angular position accuracy, and reduces gyroscope drift. As such, the FSM-9 is an ideal solution for head-mounted displays and wearable computing used for virtual/augmented reality systems, military simulation, and law enforcement applications. In addition, the FSM-9 can be used in industrial automation, robotics, pedestrian navigation, health and fitness, and medical diagnostic products. Hillcrest currently works with numerous companies in these specialty areas, and expects the FSM-9 to be used by select customers in the coming months.

Freespace MotionEngine Universal is an extension of Hillcrest’s MotionEngine Smart TV software embedded in the line of Roku 2 streaming media players and LG’s Smart TVs. Other companies that have licensed Hillcrest’s technology for use in their products include: Atmel, Eastman Kodak, Logitech, SMK Electronics, Sony Computer Entertainment, TCL Multimedia, Universal Electronics, and others. Hillcrest’s global intellectual property portfolio includes more than 200 patent filings, covering critical methods for motion control of Smart TVs and other motion systems.