CapSense Technology
AN64846 - Getting Started with CapSense
®
Doc. No. 001-64846 Rev. *X
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Gesture detection:
Gesture detection is the technique of interpreting human body movements and providing gesture-
type information to the device. Gesture-based user interfaces provide an intuitive way for the user to interact with the
system, improving the user experience. Gesture detection is used in applications such as laptops, tablets, and mobile
phones for controlling the user interface.
Proximity sensors based on CapSense can be used in these applications to detect gestures without any physical
contact between the user and the device.
shows an example of an implementation of gesture detection in
a laptop where proximity sensors placed near the trackpad are used for the pan movement of the onscreen map.
Figure 2-44. Gesture Detection Implementation in a Laptop
IR replacement:
Proximity sensors based on CapSense can replace IR proximity sensors in applications such as
faucets and soap dispensers, as
.
Proximity sensing based on CapSense offers the following
advantages over IR proximity sensing:
It is a low-cost solution compared to IR proximity sensing. Proximity sensors based on CapSense can be
constructed using a copper trace on the PCB, whereas IR proximity sensing requires extra IR sensors.
Proximity sensors based on CapSense do not require any cutout in the overlay material to detect proximity sensing,
unlike IR proximity sensors. Therefore, proximity sensing based on CapSense reduces the tooling cost and
improves the aesthetics of the end product.
They consume less power than IR proximity sensors.
They are immune to ambient light, whereas IR-based proximity sensors can have performance issues with varying
ambient light.