EDNE May 2012 - (Page 32)

hidden interfaces A New plAygrouNd for embedded iNNovAtioNs B y R oBeR t CRavotta • em Bedde d I n sI g h t s I nC he rate of innovation is stagnating, say some analysts (Reference 1). The complaint is that the highly visible, and hyped, innovations fall into an incremental and predictable pattern that focuses on cost savings. Areas identified for innovation in 2012 include social media, information flow, and application stores. Another area for innovation is camera-based interfaces, such as Microsoft’s Kinect, which promises users a richer way to interface with their consoles and computing devices, but the hardware’s $249 price puts this technology beyond the range of most embedded applications. Despite these 32 eDn eUrOPe | may 2012 T roadblocks, a number of hidden interfaces are quietly finding their way into more systems; many of these interfaces can detect a user’s presence and motion. A hidden interface is one in which the system provides no prompt for the user. Thus, proximity sensing, which involves detecting that a user is within range of a sensor, is a hidden interface because, in most cases, the user knows neither that the system is performing such sensing nor why it is doing so. Motion sensing is a potential hidden interface because the motion sensing occurs, despite the presence of the user, to allow the system to adjust and adapt its behavior based on where and how it is being handled. www.edn-europe.com image: ShutterStock http://www.edn-europe.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of EDNE May 2012

Cover
Contents
International Rectifier
RS Components
Masthead
Comment
International Rectifier
Pulse
Analog Devices
Toshiba
Digi-key
Bergquist
Baker's best
Test & Measurement
Agilent Technologies
Digi-key
Audio-converter-subsystem design challenges in the 21st century
Coilcraft
Silicon Labs
Digi-key
Cover Story
Digi-key
Sensor & Test
Mechatronics in design
Vicor's insert
Understand and reduce dc/dc-switching-converter ground noise
Power MOSFETs continue to evolve
Design Idea
Product Roundup
Tales from the cube

EDNE May 2012