Hillcrest Labs’ patented Freespace motion control technology senses motion in three dimensions and precisely translates human motions into on–screen cursor movement. When embedded in a handheld input device, Freespace allows consumers to simply point and click to navigate content and application choices on televisions, set–top boxes, PCs and a range of other digital media devices. Freespace can also be adapted for use in game controllers.
Key Features of Freespace motion control technology
- Orientation Compensation: This enables a user to control device performance with natural, instinctive motion. MEMS (Micro–Electrical–Mechanical Systems) sensors combined with Hillcrest’s proprietary algorithms enable consistent control of the device from any position–standing, sitting or reclining. Regardless of the orientation of the device in space (e.g., pointing at the ground, turned sideways), Freespace generates appropriate cursor motions on the screen.
- Tremor Cancellation: Tremor refers to unintended human motion. Freespace distinguishes between intentional and unintentional movement, and devices using the technology respond only to the user’s intended motion. Freespace can reduce the impact of tremor by 70% to 90% with virtually no additional latency of movement.
- High Accuracy: Studies have shown that Freespace motion control technology produces 50% fewer pointing errors than mechanical gyroscope–based devices do, and more than a 25% improvement in the speed of pointing.
- Low Latency: Optimal sensors, very sophisticated algorithms and RF (radio frequency) technology ensure minimum latency between user motion and cursor motion. This technology increases the efficiency in all pointing tasks, reduces fatigue and enables smooth and accurate pointing at fine–pitch screen details.
The first hardware implementation of Hillcrest’s Freespace motion control technology is The Loop™. With two buttons and a scroll wheel, The Loop is ideally suited to the operation of media devices in the living room. Users can lean back, put their feet up, and easily control any on–screen function.
Freespace IP License and Reference Design
Hillcrest’s Freespace intellectual property is available to be licensed by those interested in developing a distinct industrial design or unique functions. A reference design is available to aid in the development of the resulting Freespace remote controls.
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