Sensor fusion creates explosion of data and great growth potential

USA: Sensor fusion has become an important feature for many portable devices, in particular smartphones, tablets and the emerging Ultraportable PCs.

In fact, sensor fusion is required by Windows 8 for all tablet PCs and all convertible Ultrabooks, and recommended for clamshell Ultrabooks. Intel offers reference platforms for tablets and Ultrabooks that include a sensor hub block connected directly to the CPU.

Many advanced applications are enabled by sensor fusion, including geo-fencing, gesture controls and context awareness. The manufacturers of these devices are promoting more interactive devices and intuitive computing using motion and gesture controls.

The main focus for sensor fusion is not only designing in more than one type of sensor, but also how to most effectively use the wealth of raw data. Sensor fusion encompasses both hardware and software elements. The objective is to improve and enhance the end user experience in portable applications. Consequently, this will drive further sales of the end use products and increase sales for MEMS sensors.