STMicroelectronics Makes PCs More User Friendly, Greener, and More Secure
- Protects data and saves power via user presence detection that instantaneously locks and puts the PC into low-power mode when user leaves
- User presence detection enables instant and touchless wake up and sign-in as soon as the user returns
- ST’s patented algorithms, using data from its Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor combined with Intel® Context Sensing to receive an Innovation Award at CES2019; this is available in PCs from leading OEMs with many more coming
Geneva, July 2, 2019 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has announced its user presence detection solution where the output from ST’s FlightSense™ Time-of-Flight (ToF) ranging sensor, is used by Intel® Context Sensing to offer a breakthrough approach to PC data security while reducing power consumption and improving the user experience.
ST’s FlightSense ToF sensor, hidden behind a cover glass in the bezel of a laptop, monitors the user’s presence in front of their PC. When the user leaves, the ToF sensor detects their absence and immediately locks the system and directs it into the Windows® Modern-Stand-by low-power state, improving security and reducing power consumption. The ToF sensor then enters a low-power autonomous mode, scanning the scene for the user returning while keeping the PC asleep to save power. When the user returns, the ToF sensor wakes the PC and automatically enables facial recognition to log in without waiting for a key press or mouse movement.
The ST patented algorithm used in the system can distinguish an immobile person sitting in front of a PC from an inanimate object, such as a chair, without relying on video analytics from the power-hungry and potentially intrusive webcam.
“By leveraging ST’s market-leading FlightSense™ Time-of-Flight ranging technology, the development of user presence detection brings extended battery life, improved data protection, and increased convenience to PC users,” said Eric Aussedat, Executive Vice President and General Manager Imaging, STMicroelectronics.
About FlightSense Time-of-Flight Sensors
ST’s ToF FlightSense technology revolutionises ranging and proximity sensing by providing accurate distance measurements using miniature and low-cost sensors. The sensor works by measuring the time taken by a photon to travel from the sensor, reflect from a target, and be received again by the sensor. This photon ‘travel time’ is multiplied by the speed of light to compute the precise distance to the subject.
Traditional infra-red (IR) ranging sensors rely on reflected signal strength and cannot directly measure distance. Unlike ToF sensors, the effectiveness and accuracy of these IR sensors are affected by the reflectivity of the target. ST’s ToF sensors combine accurate target-range measurement with class-leading miniature size and low power consumption.
About STMicroelectronicsST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. ST’s products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices.
By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
In 2018, the Company’s net revenues were $9.66 billion, serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Further information can be found at www.st.com.
