UltraSense works on a sensor that will replace traditional buttons

The American technology company UltraSense Systems developed a sensor that allows replacing physical buttons in electronic devices such as smartphones through a three-dimensional ultrasound interface.

UltraSense Touch, as the chip is known, has a size of only 1.4 x 2.4 x 0.49 mm, equivalent to the tip of a pen. The company defined it in a statement as “the smallest and most integrated 3D ultrasound sensor in the world.”

The new sensor allows to establish an interface of virtual buttons or gestures with various functions in virtually any material, such as metal, glass, wood, ceramic or plastic, which can also be of any thickness.

The chip, which is compatible with other sensors; is able to detect single, double presses and hold, but also several keystrokes at the same time and drag. It is possible to select the sensitivity according to the application.

Among its specifications, it also stands out that it works through dust, lotions and natural oils, is able to identify the materials with which it touches and to repel water.

The UltraSense system eliminates some of the design restrictions present in current technologies such as touch pressure or sound wave surfaces, such as the thickness of the device, and allows a simpler integration with “just a few seconds of calibration.”

K. Tovar

Source: NDTV