Designing motion tracking for a pair of glasses is one of the hardest jobs in wearables. There is very little space for electronics, power budgets are tight, and users notice even the smallest lag in head tracking or video stabilization. Engineers need a way to sense motion, stabilize images, and respond to gestures without draining the battery halfway through the day.
TDK’s new ICM-45685 SmartMotion IMU is built for exactly that job. It combines a six-axis gyroscope and accelerometer with built-in sensor fusion software, allowing multiple algorithms to run on the device itself. Offloading this work from the main processor cuts power use and keeps motion data flowing smoothly, which means fewer dropped frames and a more natural AR experience.
Head Tracking That Stays Locked
The ICM-45685 follows on from the ICM-45686 used in many AR and VR systems, but it adds features aimed at lightweight eyewear. BalancedGyro technology improves vibration rejection so head orientation stays stable when the wearer moves. Integrated optical and electronic image stabilization help keep video clear and reduce motion blur, which can make a big difference for comfort in long AR sessions.
Smarter Context Detection
Because the sensor has its own memory and optimized code, it can track activity, detect posture, and maintain orientation without constantly waking the host processor. It also introduces donning and doffing detection to know when the glasses are being worn, and voice vibration detection to wake up a voice interface quickly and quietly.
A Platform for Smart Eyewear
TDK offers the ICM-45685 as part of a full sensing platform that also includes MEMS microphones for voice commands, TMR magnetometers for absolute orientation, and ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors for gesture control and wear detection. The ICM-45685 can also be paired with TDK’s PositionSense 9-axis solution, which combines an IMU and TMR sensor to enable absolute orientation detection and navigation. Designers can use these building blocks to create smart glasses that feel responsive while still meeting size and power limits.
The ICM-45685 is available now through direct sales inquiry, with additional software features arriving later this year. For engineers working on the next generation of AI or AR eyewear, it provides a way to get better motion tracking and longer battery life without changing the industrial design.
Learn more and read the original article on www.tdk.com
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