SparkFun
ZX Distance and Gesture Sensor
The ZX Distance and Gesture Sensor is a touchless sensor that is capable of looking for simple gestures. Developed in conjunction with XYZ Interactive, the s...
The ZX Distance and Gesture Sensor is a touchless sensor that is capable of looking for simple gestures. Developed in conjunction with XYZ Interactive, the sensor uses their GestureSense® technology to recognize the distance of an object away from the sensor up to about 12 inches (30cm, referred to as the “Z” axis) and the location of the object from side to side across the sensor in about a 6-inch (15cm) span, referred to as the “X” axis. You will be able to use I2C or UART to communicate with the ZX Sensor via a microcontroller or computer.
The ZX Sensor works by bouncing infrared (IR) beams of light from the two LEDs on either side off of an object above the sensor. The bounced light returns to the receiver in the center of the sensor, and a microcontroller on the back of the sensor interprets the data. With these IR pieces you will easily be able to ascertain both the Z axis and the X axis of an object (hence the name). In addition to providing Z and X axis data about an object, the ZX Sensor is capable of detecting simple gestures. We have also clearly labeled all the pin outs on the board, as well as signifying if they are needed in I2C or UART communication.
Get started with the ZX Sensor Guide
Features:
- Operating Voltage: 3.3V–5V
- Z-Axis Recognition Range: 12 inches (~30cm)
- X-Axis Recognition Range: 6 inches (~15cm)
- 4 Supported Gesture Commands
- I2C or UART Communication
- SMD Components and Compact Design
Documents:
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a chip that runs your program and controls connected inputs and outputs. For this product, it is the part that reads buttons and sensors, drives the display and speaker, and communicates over Bluetooth.
- UART
- UART is a simple serial connection that sends data over separate transmit and receive wires, often labelled TX and RX. It matters because this module is designed to replace a wired UART cable with a wireless link while keeping the same serial data format.
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Brands
Sensors & Input
ZX Distance and Gesture Sensor Schematic
Schematic · 99.4 KB · Click any page to view full size
ZX Distance and Gesture Sensor Datasheet
Datasheet · 767.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 663.8 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
ZX Distance and Gesture Sensor Eagle Files
Schematic · ZIP · 154.3 KB
Eagle PCB design files for the ZX Distance and Gesture Sensor board
Arduino Library
Example Code · ZIP · 21.1 KB
Arduino library and example code for the ZX Distance and Gesture Sensor
XYZ I2C Register Map
Datasheet · ZIP · 101.5 KB
ZIP containing I2C register map documentation for the ZX sensor IC
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au