Jul 27 2007
There is no need to rotate digital pictures to view them thanks to the tiny SFH 7710 SMT orientation sensor from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors.
It reliably detects whether a photo has been taken in portrait or landscape format and forwards this information to appropriate software, which then automatically displays the photo in its correct orientation.
The SFH 7710, which measures 4.4 x 4.4 mm and is just 1.8 mm high, is the first optical orientation sensor of this size in SMT technology. It is housed in a plastic package and is suitable for standard solder processes. More cost-effective than existing MEMS sensors (MEMS = Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) and with very low power consumption it is ideal for widespread use in mobile terminals such as mobile phones, PDAs and digital cameras.
The orientation sensor has an integrated light barrier comprising an IR emitter and a detector. In the detection field of the light barrier there will be a movable object, in either portrait or landscape format depending on the orientation of the mobile terminal. If the terminal is then rotated the object will move out of the detection field of the light barrier. The sensor sends the information as to whether the object is within or outside the detection area as a unique signal via a digital output. Appropriate software then processes the signal and rotates the contents of the display if necessary. A photo for example will immediately appear in the correct position for viewing. There is no need to bother about realigning it after downloading.
The sensor operates on a supply voltage of 2.5 V and has a current draw of less than 50 µA on average.
http://www.osram-os.com