STMicroelectronics has unveiled a new Human Presence Detection (HPD) sensor technology for laptops, PCs, and other devices with Windows Hello biometric authentication, and that the company claimed achieves lower power consumption and improved security and privacy than earlier HPD offerings.
Early presence detection solutions based on camera sensors were controversial due to privacy concerns, but later generation systems are often based on Time of Flight (ToF) sensors, which do not capture image or identity data.
STMicro’s new system uses its fifth-generation FlightSense 8x8 multizones ToF sensor (VL53L8CP) along with proprietary AI-based algorithms enabling HPD, multi-person detection that alerts users of other people in their space, and head orientation tracking, the latter of which has advanced out of an earlier Proof-of-Concept process. The fifth generation of sensors also integrates advanced features such as gesture recognition, hand posture recognition, and wellness monitoring through human posture analysis.
From an operational perspective, the new offering also is capable of reducing power consumption by more than 20% daily through the use of capabilities like Adaptive Screen Dimming, which tracks head orientation to dim the screen when the user isn’t looking, as well as Walk-Away Lock and Wake-on-Attention features, which automatically lock the device when the user leaves and wakes it up upon again when the user’s presence is detected.
Through five generations of ToF sensors, STMicro has built up a market base of about 2 billion devices supported worldwide, and a company spokesperson told Fierce Electronics via email, “The new fifth-generation ST turnkey solution for laptops has been already made available by a leading global OEM manufacturer in one laptop presented at CES this year.” STMicro also is engaged in an internal evaluation program with another “Top 5” OEM.
“Building on the integration of ST FlightSense technology in more than 260 laptops and PC models launched in recent years, we are looking forward to see our new HPD solution contributing to make devices more energy-efficient, secure, and user-friendly,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Imaging Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics. “As AI and sensor technology continue to advance, with greater integration of both hardware and software, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and intuitive ways of interacting with our devices, and ST is best positioned to continue to lead this market trend.”
The company spokesperson also said the HPD sensor system, while today targeted at laptops and PCs, will be aimed for deployment in “other consumer devices, industrial applications (robotics, IR security curtain), Smart home (control panel, thermostat, access control door lock / hand detection), etc.”
Florian Domengie, PhD Principal Analyst, Imaging at Yole Group, observed in a statement provided STMicro, “In 2024, ToF modules generated $2.2 billion in revenue, with projections reaching $3.8 billion by 2030 (9.5% CAGR). Compact and affordable, multizone dToF sensors are now emerging to enhance laptop experiences and enable new use cases.”
STMicroelectronics is appearing at Sensors Converge 2025 in Santa Clara, CA, June 24-26 at booth #936. The company also has three 40 Under 40 recipients and has been named a finalist in one of the Best of Sensors Awards to be announced at the 40th anniversary party of Sensors Converge on Wednesday. Admission is free to the expo and party by registration in advance using the code HAMBLEN.