The microchip-based overlay MGC3130 adds gesture and motion recognition to the Raspberry Pi platform. It is capable of recognizing the position information of the xy z-axis, as well as measuring the distance from the overlay and recognizing finger holding, pressing or double-clicking.

As shown in the figure below, the recognition area is divided into two parts: the center panel and the strips around it.

The central panel detects the touch, push, double click and gestures made in the air above the module, giving the module its name.You don't even have to touch the module, just wave your hand over the central panel and the overlay will recognize your movement.

Thanks to the patented GestIC® technology on the microchip, the overlay uses electric detection close to a magnetic field to recognize gestures. The overlay generates a magnetic field above the central panel. When your hand approaches it, it causes interference and the magnetic field receiver below detects the change.

The overlay communicates with RaspberryPi via the I2C interface, and the Grove I2C connector has also been reserved for use with other modules.

With the help of this amazing module, you can already control light, TV or speakers using gestures. Let your imagination run wild and create your own unique designs.

Features

• Recognition of gestures and item data x, y, z
• Touch and distance detection
• Built-in Colibri Gesture Suite (works on the chip)
• Advanced 3D signal processing unit
• Recognition area: 0 to 10 cm
• Automatic chip calibration
• Compatible with different Raspberry models Pi 2, 3 and zero

Technical Specification

Application

• Laptops/Keypads/ Peripherals
• Home automation
• Game Controllers
• Audio control

Equipment overview

Outputs distribution on the board

Practice with Raspberry Pi

Switch on I2C

• Step 1: Enable sudo raspi-config.
• Step 2: Use the down arrow to select 5 interface options (Interfacing Options).
• Step 3. use the down arrow to enter P5 I2C.
• Step 4. select "yes" when asked to enable I2C.
• Step 5. select "yes" again when it asks for automatic kernel loading.
• Step 6. use the right arrow to select the appropriate button.
• Step 7 Select "yes" when asked to reboot.

Install ncurses

Step 1：Możeszdownload them at this link

cd ~
wget https://invisible-mirror.net/archives/ncurses/ncurses-6.1.tar.gz
 

Step 2: Install ncurses

tar -xvf ncurses-6.1.tar.gz
cd ncurses-6.1/
./configure
make
sudo make install
 

Step 3: Check that the ncurses are installed correctly

ncurses6-config --version
 

Turn on the demo

Step 1: Install mgc3103 and turn on mgc3103.

cd ~
git clone https://github.com/Seeed-Studio/Seeed_mgc3x30.git
cd Seeed_mgc3x30
make clean && make
./mgc3130
 

Step 2: Below is the output code.

 *
 *                                                          *
 * Position X : 65534 *
 * Position Y : 0 *
 * Position Z : 38465 *
 *                                                          *
 * Gesture:                                                *
 *                                                          *
 * Airwheel angle: -1530 *
 *                                                          *
 * Touch electrode :
 * Tap electrode :
 * Double tap electrode :
 *                                                          *
 *                                                          *
 *                                                          *
 *                                                          *
 *                                                          *
 *                                                          *
 *
 

• Position X/Y/Z: The lower left corner is in position X=0, Y=0. Z indicates height. The maximum value is 65535.
• Gesture: Wave your hand over the module, you will see the direction of movement: West-East, East-West, South-North or North-South.
• Airwheel：Numerincreases in a clockwise direction and decreases in the opposite direction. The change may appear with some delay.
• Hold your finger on the electrode: Hold your finger on a specific field to select Center, East, West, South and North.
• Presselectrode: Press the electrode on a specific field to select Center, East, West, South and North.
• Double click: Press the electrode twice in a specific field to select Center, East, West, South and North.