Visual sensors, crucial for machine information acquisition, are evolving from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D), mimicking and surpassing human visual capabilities in certain aspects, thereby driving innovative applications. 3D vision solutions are broadly categorized into stereoscopic vision, structured light, and Time-of-Flight (TOF) technologies. Combined with artificial intelligence (AI), these technologies are transforming operational paradigms across industries and human lifestyles.

With the proliferation of 3D perception technologies and application scenarios, Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensors, among the three primary 3D sensing technologies, are increasingly realizing functional and commercialized scenarios in diverse fields. They are employed in various specialized applications, providing end-users with efficient, safe environments and saving labor and time. Leveraging its expertise in traditional TOF (CCD) technology, Nuvoton Technology's iToF (CMOS) product project aims for mass production readiness by December 2023. Initial feedback and communications based on customer sample verifications indicate superior performance in both metrics compared to similar products, reinforcing our confidence in its market potential.

◆ Features

1. Unique structural design (incorporating ISP) → Significantly reduces external computational requirements and integration costs.
2. Logic circuitry within the chip → Achieves high resolution, meeting stringent low-power consumption demands.
3. Unique chip structure and testing principles → Effectively suppresses dynamic blurring, ensures high light resistance, and simultaneously outputs 2D (infrared) and 3D (depth) data.

◆ Testing Principles

※ Measures the flight time of pulsed light to detect distances between TOF cameras and the objects being measured.

◆ ToF Product Roadmap

◆ Application 1—Face Unlock and Face Payment

• Obstacle detection in outdoor (~150,000 lux) and dark environments.
• Simultaneous acquisition of infrared and distance images using a single sensor

⇒ Stable and precise facial recognition accuracy to distinguish authenticity.

◆ Application 2—3D Sensing in Cabin

◆ Application 3—Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)

• Obstacle detection in outdoor (~150,000 lux) and dark environments.
• High-resolution capability for accurate detection of slender objects such as chair legs.
• Low jitter and low error ⇒ High-precision obstacle detection without manual intervention to prevent collisions.

◆ Application 4—Gesture Recognition

• Obstacle detection in outdoor (~150,000 lux) and dark environments.
• Low jitter and low error.
• Simultaneous acquisition of infrared and distance images using a single sensor.

◆ Application 5—People Flow Detection and Volume Measurement

• Obstacle detection in outdoor (~150,000 lux) and dark environments.
• Low jitter and low error.
• Real-time detection capability to meet the needs of tracking targets instantly

◆ System Solution Provision

Customized POC evaluation boards for specific customer applications.