Toppan and Brookman Technology, Inc. have collaborated on employing a hybrid Time-of-Flight (ToF) method to develop a three-dimensional range image sensor (3D sensor) capable of measuring distances from 1 to 30 meters. The new sensor is capable of measurement over a range more than five times greater than that possible with 3D sensors employing the conventional indirect ToF method. This will contribute to enhancing operability and safety for autonomous drones and robot carriers that are equipped with sensors to allow them to avoid obstacles.

The hybrid ToF sensor also has a unique ambient light cancelling function, making it the world's first CMOS image sensor capable of measuring distances up to 20 meters under conditions with an illuminance of 100,000 lux, equivalent to mid-summer daytime brightness. The details of this new type of ToF sensor technology were presented on June 15 by Toppan, Brookman Technology, and Shizuoka University at the 2022 IEEE Symposium on VLSI Technology & Circuits (VLSI Symposium), an international conference on semiconductor-related technologies held in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 13 to 17 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The 3D sensor market is expected to expand as smartphones and game consoles become more sophisticated and the use of autonomous robots in industry grows.

Several different types of 3D sensor exist, based on the different principles used to detect distance. ToF sensors estimate distance to an object by measuring the time it takes for emitted light to be reflected back. On the back of progress in technological development in recent years, the use of ToF sensors for smartphones and other devices is increasing due to their compact form factor and low power consumption.

Autonomous robots and drones need to have an environment mapping function that enables them to detect obstacles tens of meters in front and ascertain their own position from video images. However, more widespread use of 3D sensors employing the conventional indirect ToF method has been limited due to insufficient ambient light tolerance when used outdoors. With Brookman Technology now on board as a subsidiary, Toppan has been able to leverage the strengths of both companies to drive the development of a new type of 3D sensor.

This has led to the development of a hybrid ToF technology based on refining Brookman Technology's unique "short-pulse modulation" method, enabling long-distance measurement, outstanding ambient light tolerance, high-speed imaging, and simultaneous use of multiple cameras. Features of the new ToF sensor: Measurement of distances up to 30 meters: The use of a hybrid ToF method makes it possible to measure distances of up to 30 meters, about five times further than conventional models. Noise cancelling function to facilitate outdoor measurement in mid-summer conditions: Each pixel is equipped with a function to eliminate components of external light.

This removes ambient light noise and makes accurate measurement possible even when illuminance is in the range of 100,000 lux, equivalent to mid-summer daylight. High-speed imaging of 120 frames per second: Distances can be measured without blurring, which can cause errors, because measurement and elimination of ambient light noise are performed in a single frame. This makes it possible to take a maximum of 120 range images per second, approximately four times the capability of existing models.

Simultaneous operation of up to 256 cameras: A unique control technique makes it possible to cancel out signals emitted from other cameras by treating them as ambient light. This means that up to 256 cameras can be operated at the same time without interference between cameras.