Brookman Technology's Latest ToF Distance Sensor, Built by Toppan, Claims a Near-100-Feet Range
Designed for drones, autonomous robotics, and more, this compact 3D distance sensor runs at up to 120 frames per second.
Toppan subsidiary Brookman Technology, spun out from work at Shizuoka University, has announced what it claims to be the "world's first" next-generation 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor capable of working at distances of up to 30 meters (around 98 feet).
"Together with Brookman Technology, we hope these new sensors contribute to greater safety and convenience by functioning as '3D sensing eyes' that expand the possibilities for autonomous robots and industrial devices," says Toppan's Tatsuo Noguchi. "Toppan will drive further development of cameras with range sensors employing the new ToF technology."
The new sensor is based on a hybrid CMOS design, combining indirect measurement by phase difference and direct measurement by time difference, using a short-pulse modulated light beam and a sensor to create a depth map with accurate ranging.
Indoors, Brookman claims the device can accurately measure distances up to 30m (98 feet) — some five times further than rival devices. Outdoors, performance varies according to ambient lighting conditions — but Brookman has demonstrated the sensor working accurately to 20m (around 66 feet) in full summer daylight.
Despite its long range, Brookman's sensor technology is also claimed to be fast. The company has tested its operation at up to 120 frames per second (FPS) for full distance capture, including both measurement and noise-reduction steps, or some four times the speed of its last-generation devices. Interestingly, the company also claims it's possible to operate up to 256 cameras in the same area without interference — with each camera capable of cancelling out the emissions from the others.
While the sensor has been shown off in prototype, however, Toppan isn't quite ready to bring it to market: The company has promised that it will begin sampling commercialized versions of Brookman's creation by December this year with a view to full commercial availability by late 2023.