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Infineon Technologies, in a partnership with leading 3D ToF CMOS-based digital imaging expert, pmdtechnologies and Qualcomm, has developed develop a reference design for 3D authentication based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Mobile Platform. With this development, Infineon is extending its application portfolio of its 3D sensor technology for mobile devices.
The new reference design uses the Infineon REAL3 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor and enables a standardized, cost-effective and easy-to-design integration for smartphone manufacturers. Infineon and pmd have been successfully active with its 3D ToF sensor technology in the mobile device market for four years. Already at CES 2020 in Las Vegas, the two companies introduced the world’s smallest (4.4 mm x 5.1 mm) yet most powerful 3D image sensor with VGA resolution. It meets highest requirements for face authentication, enhanced photo features and authentic augmented reality experiences.
According to Infineon, 3D sensors in smartphones have enabled new uses and additional applications such as secured authentication or payment by facial recognition. Thus, the collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies on reference designs using the REAL3 image sensors underscores the potentials and ambitions of the company in this area. Infineon currently develops the 3D ToF sensor technology in cooperation with software and 3D time-of-flight system specialist pmdtechnologies.
New 3D Application in 5G Smartphone
Starting in March 2020, Infineon's REAL3 ToF sensor will enable the video bokeh function for the first time in a 5G-capable smartphone for optimal image effects even in moving images. Using the precise 3D point cloud algorithm and software, the received 3D image data is processed for the application. The 3D image sensor captures 940 nm infrared light reflected from the user and the scanned objects. It also uses high-level data processing to achieve accurate depth measurements. The patented SBI (Suppression of Background Illumination) technology from pmdtechnologies offers a wide dynamic measuring range for any lighting situation, from bright sunlight to dimly lit rooms. This ensures the highest possible robustness without loss of data processing quality.