Compact 3D low-power ToF sensor delivers high performance
TOPPAN Holdings developed its first-generation 3D ToF (Time of flight) sensor for robotics in 2023, using hybrid ToF™ technology to enable long-range measurement, tolerance to outdoor environments, high-speed sensing, and simultaneous use of multiple devices.
The company has now further enhanced the first-generation’s high-speed imaging and high-precision range measurement to develop a new model of the 3D ToF sensor with a more compact form factor and lower power consumption. This will contribute to higher 3D sensing accuracy for robotics and spatial mapping, expanding the range of potential applications. Samples of the new sensor will be available from May 2025, with the launch of mass production scheduled for October 2025.
3D ToF sensors are now used for a variety of applications. For example, they are used to detect obstacles and steps in the areas of robotics and micromobility such as in one or two person vehicles for mobility over relatively short distances that are smaller, more maneuverable, and offer better environmental performance than conventional cars). ToF sensors are also used in gaming to pinpoint the user’s position and map the surrounding environment by measuring the distance between the user and objects. Many of the products used in these cases are compact, high-performance, and battery-powered. Further, the 3D sensors mounted in these products increasingly need to not only deliver high-precision range measurement, but also to have a compact form factor, low latency, and low power consumption.
The new 3D ToF sensor can be mounted on compact robots and smart glasses. In addition to the four main features of the first-generation, the new sensor is equipped with HDR3 and pixel binning functions, enabling range measurement with higher precision and optimized data transfer. It also has a “deep power down mode” that reduces power consumption, and the sensor chip has been miniaturized by optimizing the circuit design. These features make it ideal as a 3D ToF sensor for cameras mounted in devices such as small food serving robots, autonomous vacuum cleaners, and battery-powered smart glasses.
To deliver higher precision for distance measurement the company’s proprietary hybrid ToF™ technology has been harnessed to achieve high-speed sensing of up to 120 fps, suppression of ambient light noise in real time, and minimal motion artifacts. HDR and pixel binning functions have also been added to the sensor. The HDR function makes it possible to capture both low-reflectance and high-reflectance objects simultaneously, something that has previously been a weakness of the ToF method. The 4×4 pixel binning function, meanwhile, enables an SN ratio four times greater than the first-generation sensor by treating six pixels as one pixel. These functions enable reduction in range noise and more accurate sensing. In addition, a function for clipping the targeted image field makes it possible to reduce data throughput and accelerate data transfer, thus lightening the processing load for user systems.
A standby power of 5 mW or less has been achieved by equipping the sensor with a deep power down mode for reduced power consumption. It can potentially be incorporated into a variety of products as a 3D ToF sensor that supports energy efficiency and usage over long periods for compact battery-powered devices, such as VR/AR devices and drones.
The sensor design has been optimized, reducing the number of I/O pins to enable a sensor that is approximately 20% smaller than the previous model. This enhances flexibility for the hardware design of peripheral devices and makes significant reductions in cost possible.
Image: Illustration of a 3D ToF camera mounted on a small autonomous mobile robot.
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