Infineon Technologies AG and 3D ToF system specialist pmdtechnologies AG have jointly developed a high-resolution 3D image sensor compliant with the iso26262 standard, which is the second-generation REAL3 automotive image sensor
Christian Herzum, Vice President of INFINeon 3D Sensing said："Leveraging our leadership in 3D sensors for consumer applications, we now offer the automotive world high resolution and small image circles. This enables the vehicle to have features from the consumer domain, while maintaining automotive standards and even improving passive safety, " "For example, reliable and secure face authentication allows seamless connectivity to any service that requires authentication, such as payment, battery charging, or access to private data."
"From the outset, we have focused on improving the robustness of the pmd-based ToF technology against external influences such as sunlight or other interfering light sources. As a result, the new imager excels even in harsh conditions and advanced performance.” In addition, the same cameras meet all the necessary driver monitoring to detect driver distraction and fatigue. This enables a driver monitoring system that provides secure 3D facial recognition using only one ToF camera.
The sensor's high resolution also makes it ideal for camera applications with a wide field of view, such as complete front occupant monitoring systems. The sensor is housed in a 9mm x 9mm² plastic BGA package and offers a VGA system resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and a tiny 4mm image circle. This makes lenses similar in size to smartphones, but now also suitable for automotive applications.
The resulting 3D body model can accurately estimate occupant size and weight, as well as highly accurate passenger and seat position data, which are key information for smart airbag deployment and restraint systems. The solution is not only small in size, but also qualified to AEC-Q100 secondary standard, is the first monolithic solution developed according to ISO26262 (ASIL-B) standard.
In addition to safety-critical applications, 3D data can provide comfort features such as gesture control or intuitive interior lighting to track passenger movements. In addition, the imager can also be applied to environment perception scenarios as a Flash-LiDAR in the automotive field. In addition, based on safety consistency, the imager can also be well used in mobile robots, drones, and other autonomous driving fields, where reliability and safety are necessary to protect operators.
