Teledyne e2v announces Topaz5D™, a full-HD CMOS image sensor designed to combine 2D vision with the generation of 3D depth maps.
A single Topaz5D sensor used in challenging lighting conditions delivers 3D object visualisation based on the contrast detected, ideal for various logistics applications, AR/VR headsets, access control devices, household vacuum robots, and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR).
Topaz5D combines a small 2.5 µm global shutter pixel with a post-processing diffraction layer to create angular sensitive pixels. This enables 3D angular signal raw data to be generated and then processed by a 5D-compatible SDK. Topaz5D is a 3D-enabled variant of Teledyne e2v’s popular Topaz 2M, which is widely used in logistics/retail markets and smart factories.
Topaz5D has a 2-megapixel (1,920 x 1,080) resolution and is currently available in both monochrome and color. Its tiny form factor (7.65 mm x 4.45 mm) makes it easy to integrate into space-constrained optical engines or modules and it consumes only 200 mW of power to run at full frame rate. It generates 3D depth maps and displays the contrast details of any kind of object, even black or very shiny ones, or those seen through sheets of glass or transparent organic material (e.g., plexiglass or plastic bottles).
Unlike other 3D technologies, which rely on illumination of the scene, Topaz5D can be used in very diverse operating conditions, including indoor lighting or direct sunlight. Compared to a stereoscopy solution, only a single sensor plus a lens is required, without the need for complex dual-lens system alignment and there is no risk of optical occlusion. In addition, Topaz5D delivers an unmatched cost of ownership compared to other competitive 3D vision technologies.
Laurent Appercel, Senior Marketing Manager at Teledyne e2v, said, “Topaz5D has the unique ability to deliver crisp 2D images in full-HD, along with detailed contrast-based 3D depth maps in real time, at high frame rates, and without latency. 5D processing SDK integration on several SoC vendor platforms is also readily available. All these unmatched benefits come from a single sensor which can be deployed with lower costs, minimal power consumption, no illumination and with simplified hardware and software.”
