Apple Reportedly Working on 3D Sensor System for Rear Camera in 2019 iPhones

apple developing 3d depth sensing technology rear-facing cameras in 2019 iphones, according new report bloomberg on tuesday. 3d sensor system different 1 found in iphone x's front-facing camera, , said next big step in turning smartphone leading augmented reality device.

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apple evaluating different technology 1 uses in truedepth sensor system on front of iphone x, people said. the existing system relies on structured-light technique projects pattern of 30,000 laser dots onto user's face , measures distortion generate accurate 3d image authentication. planned rear-facing sensor instead use time-of-flight approach calculates time takes laser bounce off surrounding objects create three-dimensional picture of environment.

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the existing truedepth camera continue used in front-facing camera of future iphones in order power face id, while new system bring more advanced "time-of-flight" 3d sensing capability rear camera, according sources cited. discussions manufacturers reportedly underway, , include infineon, sony, stmicroelectronics, , panasonic. testing said still in stages, , end not being used in phones @ all.

release of ios 11, apple introduced arkit software framework allows iphone developers build augmented reality experiences apps. addition of rear-facing 3d sensor theoretically increase ability virtual objects interact environments , enhance illusion of solidity.

apple reportedly beset production problems when making sensor in iphone x's front-facing camera, because components used in sensor array have assembled high degree of accuracy. according bloomberg, while time-of-flight technology uses more advanced image sensor existing 1 in iphone x, not require same level of precision during assembly. fact alone make rear-facing 3d sensor easier produce @ high volume.

late last month, oft-reliable kgi securities analyst ming-chi kuo claimed apple unlikely expand front-facing 3d sensing system rear-facing camera module on iphones released in 2018. kuo said iphone x's 3d sensing capabilities @ least 1 year ahead of android smartphones, therefore believes apple's focus next year's iphone models ensuring on-time launch adequate supply.

article link: apple reportedly working on 3d sensor system rear camera in 2019 iphones

 

this hard because need measure time-of-flight differences. if manage pull off, amazing.

example: depth resolution of 1cm you'd need able measure time differences of 33.3 pico seconds (i.e. 0,0000000000333 or 33.3 trillionths seconds). 1cm facial recognition coarse; they'd need fraction of this.

it's been done in high-tech systems taking more space whole iphone.

 

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