Toshiba Announces Industry's First Dual Camera Module Enabling Simultaneous Output of Images and Depth Data

Contributes to Create a Wide Range of Applications Including Post Focus on Images after Taking Picture 

ME NewsWire / Business Wire

TOKYO - Thursday, September 26th 2013

Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it has launched the industry’s first1 dual camera module for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices. “TCM9518MD” incorporates twin 1/4 inch optical format 5-megapixel CMOS camera modules (5 megapixels x 2 arrays) and simultaneously outputs recorded images and depth data. Images captured with the module can subsequently be manipulated to change the depth of field and point of focus. Samples will be available by January 2014, with mass production scheduled for April 2014.

The dedicated companion LSI of the “TCM9518MD” measures and appends depth data to objects in the image. These data can be used for a wide variety of applications, including focus and defocus, and even to extract and erase objects from the picture. Used in combination with customers’ applications, the module supports the creation of new functions.

The companion LSI generates 13-megapixel images by upscaling images taken by the twin 5-megapixel cameras, realizing a lower module height than that of conventional 13-megapixel camera modules2.

Computational cameras create images impossible to realize with the standard camera module by combining optical hardware technology—the lens and diaphragm—with digital signal processing technology. The TCM9518MD brings high resolution and computational camera functionalities to the CMOS image sensor market for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices.

Summary of the New Product

Part Number

  

Sample Price

  

Sample Schedule

  

Mass Production Schedule

  

Mass Production Volume

TCM9518MD

  

5000 Yen

  

January 2014

  

April 2014

  

500 thousand pieces per month

Key Features of the New Product 1. Simultaneous Output of Depth Data (Depth Map) and Deep Focus Image The TCM9518MD’s twin cameras and dedicate companion LSI simultaneously deliver deep focus images in which foreground and background and all points in between are in focus, with depth data on each object in the image. This supports creation of new applications for smartphone, tablets and mobile devices, including refocus, defocus and extraction of any objects of the images, and gesture operation.

2. Output of 13-Megapixel Image The companion LSI generates 13-megapixel photographs by upscaling images captured by the twin 5-megapixel cameras. This will contribute to downsizing of mobile devices.

3. Digital Focus Function Most of auto focus camera modules for smartphones deploy a mechanical focus structure, moving the lens with motors like VCM3. It can take time to focus and also result shutter lag. TCM9518MD offers a non-mechanical digital focus function without mechanical structure, allowing high speed focus by calculating the depth to any objects4. It also realizes a lower module height.

Main Specifications

Part Number

  

TCM9518MD

Output Resolution

  

13 megapixels

Sensor and Resolution

  

5 megapixels x 2

Optical Size

  

1/4 inch x 2

Pixel Size

  

1.4 micrometer

Module Size

  

8.0 x 12.0 x 4.65 mm

Notes: 1. For dual camera module with the companion LSI which output depth data. Source: Toshiba, as of September 2013. 2. Generally for single camera modules, a bigger output image size requires a higher camera module. This product is lower than commercial 13-megapixel camera modules. Source: Toshiba, as of September 2013. 3. Voice Coil Motor: a motor that moves a lens by applying an electrical current to a coil. 4. Deep focus image output is not available when using a digital focus function.

For more information about the product, please visit: http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/eng/product/new_products/sensor/1325631_37652.html

Customer Inquiries: Image Sensor Sales & Marketing Group 1 Tel: +81-3-3457-3370

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 550 consolidated companies, with 202,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.1 trillion yen (US$74 billion). Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130925006613/en/ 

Contacts

Media Inquiries:

Toshiba Corporation

Semiconductor & Storage Products Company

Takashi Mochizuki, +81-3-3457-4963

semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp

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