Specialized in facial recognition, the U.S.-based company StereoVision Imaging (SVI) announced that it won eight patents related to Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR technology. Conventional FMCW LiDAR systems are typically limited in various aspects of operation. For example, these conventional systems are not able to provide range and/or range rate information instantaneously based on the target signal or unambiguously determine distance and velocity. These limitations may be exacerbated by various operating conditions such as, for example,...

Osram has debuted new VCSELs for applications like 3D scanning and imaging. The new products, PLPVCQ 850 and the PLPVCQ 940, are the latest additions to Osram’s Bidos product family. VCSELs combine the high power density and simple packaging of an IRED with the spectral width and speed of a laser. With the focus on high tech development, Osram Opto Semiconductor has targeted VCSEL application include machine vision or facial recognition, as well as object or architectural scanning that involves mapping an area in 3D and positioning virtual fu...

Lextar has announced that it is going to launch a series of VCSEL products for 3D sensing applications including facial and gesture recognition, people detection, and driver fatigue detection. Lextar’s VCSEL products include the PV88M component series which emit light for 3D depth-sensing module. The series provides various wavelengths, different levels of brightness and package sizes while offering a beam angle selection from 45 to 100 degrees. According to Lextar, the product can also be customized to meet the needs of its clients. (Image: Lextar) The ...

Osram has added to its expertise in semiconductor-based optical security technology by acquiring US-based Vixar Inc. Already a technology leader in infrared LEDs and infrared laser diodes, Osram will have a unique breadth of technological expertise and an expanded product portfolio after bringing on board Vixar’s specialist capabilities in the field of VCSEL.

Apple has introduced 3D sensing modules in iPhone X for the first time, together with neural network embedded in its A11 chip. 3D sensing modules record three-dimensional data while A11 chip processes large amounts of data, allowing iPhone X to learn and identify a variety of facial details and expressions. The modules also ensure that users can be correctly identified even when their appearances change, making it more difficult to counterfeit.

Apple has introduced 3D sensing modules in iPhone X for the first time, together with neural network embedded in its A11 chip. 3D sensing modules record three-dimensional data while A11 chip processes large amounts of data, allowing iPhone X to learn and identify a variety of facial details and expressions. The modules also ensure that users can be correctly identified even when their appearances change, making it more difficult to counterfeit.

Major smartphone vendors like Samsung and Apple have been making improvements regarding unlocking devices beyond password-based methods, resulting in the rapid development of biometrics recognition in smartphones. In addition to smartphones, biometrics authentication methods will also be used in tablets and wearable devices.

Hitachi, Ltd. announced the development of a prototype system for a new breath-alcohol detection device equipped with facial recognition, and verification field tests with Hitachi Capital Auto Lease Co., Ltd. (Hitachi Capital Auto Lease). 

Among the possible new technologies to be incorporated in this year’s refresh of the iPhone series, 3D sensing has generated a lot of interests in terms of applications. A 3D sensing solution requires an RGB camera module an infrared (IR) sensor module that uses VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) as a light source. With more high-end smartphones adopt 3D sensing, TrendForce estimates that the worldwide market scale of IR sensor modules for mobile devices will reach US$145 million in 2017.

Organized by Semi Taiwan, the 2017 IR/UV Summit was held on April 12 in Taipei, Taiwan as part of the agenda of LED Taiwan 2017. The pavilion was chaired by Charles Li, CEO of PlayNitride Inc. and gathered experts to discuss the latest development trends regarding IR/UV LEDs. 

Apple is apparently going all out for its next-generation iPhone. Latest reports suggest Apple has bought Israeli startup RealFace who specializes in facial recognition technology, adding weight to recent rumors claiming that the new iPhone will boast facial recognition.