http://www.etnews.com/20190408000354
Next-generation 3D sensing 'TOF', Samsung is 'active', Apple is 'reserved' Issued on: 2019.04.08 Text smaller text larger Print
Samsung and Apple, which are leading the global smartphone market, are taking a different approach in adopting the 'Time of Flight' (3-D) sensing technology. Samsung Electronics has begun applying TOF technology to its smartphones from this year, while Apple, which has been active in 3D sensing, is taking a standstill approach to introducing TOF.
'Galaxy S10 5G to A90, note 10' According to the active Samsung 8-day industry, Samsung Electronics applied the TOF to the Galaxy S10 5G model for the first time. The front and rear cameras were equipped with TOF using infrared technology. TOF is a 3D sensing technology that recognizes the 3D sensation, spatial information, and movement of objects by calculating the distance of the time when the light emitted from the camera fires back to the subject. Samsung implemented the TOF to measure the depth of the subject, which is crisp, and the obscuration of the background, and the length of the object based on augmented reality (AR).
Samsung plans to install the TOF in the Galaxy A90 and Galaxy Note 10 following the Galaxy S10 5G. The A90 is said to be equipped with TOF for the 'Rotating' camera part, which can be rotated forward and backward, and the camera combination similar to the S10 5G model, will be applied to the rear of the high-end model. S10, A90, and Note10 are all models that represent Samsung smartphones or account for a significant portion of their earnings. Because it is a so-called strategic product, Samsung is different from other companies or actively incorporates technologies that are not existing. Applying TOF to the Galaxy S and Note series means that the company focuses on and focuses on the TOF. ◇ Apple's "Hold" Apple is the main reason for the 3D sensing in the smartphone market, applying 3D sensing technology to the iPhone X face recognition (face ID) launched in 2017. The face ID uses 3D sensing technology called Structured Light (SL). This is a method of radiating the infrared rays of a specific pattern to the object to be imaged and analyzing the degree of deformation of the pattern depending on the shape of the object surface.
Apple then prepared TOF for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) services. By using TOF, it is possible to measure the distance and space, and to raise the level of AR · VR contents. Originally, Apple was expected to include TOF in a new iPhone this year. However, there is an analysis that the plan is suspended. An official in the industry said, "The reason why Apple wants to mount TOF on the back is AR · VR, but 5G communication should be supported for seamless AR · VR service." But because Apple does not plan to launch 5G iPhone this year TOF is also not installed, "he said. In the absence of 5G communication, the AR / VR is prematurely switched to the TOF installation plan. Market research firm TrendFors also predicted that TOF will not apply to the iPhone this year. "Apple's AR applications are not ready yet," said Trendforce. "Unlike other manufacturers, Apple will not show TOF this year, and by 2020 it will be equipped with TOF on the iPhone." ◇ TOF will become a core part of smart phones TOF is a part for 3D sensing. TOF is commercialized as a finished part, but how smartphone makers use it is the key to TOF technology and market expansion.
Samsung used TOF for shooting and spatial information recognition. LG, who introduced TOF to Samsung's smartphone for the first time this year, has written TOF for face recognition and gesture recognition. However, the advantages and effects of TOF do not seem clear yet. It is an unfamiliar technology that first appeared in smartphone users, but because of the lack of killer applications, or services that are of interest to consumers. "It is obvious that TOF is a good technique for recognizing long distances, but it is not superior to existing structured light (SL) in face recognition," said Trendforce. "In the case of high-resolution TOF, Therefore, adoption will be limited. " Trendforce claims that 2020, when Apple adopts TOF, will be the time to grow the 3D sensing market. |