Qualcomm unveils depth-sensing camera tech designed for VR

By Anuj Sharma - August 16, 2017
qualcomm depth sensing camera
The new ISPs and camera modules engineered to support superior image quality and new computer vision use cases that utilise deep learning techniques and bokeh quality image experiences.

Chip manufacturer Qualcomm today announced new camera modules capable of utilising active sensing for biometric authentication, and structured light for a variety of computer vision applications including virtual reality that require real-time, dense depth map generation and segmentation.

This module programme is built on the cutting-edge technology behind the Qualcomm Spectra embedded image signal processors (ISP) family.

The new ISPs and camera modules engineered to support superior image quality and new computer vision use cases that utilise deep learning techniques and bokeh quality image experiences.

The camera module programme additions consist of a trio of camera modules, including an iris authentication module, a passive depth sensing module and an active depth sensing module designed for Android ecosystem which will bring new innovations in the upcoming Snapdragon mobile platforms.

The new camera tech is an expansion to the Qualcomm Spectra Module programme, capable of improved biometric authentication and high-resolution depth sensing, designed to meet growing demands of photo and video for a broad range of mobile devices and head mounted displays (HMD).

The second-generation Qualcomm Spectra ISP features multi-frame noise reduction for superior photographic quality, along with hardware-accelerated motion compensated temporal filtering (MCTF), and inline electronic image stabilisation (EIS) for camcorder-like video quality.

The low-power, high-performance motion tracking capabilities of the Qualcomm Spectra ISP, in addition to optimised simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) algorithms, are designed to support new extended reality (XR) use cases for virtual and augmented reality applications that require SLAM. 

The Qualcomm Spectra family of ISPs and new Qualcomm Spectra camera modules are expected to be part of the next flagship Snapdragon mobile platform.

Launched last year, the Qualcomm Spectra Module Programme was designed to help customers accelerate time to market for devices with improved image quality and advanced camera technology. Last year’s offerings provided customers with optimised, dual-camera module solutions that make it easy for manufacturers to produce smartphone cameras with improved low light photography and video recording with smooth zoom.

Qualcomm’s platforms power most of the flagship smartphones including the OnePlus 5, Sony Xperia XZ Premium and ASUS ZenFone AR, all of which deliver superior camera performance.  

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