ToF to Circumvent PDAF Restrictions?

[sanveer]

Everyone probably know about the theory that Panasonic's DFD is it consoling itself, and trying to help its users believe that everything is great in the focusing aata of the sensor. Maybe Panasonic has finally circumvented the restrictions put by Sony.  

http://image-sensors-world.blogspot.com/2020/02/panasonic-develops-apd-based-tof-sensor.html?m=1

[BTM_Pix]

I think these sensors will be for other applications such as automotive and factory automation so it will be a while before we see it in a camera.

[sanveer]

4 hours ago, BTM_Pix said:

I think these sensors will be for other applications such as automotive and factory automation so it will be a while before we see it in a camera.

That's bad news. Though I would have imagined that since Panasonic is out of the sensor (manufacturing) business completely, a specialised ToF sensor may be more specific to its own use, than perhaps for clients. Or perhaps Panasonic is using it for its factory use, like you mentioned. DFD is here to stay 😁

[deezid]

Just now, sanveer said:

DFD is here to stay 😁

[Video Hummus]

I’m afraid DfD will never be as good until it can create depth maps faster and with less need to pulse. This is where tracking could come in and help eliminate the need to de-focus to decide which way to focus. But then you are just trying to replicate what dedicated phase detect is measuring in real-time.

I honestly think they should just develop a ToF device that works from 0-10m and solves the pulsing AF problem and then switched over to DfD when subjects are farther away. It’s a huge ban-aid but it could, potential, work better than DPAF in that 0-10m range.

There would be less to complain about! And perhaps work in most situations where the subject is no farther than 10m away, which is a lot!

[sanveer]

5 hours ago, BTM_Pix said:

I think these sensors will be for other applications such as automotive and factory automation so it will be a while before we see it in a camera.

You're right.

"The new sensor has 1MP resolution and depth accuracy of 10cm at the distances from 10m to 100m."

I am guessing this will be for automobiles. 10 metres is too far for ILC Cameras, as a starting range. 

[BTM_Pix]

1 hour ago, sanveer said:

You're right.

"The new sensor has 1MP resolution and depth accuracy of 10cm at the distances from 10m to 100m."

I am guessing this will be for automobiles. 10 metres is too far for ILC Cameras, as a starting range. 

I doubt a 10 metre minimum distance is going to be too effective for cars either in most urban environments !

[Video Hummus]

But plenty enough for advanced auto braking systems.

[sanveer]

2 hours ago, BTM_Pix said:

I doubt a 10 metre minimum distance is going to be too effective for cars either in most urban environments !

Hmmm ... curious then, what the application for such a sensor would be. Unless the specs sheet is a decoy. 

[BTM_Pix]

34 minutes ago, sanveer said:

Hmmm ... curious then, what the application for such a sensor would be. Unless the specs sheet is a decoy. 

As @Video Hummus says, 10 metres is sufficient to form part of a braking system that can be supplemented with shorter range sensors.

I was just making a joke that leaving a 10 metre gap in front of you where I drive is an open invitation for a 20 metre vehicle to attempt to fill it.