Low cost camera provides 3-D monitoring

Story link: Low cost camera provides 3-D monitoring by Jan Harris

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS in Duisburg, Germany, have developed a 3-D CMOS camera which could help to prevent traffic accidents by monitoring blind spots.

The compact, low-priced device is based on a high-performance light sensor. The device emits rapid, short laser flashes. The camera can determine how far away an object is from the reflected light signals. The flashes are undetectable by the human eye.

The small, robust camera could significantly enhance vehicle safety, as current electronics are unable to detect traffic or pedestrians approaching rapidly from the side.

From the reflected light signals, the camera can also determine an objects three-dimensional shape. Rays of light hitting protruding areas are reflected back sooner than those hitting areas which are further away.

These light signals are separated by precision control of the camera aperture, and a 3-D image of the object is created.

The camera has a number of possible applications including access control for buildings.

It is based on a low-cost CMOS chip which transforms light signals into electrical impulses.

The camera will be demonstrated at the VISION 2007 trade fair in Stuttgart on November 6 – 8.