iToF Image Sensor 1/2

Overview

The IMX556 and IMX570 are compact yet high-resolution indirect Time of Flight (iToF) image sensors for industrial equipment with a back-illuminated structure. They use Sony's sensing technology and depth-sensing technology to capture images from a wide variety of depths, from near to far.

The compact and innovative image sensor acquiring accurate depth map, leads to various fields and applications such as forklift pallet detection, load recognition, fruit-picking equipments and auto-milking robots, etc.

Features

Compact yet capable of capturing high-resolution 3D images

ToF pixel technology and back-illuminated CMOS image sensor pixel technology from Sony bring high resolution, high accuracy and smaller sensor size to iToF systems. The sensor can be used when high-precision object recognition is required or when space is limited, such as on a robot arm.

Resolution comparison

Sensor	CONVENTIONAL	NEW
Depth Image^*1
IR Image

*1) Distance is color-coded in depth images.

Suppresses blur of moving subjects

Unlike mechanical laser scanning, the iToF system does not use any moving parts. This allows fast frame-by-frame acquisition of 3D depth maps with less blur of moving objects. Even fast-moving objects, such as products on conveyor belts can be targeted for sensing.

Signal processing with reduced computational load

Using iToF image sensors, distance information can be obtained by performing simple processing on sensor output. Compared to stereo camera imaging, this makes it easier to build a depth-sensing environment. Even when omnidirectional or multi-angle images are generated from several cameras in real time, sensing can be performed by a system configuration with a low processing load.

Improves robustness in all environments

Sony's iToF image sensors have the pixel drive processing circuit to subtract extra light from outside, which expands the application under high-illuminant environments such as under bright sunshine. This sensor can be used for both indoors and outdoors, including in extremely dark scenes such as in an unlit warehouse.

Technology

ToF (Time of Flight) Technology ＜Industrial Use＞

Find out more about the ToF technology.

Specifications

Model name	IMX556	IMX570
Resolution	0.3M	0.3M
Number of effective pixels	642(H) ×484(V)	648(H) ×488(V)
Image size	1/2	1/4.5
Max. frame rate	60fps (VGA resolution)	56fps (VGA resolution)
Recommended light source wavelength	850nm or 940nm	850nm or 940nm
Pixel size	10µm×10µm	5µm×5µm
Modulation frequency	4〜100MHz	2〜120MHz
Interface	MIPI	MIPI
Product overview PDF	IMX556PLR	IMX570PLR