QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) and Himax Technologies, Inc. (ADR)(NASDAQ:HIMX) jointly reported a collaboration to advance the commercialization and development of a high resolution 3D depth sensing product to allow computer vision capabilities for distinct use cases such as 3D reconstruction, scene perception for mobile, surveillance, automotive, AR/VR, IoT and biometric face authentication.
The details
The deal brings together Qualcomm Spectra™ expertise and know-how in computer vision algorithm and architecture with Himax’s complementary technologies in sensing, driver, wafer optics, and module integration features to deliver a SLiM™ or Structured Light Module 3D solution. It is a turn-key 3D camera system that offers real-time depth sensing as well as 3D point cloud generation with high accuracy and high resolution performance for outdoor and indoor environments.
The Structured Light Module is engineered for extremely low power usage in a compact, low profile form element, making the offering perfect for embedded and mobile device integration. Himax and Qualcomm will commercialize the Structured Light Module 3D camera as a total camera offering for a wide array of industries and markets with mass production aiming in Q1 2018.
Jim Cathey of Qualcomm reported that this association with Himax showcases the technology investments that they are making with Taiwanese firms to continue progressing in visual processing innovation. The combination of latest technology licensing and association with an industry leading Taiwanese associate like Himax will help establish groundbreaking new offerings in Taiwan, strengthening the international 3D depth sensing ecosystem and supporting Taiwan’s economy.
Jordan Wu, the CEO and President of Himax, reported that their 3D sensing offering will be a game changing development for smartphones, where they will allow the Android ecosystem to offer the next-gen of mobile user experience. The two firms have worked together for over four years to design the Structured Light Module 3D solution to meet rising demand for improved computer vision capabilities that will allow amazing new use cases and features in a broad range of applications and markets.