Dual 5MP camera unit announced by Toshiba, will allow for stereo-3D shots for both smartphones and tablets

Toshiba is making waves in the smartphone camera industry, as the manufacturer just announced a dual-5MP camera module which generate a 13MP image through upscaling. With this development, the camera can be thinner than current 13MP cameras. Smartphones will be able to be made thinner as a result as well.

The dual camera unit also comes with a companion chip which will allow for the simultaneous recording of both image and depth information. The depth data will be applied to objects captured in the image— the result will be somewhat of a stereo-3D image.

While Toshiba hasn’t announced any particular release date on the module, it’ll be interesting to see what comes of it and how smartphone manufacturers will adapt to the new camera technology.

Hit the break for the full press release below.

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it will start sample shipments of “TCM9518MD”, for application in smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, on January 31, 2014. The new product is the industry’s first[1] dual camera module to incorporate twin 1/4 inch optical format 5-megapixel CMOS camera modules (5 megapixels x 2 arrays), which simultaneously outputs recorded images and depth data.

The dedicated image processing LSI of the “TCM9518MD” measures and appends depth data to objects in the image. Used in combination with customers’ applications, the module supports new photo functions, including focus and defocus, and even allows objects in photographs to be extracted and erased.

The image processing LSI generates 13-megapixel images by upscaling images taken by the twin 5-megapixel cameras, realizing a lower module height than that of conventional 13 megapixel camera modules[2].

Applications

Cameras for cell phones, smartphones and tablet PCs

Key Features of New Product

Simultaneous output of depth data (Depth Map) and deep focus image[3], supporting functions which include focus and defocus, and even to extract and erase objects from the picture, in combination with customer’s applications.

Output of 13-megapixel image, generated by the dedicated image processing LSI and the twin 5-megapixel cameras of the module.

Digital focus function, which enables to adjust the point of focus without mechanism to move lenses.

Main Specifications

Part Number TCM9518MD

Output Resolution 13 megapixels

Sensor and Resolution 5 megapixels x 2

Optical Size 1/4 inch x 2

Pixel Size 1.4 micrometer

Module Size 18.0 x 12.0 x 4.65 mm

For further information about this product, please visit:

http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/info/lookup.jsp?pid=TCM9518MD&lang=en

Notes:

[1] For dual camera module with the companion LSI which output depth data. Source: Toshiba, as of December 2013.

[2] Generally for single camera modules, a bigger output image size requires a higher camera module. This product is lower than commercial 13-megapixel camera modules. Source: Toshiba, as of December 2013.

[3] Images in which foreground and background and all points in between are in focus

Customer Inquiries:

Image Sensor Sales & Marketing Department

Tel: +81-3-3457-3370

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba’s web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Contacts

Media Inquiries:

Toshiba Corporation

Semiconductor & Storage Products Company

Takashi Mochizuki, +81-3-3457-4963

semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp