The world’s smallest vision SoC

Scheduled to be unveiled at the Sensor+Test Fair on 19^th May, the SoC is three times smaller than the very latest in optic sensors and eight times smaller than what is currently used in motor vehicles for assisted driving.

In order to drastically reduce the size of the entire system, researchers turned to technology developed in the solar energy domain for inspiration. The VIP is based on the principle of a solar concentrator that directs and guides light. Researchers turned this technology of non-imaging optics on its head to produce an image that can be interpreted and correctly read in extremely close situations; even in direct contact with the object.

By coupling the optical component to an MCU equipped with a Bluetooth transmitter, the researchers have developed an autonomous system. Measuring only 16.5x16.5x3mm, the SoC can communicate to other elements via various ports and can be easily integrated into existing technology platforms with its software development kit.

The small size and ease of integration of the VIP package will enable smaller, more efficient and effectively invisible contributions of optical technology. As machine vision is to be an increasing integrated part of everyday objects, future applications for this miniature camera are numerous: robotic guidance, autonomous driving applications, smart homes, personal health monitoring, automated farming and product verification.

“By completely rethinking what an optical sensor does, by approaching the technology development for what we want it to do and not simply thinking about how to combine already-existing components, we have created a new way to approach optical applications,” says Edo Franzi, Researcher and Project Leader, CSEM.

“Not only is the VIP package very small, it is also inexpensive to produce and extremely energy-friendly,” comments Ross Stanley, Researcher, CSEM. “By putting everything into this single package, the VIP should open doors to new uses for smart sensors in a wide range of sectors. We are able to provide custom solutions for anything from medical technology with a precision of one nanometer to drone applications for agriculture, all of the capacities are already there, the client need only change the firmware.”

The VIP system will be available by the end of 2015.