Sony FCB camera block
SONY dToF Lidar sensor AS-DT1 is based on direct time-of-flight (dToF) technology. It measures the time difference from the emission of the laser pulse to the reflection of the object and its return to the sensor, and combines the speed of light to calculate the target distance. Its core principle can be broken down into the following key links:
I. Technical Foundation: Collaborative Innovation of dToF and SPAD
1.dToF (Direct Time-of-Flight) technology
The SONY AS-DT1 emits ultrashort laser pulses (ranging from picoseconds to nanoseconds) and travels towards the target at the speed of light (approximately 3×10⁸ meters per second). When the laser encounters an object, some photons are reflected back to the sensor. The system measures the round-trip time (Δt) of the laser through a high-precision timing circuit, and then calculates the distance to the target based on the formula distance = (speed of light × Δt) / 2. This process directly relies on the accuracy of time measurement rather than the traditional iToF (Indirect Time of Flight) phase difference analysis, and thus has higher anti-interference ability and ranging accuracy.
2. SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) sensor
The AS-DT1 is equipped with the SPAD sensor independently developed by SONY. Its core advantages lie in:
Single-photon sensitivity: SPAD can capture the weak reflection signals generated by a single photon. Even if the reflectivity of the target object is extremely low (such as black clothing or dark trees), it can amplify the signal through the avalanche multiplication effect to achieve reliable detection.
Anti-ambient light interference: In a strong light environment of 100,000 lux (such as midday sunlight), the SPAD can filter out background light noise and only respond to the reflected light of the target, ensuring the stability of ranging.
3D point cloud generation: SONY AS-DT1 adopts a 24×24 array design, outoutput 576 ranging points per second, and combines multi-point ranging data to build a 3D point cloud, accurately reproducing the shape, position and suspended state of the target object.
Ii. Performance Breakthrough: Millimeter-level accuracy and full-scenario coverage
1. High-precision distance measurement
In indoor scenarios, within a distance of 40 meters, the ranging error of SONY AS-DT1 is controlled within ±5 centimeters, enabling precise identification of details such AS shelf partitions and suspended packages.
Outdoor scenarios: Within a distance of 20 meters (under strong light conditions), its anti-interference capability is superior to that of traditional liDAR, making it suitable for outdoor tasks such as bridge inspection and highway monitoring.
2. Adaptability to complex scenarios
Low-reflectivity object detection: SPAD sensors can identify targets with a reflectivity of less than 5% (such as black plastic and transparent glass), preventing drones or robots from colliding due to missed detection.
Dynamic target filtering: Through the inter-frame difference algorithm, SONY AS-DT1 can distinguish static obstacles (such AS shelves) from dynamic disturbances (such as pedestrian movement), ensuring the accuracy of path planning for warehouse robots.
Multipath reflection suppression: dToF technology directly measures the round-trip time of photons, avoiding the error accumulation caused by multipath reflection in traditional triangulation methods and improving the repeatability accuracy of ranging.
Iii. Application Scenarios: From Drones to infrastructure inspection
1.Drone obstacle avoidance and navigation
Power inspection: SONY AS-DT1 can penetrate the strong electromagnetic interference near high-voltage lines, accurately identify suspended foreign objects (such AS kites, plastic bags), and prevent discharge accidents.
Agricultural plant protection: Under strong light, identify the row spacing of crops and low obstacles (such as field ridges and stones), achieve variable fertilization, and reduce pesticide waste.
Emergency rescue: Penetrate the interference of hot air currents in the thick smoke of a fire, locate the positions of trapped people, and support low-altitude reconnaissance by drones and the delivery of supplies.
2.Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)
Warehousing and logistics: SONY AS-DT1 can distinguish between shelf partitions and suspended packages, preventing robotic arms from mistakenly grasping them. In retail scenarios, AI-assisted point cloud segmentation is used to automatically identify categories such as “fixed shelves” and “mobile personnel”, optimizing the path planning of AGVs.
Medical delivery: Penetrate the glass door and transparent partition to precisely deliver the medicine to the isolation ward, reducing the risk of human contact.
3.Infrastructure inspection
Bridge inspection: Identify cracks and seepage points, with data accuracy reaching ±5 centimeters, replacing manual suspension operations and reducing labor safety risks.
Highway monitoring: Real-time detection of marking wear and potholes on the road surface, supporting the vehicle-road coordination system to optimize signal light timing and alleviate urban congestion.
Iv. Technical Advantages: A balance between miniaturization and high reliability
The SONY AS-DT1 measures only 29mm × 29mm × 31mm and weighs just 50 grams. It features an aluminum alloy casing design, balancing lightweight and sturdiness. Its core advantages include:
Spatial adaptability: SONY AS-DT1 can be seamlessly integrated into load-sensitive platforms such AS rotorcraft drones and micro-robots, extending the device’s battery life.
Conclusion: The “Central Nervous System” of the Perceptual Revolution
SONY AS-DT1, through the integration of dToF and SPAD technologies, not only redefines the accuracy and scene adaptability of lidar but also upgrades it from a single ranging tool to the “perception hub” of intelligent systems. From the “intelligent eye” of drones to the “health checkup doctor” of infrastructure, SONY AS-DT1 is opening a new chapter of full-scenario digitalization with millimeter-level precision.