Sony FCB camera block
The 24×24 dot matrix scanning mode (with a total of 576 ranging points) adopted by SONY’s AS-DT1 LiDAR has achieved multi-dimensional breakthroughs in environmental perception efficiency, data quality and scene adaptability compared with traditional line scanning LiDAR (usually 16 lines, 32 lines or 64 lines).
1. Spatial coverage efficiency: From “Linear sampling” to “planar imaging
Traditional line-scanning LiDAR: It scans the environment line by line through mechanical rotation. The vertical resolution is limited by the number of lines (for example, 16 lines only have 16 vertical ranging points), resulting in sparse point clouds and blind spots in the field of view. For instance, at a distance of 10 meters, the distance between adjacent wire harnesses may exceed 20 centimeters, making it easy to miss small or suspended obstacles (such as cables between shelves).
SONY AS-DT1 dot matrix scanning: A single scan generates a 24×24 three-dimensional dot matrix, creating a dense instantaneous field of view (FOV). With a detection distance of 40 meters, the vertical/horizontal angular resolution of the dot matrix reaches 0.5°, significantly enhancing the capture capability of small objects (such as pipes with a diameter of less than 5 cm), and there is no mechanical rotation delay, resulting in a higher scanning frame rate.
2. Robustness in complex scenarios: Redundant detection and dynamic adaptability
Low-reflection object detection: Multiple ranging points in the dot matrix can cross-verify the same target (such as a black cargo box), and the missed detection rate can be reduced through spatial redundancy algorithms. Traditional line scanning has a low recognition rate for objects with a reflectivity of less than 10% due to sparse point clouds, while SONY AS-DT1 has a higher recognition rate in similar scenarios.
Dynamic environmental adaptability: Dot matrix scanning supports real-time dynamic threshold adjustment and adaptively optimizes the photon counting sensitivity based on the intensity of ambient light. For example, under strong light (100,000 lux), the system automatically increases the SPAD receiving gain to maintain an effective ranging of 20 meters. However, traditional line scanning is prone to failure under the same conditions due to the fixed sensitivity.
3. Anti-interference capability: Noise suppression and data quality optimization
Environmental noise filtering: Dot matrix scanning quickly distinguishes static backgrounds (such as shelves) from dynamic targets (such as moving AGVs) through multi-frame point cloud comparison. Traditional line scanning, due to its sparse data, is easily overwhelmed by scattered noise in rain and fog. However, SONY’s AS-DT1, combined with the high signal-to-noise ratio feature of SPAD, can filter out most invalid point clouds.
Blind spot compensation: The wide-angle coverage of the dot matrix (such as 80°×80°) reduces the rotational dead zone of mechanical LiDAR. In warehousing scenarios, low-reflective objects behind can be detected by penetrating the gaps between shelves. Traditional solutions require the splicing of multiple sensors due to limited viewing angles.
4. System Integration and Energy Efficiency: Lightweight and low-power design
Hardware simplification: Dot matrix scanning does not require rotating components, and its volume is compressed to 29×29× 31mm, weighing only 50 grams, which can effectively reduce power consumption.
Data processing optimization: Dot matrix data can be processed in parallel through local region clustering algorithms (such as dividing a 24×24 dot matrix into 9 sub-regions), reducing the computational load. Compared with traditional line scanning of millions of point clouds per second, SONY AS-DT1 reduces data volume at the same precision and is more suitable for edge computing platforms.
5. Application scenario expansion: Full coverage from the ground to low altitudes
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection: The lightweight and anti-vibration properties of dot matrix scanning enable UAVs to scan millimeter-level cracks (such as 0.25mm resolution) close to bridge structures, which is difficult to achieve due to weight and volume limitations in traditional line scanning.
Warehouse robot: In the shelf maze environment, the dot matrix can build a centimeter-level precision three-dimensional map in real time, identify suspended cables and dark cargo boxes, and improve picking efficiency. However, the line scanning solution requires multiple scans of the stitched map, which is somewhat inefficient.
Summary: The core breakthrough of dot matrix scanning
The 24×24 dot matrix mode of SONY’s AS-DT1 essentially upgrades LiDAR from a “line sampling tool” to a “three-dimensional imaging system”. Through the technical triangle of dToF+SPAD+ solid-state area array, it has solved the three major bottlenecks of traditional solutions in terms of efficiency (scanning delay), reliability (low reflection blind zone), and adaptability (dynamic environment), providing a lighter and more robust perception base for autonomous driving, industrial robots, and low-altitude economy.
SONY AS-DT1 will be grandly exhibited at the 20th China Shenzhen International Exhibition on Public Security and Safety in 2025. Welcome to come for negotiation and experience.
Xuanzhan booth number
Time: October 28th – 31st, 2025
Location: Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (Futian Hall)
Booth No. : 1C43, Hall 1