Panasonic's new 3D range sensor functions in direct sunlight
by Joseph L. Flatley 
posted Oct 23rd 2008 at 10:43AM
Perhaps you're looking for a way to track potential cat burglers, give your robot some spacial sense, make your UIs a little more interactive, or you simply want to keep an eye on your "compound." Panasonic has just released detailed specs for its 3D range sensor -- the first, it says, to work in direct sunlight. Exhibited at CEATEC 2008, the device emits light from several dozen LEDs to track the movements of any object in its view. The company's previous 3D range sensor didn't function well (if at all) in bright light, but the equipment now compensates for "extremely bright ambient light" by measuring it and eliminating it from the equation. Can't wait to track your loved ones' every movement? The 24 volt, USB 2.0 sensor is slated for an April 1, 2009 release.
[Via Tech-On!]
[Via Tech-On!]
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dean @ Oct 23rd 2008 10:54AM
Well, it's not exactly the first. PmdTec (http://www.pmdtec.com/) makes a 3D range sensor that works pretty well in sunlight.
If this comes in cheaply (
Dean @ Oct 23rd 2008 10:55AM
bleh... comment system at my less-than sign.
.... If this comes in cheaply (less than $1000), it'd be pretty awesome for small robotics applications.
Jake Tobak @ Oct 23rd 2008 11:00AM
April Fools?
Hackius @ Oct 23rd 2008 11:31AM
This is slated to cost over $10000
Look:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/10/22/panasonic-releases-worlds-first-3d-motion-sensor-that-even-works-in-direct-sunlight/
That's a hell of a lot of money if you ask me.
Eric @ Oct 23rd 2008 11:44AM
Now I can catch whoever keeps knocking over my Bob Barr 2008 yard sign.
kal326 @ Oct 23rd 2008 12:17PM
Nice going Panasonic, now we have to keep an eye out for the impending robot invasions everyday not just the cloudy ones.
warhog @ Oct 24th 2008 9:14AM
looks like the time-of-flight principle by MesaImaging (formerly SwissRanger):
http://www.mesa-imaging.ch/