Optical-sensor manufacturer Optex adopts Canesta 3-D technology

MARCH 12, 2008--Optex Corporation (Otsu, Japan; www.official.optex.co.jp/e/ ), a developer of optical image-sensing technology, has adopted Canesta (San Jose, CA, USA; www.canesta.com) 3-D CanestaVision sensor chips for use in its new 3-D image-sensing technology platform. Canesta is a pioneer of electronic perception technology. Optex provides optical-based sensors for production lines, quality control, building access and security, and environmental control.

According to Optex, the fusion of its technology with that of Canesta has resulted in sensors that provide "more precise, intelligent machine control that was not possible with conventional 2-D sensing technology." Of particular note, Optex says, is that the technology "removes the influence of ambient light such as sunlight and dramatically improves the tolerances for outdoor performance." The company saw 2007 sales in excess of ¥22 billion (about US $213 million), predominantly in optical-sensor-based products.

Optex sees immediate applications for the 3-D technology in adaptive robotics, where, for example, a factory machine slows down or stops for safety as a person approaches, and in providing "high-security sensing fields" for building security and access.

The Canesta 3-D sensor chip adopted by Optex was developed for automotive safety applications and has had the most focus and long-term development of any of Canesta's products. Canesta's 3-D sensors utilize low-cost CMOS chips that can measure the distance from the surface of the chip to features of nearby objects, in real time, and at 60 frames/s. The resulting continuously updated "depth maps" make it possible for electronic products and applications to perceive the local environment in fine-grained 3-D detail regardless of lighting conditions, color, or texture of either subjects or background, or distracting features such as reflections.