Higher sensitivity at IR enables advanced security for mobile devices.
Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., recently introduced its first CMOS image sensor to enable iris recognition for improved security on mobile devices.
The 2.1-megapixel (MP) T4KE1 captures images for recognition with higher sensitivity than conventional CMOS image sensors by omitting the usual color filter in the pixel structure, which increases sensitivity in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum.
In recent years, mobile devices – smartphones, tablets, laptops and notebook computers – have adopted user authentication systems to protect access and information security. While fingerprint recognition has grown in use, password entry remains the most common approach.
Iris recognition is expected to deliver a better solution, as it offers a high degree of protection without the risk associated with lost or misused passwords, and allows the creation of “you are the password” access.
“This is an exciting time for the image sensor business, as new applications and technologies are affording electronics manufacturers wider opportunities for improving their devices’ capabilities,” said Andrew Burt, vice president of the Image Sensor Business Unit, System LSI Group at TAEC. “Toshiba is helping device makers meet these growing requirements by continually introducing innovative technology into our CMOS image sensor family, such as the NIR iris recognition in our new T4KE1.”
The T4KE1 features an optical size of 1/7.3 inch and pixel pitch of 1.12 micrometer BSI. Image output is 60 frames per second (fps) at 1080p (100fps at VGA). Its MIPI CSI-2 serial interface, widely used in mobile devices, facilitates the sensor’s integration into end products, and a picture flipping function allows output images to be easily flipped both horizontally and vertically.
Toshiba has also designed, and provides with the T4KE1, a 5.20mm(x) x 6.00mm(y) x 4.06mm(z) reference camera module, enabling customers to evaluate use of the sensor in their mobile products. Included with the modules are design information and technical support to help shorten development turnaround time and contribute to creation of thinner, smaller mobile devices.
To learn more, visit toshiba.semicon-storage.com.