Toshiba to Start Sampling 3D Stereo Module in January 2014

Business Wire: Toshiba starts sample shipments of the previously announced TCM9518MD stereo camera module for smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, on January 31, 2014. The new product is said to be the industry's first dual camera module to incorporate twin 1/4-inch 5MP sensors, which simultaneously outputs recorded images and depth data.

The depth data is calculated by a dedicated image processing LSI which measures and appends the depth data to objects in the image. Used in combination with customers' applications, the module supports new photo functions, including focus and defocus, and even allows objects in photographs to be extracted and erased. The image processing LSI generates 13MP images by upscaling images taken by the twin 5MP cameras, realizing a lower module height than that of conventional 13MP camera modules.