LiDAR: iPhone 12 Pro scanning technology explained -

geeko

If Apple is finally playing the card of the very high quality photophone with its iPhone 12 Pro, it is because, in addition to its three classic photo sensors, it includes a LiDAR sensor dedicated to augmented reality.

But what is the latter used for?

A sensor designed for 3D

LiDAR: iPhone 12 Pro scanning technology explained - geeko

This photo module that was already found on the last generation of iPad Pro is not a photo sensor like the others.

Its role is not to immortalize a frame, but rather to map in a 3D environment.

The LiDAR sensor makes it possible to measure the distance of an object from its objective thanks to a pulsed light system.

The sensor in fact emits infrared light pulses and measures the time it takes to return to it after being reflected on objects.

He can thus be aware of the various obstacles that are nearby, but also identify and measure them.

We find this type of sensors on self-driving cars which map their environment in three dimensions to avoid obstacles.

In their case, their sensors rely on radio waves to detect curbs and other cars.

Support for development

Thanks to its pulsed light system, the LiDAR sensor proves to be a real support for other cameras since it helps them to achieve rapid focus on objects or people photographed.

The LiDAR sensor is especially useful in low light, since traditional autofocus often struggles without these conditions.

Apple ensures that thanks to the "Light Detection And Ranging" sensor, the focus will be 6 times faster than before on iPhone.

Lots of augmented reality

LiDAR: iPhone 12 Pro scanning technology explained - geeko

The primary use of LiDAR technology should primarily focus on augmented reality.

In addition to filters - Snapchat also unveiled a new filter at the Apple conference - AR will above all allow users to see what a new piece of furniture could look like in their living room or in their bedroom.

Representation will be improved.

Apple is obviously not the first manufacturer of smartphones to integrate such a sensor on its phones.

Huawei and Samsung, to name but a few, have opted for “Time of Flight” sensors that behave similarly to the LiDAR sensor to measure the distance of objects from the camera.

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