Leading Optical Sensor Manufacturer Optex Adopts Canesta's 3-D Image Sensing Chips for Next Generation Products

Tuesday March 11 7:00 PM

Optex says that 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 2D 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 yen (about US$213 million), predominantly in optical-sensor-based products.

Optex sees immediate applications for the 3D technology in adaptive robotics - where, for example, a factory machine slows down or stops for safety as a human approaches - and in providing "high-security sensing fields" for building security and access. The company has the world's highest market share in automatic door applications.

"The economics and advanced capabilities of Canesta's 3D image sensing chips completely change the dynamics of the optical sensing market," said Toru "Ted" Kobayashi, CEO of Optex. "For the first time, we are able to precisely leverage spatial information to create a family of 'adaptive' applications that can be cost effective, and capable of mass production."

In addition to the robotics example above, Kobayashi cited other applications, such as an automatic door sensor that could discriminate between passersby and individuals actually intending building entry, or a security sensor that can separate intruders out from complex backgrounds. "The Hollywood movie trick of fooling a security camera with a photograph of an empty hallway will become a thing of the past," said Kobayashi, with a smile.

Kobayashi said that he sees a great opportunity in 3D-enhanced optical sensing, and that Optex plans to deploy an "aggressive growth strategy". First Optex products employing the CanestaVision chips could appear as early as late 2008 or early 2009. "We also hope to leverage future Canesta chips and technologies," he added.

The Canesta 3D sensor chip adopted by Optex was developed for automotive safety applications, and as such has had the most focus and long-term development of any of Canesta's products, revealed Canesta's president and CEO Jim Spare. "The need for accuracy and reliability in sensors designed for automobiles goes without saying," said Spare. "We have been actively working with top vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 automotive suppliers for several years, and the result is a very robust product that Optex finds ideal for their markets."

Spare said that due to the long development cycles in the automotive industry, personal vehicle safety features incorporating his company's 3D sensor products will hit the market some time after Optex's CanestaVision-enabled products do. "This is an outstanding application for Electronic Perception Technology, and we're absolutely delighted with Optex's achievement," said Spare.

Canesta's 3D sensors utilize low-cost CMOS chips that are capable of measuring the distance from the surface of the chip to features of nearby objects, in real time, and at 60 frames per second. The resulting continuously-updated "depth maps" make it possible for electronic products and applications to perceive the local environment in fine-grained 3D detail regardless of lighting conditions, color or texture of either subjects or background, or distracting features such as reflections.

The company also recently announced a major foray into computer gaming. See "Game Developers to Benefit From Canesta's 3D Camera - Softkinetic's 3D Software Collaboration", February 21, 2008.

About Optex

Optex introduced the world's first infrared-based automatic door sensor in 1980 and since has become a world leading supplier of infrared-based sensor products for applications in the security, automatic door, factory automation, environment monitoring, and transportation fields. The company's core sensing technology - a fusion of infrared and image processing techniques - provides cost efficient and reliable products that can detect objects and humans with accuracy.

Optex is based in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The company has R&D, manufacturing, and distribution subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Poland, Netherlands, Korea, Taiwan, and China. Optex was established in May 1979, and now has over 1000 employees. 2007 sales were 22,167 million yen.

Optex is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (code: 6914), and was first listed in 2001. More information about Optex may be found at http://www.official.optex.co.jp/e/.

About Canesta

Canesta is the inventor of revolutionary, low-cost electronic perception technology that enables ordinary electronic devices in consumer, security, industrial, medical, automotive, factory automation, gaming, military, and many other applications, to perceive and react to objects or individuals in real time. When given true, fine-grained 3-dimensional depth perception with Canesta's unique CanestaVision(TM) electronic perception chips and software, such products can gain functionality and ease of use not possible in an era when such devices were blind.

Numerous applications are under active development by Canesta's OEM customers and partners, including building automation, security, robotics, automotive, computer gaming, and others.

Canesta was founded in April 1999, and is located in San Jose, CA. The company has filed in excess of forty patents, 26 of which have been granted so far. Investment to date exceeds $58 million, from Carlyle Venture Partners, Honda Motor Company, Hotung Capital Management, JP Morgan Partners, Korea Global IT Fund (KGIF), Venrock Associates and others.

Editors, note: All trademarks and registered trademarks are those of their respective companies.

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