ams and Qualcomm Technologies to focus engineering strengths on active stereo camera solution for mobile 3D applications

Proposed solution to enable cost-reduced 3D biometrics, facial scanning and imaging

Premstaetten, Austria (20 November, 2018) -- ams (SIX: AMS), a leading worldwide supplier of high- performance sensor solutions, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, jointly announced the intent to focus engineering efforts towards a 3D depth sensing camera solution for mobile phone applications like 3D imaging and scanning and, in particular, biometric face authentication. 

With ams’ advanced VCSEL light sources and optical IR pattern technology incorporating mass- production proven wafer level optics and Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Mobile Platforms, the companies have a goal to create a reference design for a cost-attractive, active 3D stereo camera solution for Android-based mobile phones. Use cases for the platform solution could include frontfacing applications that require advanced 3D imaging such as face recognition required for secure online payments as well as other applications like dynamic-depth facial scanning.

“Qualcomm Technologies is committed to providing active depth camera solutions to our customers,” said Keith Kressin, senior vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We’re excited to work with ams on the development and commercialization of this reference design with the goal of bringing these depth sensing solutions to consumers in the future.”

Alexander Everke, CEO of ams, commented on the announcement, “ams provides the full range of IR illumination devices specifically designed to address the three 3D technologies Active Stereo Vision, Structured Light and Time-of-Flight (ToF). Utilizing this leading capability together with Qualcomm Technologies’ mobile application processors for active stereo camera solutions is an exciting opportunity. We want to enable fast time-to-commercialization and broad-based availability of high quality 3D sensing solutions for Android-based smartphones and mobile devices, and this is a step towards this goal.”

About ams

ams is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced sensor solutions. Our mission is to shape the world with sensor solutions by providing a seamless interface between humans and technology.  ams’ high-performance sensor solutions drive applications requiring small form factor, low power, highest sensitivity and multi-sensor integration. Products include sensor solutions, sensor ICs, interfaces and related software for consumer, communications, industrial, medical, and automotive markets.  With headquarters in Austria, ams employs about 10,000 people globally and serves more than 8,000 customers worldwide. ams is listed on the SIX Swiss stock exchange (ticker symbol: AMS). More information about ams can be found at www.ams.com

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm invents breakthrough technologies that transform how the world computes, connects and communicates. When we connected the phone to the Internet, the mobile revolution was born. Today, our inventions are the foundation for life-changing products, experiences, and industries. As we lead the world to 5G, we envision this next big change in cellular technology spurring a new era of intelligent, connected devices and enabling new opportunities in connected cars, remote delivery of health care services, and the IoT — including smart cities, smart homes, and wearables. Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, all of our engineering, research and development functions, and all of our products and services businesses, including, the QCT semiconductor business. For more information, visit Qualcomm’s website, OnQ blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.