 |
| A model holds a 3D sensing module of LG Innotek in this photo provided by the firm, Tuesday. / Courtesy of LG Innotek |
By Baek Byung-yeul
LG Innotek is seeking to take the lead in 3D sensing modules, which will become major components for premium smartphones, the electronics components manufacturing affiliate of LG Group said Tuesday.
"We recently began mass producing 3D sensors called time-of-flight (ToF) modules. We expect the ToF module will be widely used in high-end smartphones," an LG Innotek spokesman said.
The firm said the ToF module is used for determining the distance to objects and recognizing their shape. Using this module, phone makers are able to provide enhanced biometric recognition security features, touch-less gestures and augmented and virtual reality features, the spokesman said. The module also helps users obtain better depth of field when taking photos, the spokesman added.
LG Innotek is providing the modules for LG G8 ThinQ, the upcoming high-end smartphone from LG Electronics, which will be introduced during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) tech fair in Barcelona from Feb. 25 to 28.
It is reported that phone makers will adopt the module for their premium smartphone to offer an enhanced user experience.
LG Innotek said it used cutting-edge technology in producing the ToF module. Its ToF module is 4.6 millimeters thick, which is the slimmest in the industry. The 3D sensing market is expected to grow from $2.9 billion in 2018 to $9 billion in 2022, according to French market research firm Yole Developpement.
"As the ToF module can help manufacturers use various enhanced features, we expect more firms will use the module," the spokesman said.
