Advancements in Automotive LiDAR and Image Sensors

Infrared image sensors are crucial for autonomous driving due to their ability to see in low visibility conditions, like fog and snow.

### The Challenge of Implementing LiDAR for Autonomous Driving
In the push for autonomous vehicles, there is a growing trend of using infrared image sensors and LiDAR for distance measurement. However, the use of LiDAR in cars is challenging due to its traditional spinning design, the need for calibration traps, and the difficulty of achieving high accuracy, especially in European markets. The combination of image sensors and LiDAR is considered necessary for autonomous driving, but the integration poses additional challenges, particularly in terms of calibration.

### The Impact of High-Definition Image Sensors
High-definition image sensors improve visibility in challenging conditions like fog and snow due to their long wave particles' better penetration. The sensors also enhance dynamic range, providing clear visibility in low-light environments, but their high cost and limited lifespan present challenges for widespread use. Seongwon Strato, a former Samsung employee pursuing a Ph.D. at Stanford, aims to innovate the high-definition image sensor industry with the Stratio Project, believing that entrepreneurship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

### The Journey of a Korean Semiconductor Company
A Korean company has found success in the U.S. through the SBIR program, receiving support from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Science Foundation, and the Ministry of Industry. The company has received significant investment but struggled in the semiconductor industry, despite winning awards. They are now affiliated with Silicon Catalyst and are focused on the major trends of AI and semiconductors. The founder is looking to collaborate and create something new with a budget of around 10 billion won.

### Success in the Sensor Device Industry
Many companies are interested in their transition to the lease model stage, as they have proven their unique position in the field of sensor devices using gallium nitride and silicon carbide.
The company's sensor devices have a wide range of applications, from agricultural quality control to pharmaceuticals and drug detection, addressing serious issues like the influx of drugs into Korea.
With a projected market value of 4 trillion won and the potential to reach 10 trillion won in the next 3 to 4 years, the sensor device business is expected to be highly lucrative.

### The Importance of Solar Panel Inspection in Challenging Conditions
Solar panel inspection is crucial in fog, haze, and rapidly changing weather, especially in coastal areas like South Korea. The use of thermal cameras for automotive vision is booming, providing clear visibility in situations with no noise and low light, although it is not an absolute solution for autonomous driving. AdaSky, a company that has developed a thermal camera, is now collecting data from top-tier autonomous driving car companies and using advanced semiconductors to improve sensor technology.

### Differentiating Spectral Sensors with Unique Germanium Photodiodes
A research team at Stanford has developed spectral sensors with a unique pixel structure, overcoming the challenge of creating photodiodes with germanium.
The team has obtained global patents for their new pixel structure and is being recognized as a leader in the field of image sensors.
Their sensors offer a more affordable option compared to other available products, with the cheapest alternative on the market priced at $7,000.

### The Amazing Capabilities of Wave Technology
Wave technology allows for extracting unexpected amounts of information from materials, making it a fascinating process, especially in differentiating plastics. The technology's ability to remain effective even when fogged up is truly incredible, resembling a miracle. The company, STN, is making significant strides in the industry, aiming to make wave sensors as ubiquitous as silicon image sensors in phones, with even Apple considering their integration for Face ID.

### The Advantages of Using Sign Language Cameras for Face ID
Using sign language for face ID is more advantageous, especially in sunlight and high-noise environments. Apple is planning to install sign language cameras in their Vision Pro, aiming for more accurate action capture. The company is also working on projects with the police agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to detect drugs using their cameras.

### Advancements in Infrared Image Sensors for Automotive and Beyond
* 🚗 In the field of autonomous driving, traditional cameras are often supplemented with LiDAR for **distance measurement**, but challenges like **calibration and accuracy** remain.
* 🔬 Infrared image sensors are gaining traction for automotive applications due to their ability to **see through fog, snow, and darkness better than visible light sensors**.
* 🌐 The Stratio Project, led by Seongwon Strato, has developed a **unique far infrared sensor technology** with potential applications in **various industries**.
* 💡 The sensor's **long-wave capabilities** allow it to see further in adverse conditions, while its **high dynamic range** improves visibility in challenging lighting situations.
* 💰 The company has received **significant funding and recognition**, including the **Best Sensor Award** at the SPI conference for **two consecutive years**.
* 📊 The global market for infrared sensors is expected to reach around **4 trillion won**, with potential growth to **10 trillion won in the next 3-4 years**.
* 🏭 The Stratio Project is currently in the process of mass production and has secured contracts with various customers, including potential applications in the **automotive, defense, and pharmaceutical industries**.
* 🌟 The company aims to compete with silicon image sensors in terms of **pricing and performance**, targeting applications like **Apple's Face ID technology**.

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안개 껴도, 어두워도 다 보인다! 적외선 이미지 센서의 혁신

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