OREANDA-NEWS. Toshiba Corporation announced that it has launched the industry's first dual camera module for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices. "TCM9518MD" incorporates twin 1/4 inch optical format 5-megapixel CMOS camera modules (5 megapixels x 2 arrays) and simultaneously outputs recorded images and depth data. Images captured with the module can subsequently be manipulated to change the depth of field and point of focus. Samples will be available by January 2014, with mass production scheduled for April 2014.

The dedicated companion LSI of the "TCM9518MD" measures and appends depth data to objects in the image. These data can be used for a wide variety of applications, including focus and defocus, and even to extract and erase objects from the picture. Used in combination with customers' applications, the module supports the creation of new functions.

The companion LSI generates 13-megapixel images by upscaling images taken by the twin 5-megapixel cameras, realizing a lower module height than that of conventional 13 megapixel camera modules

Computational cameras create images impossible to realize with the standard camera module by combining optical hardware technology-the lens and diaphragm-with digital signal processing technology. The TCM9518MD brings high resolution and computational camera functionalities to the CMOS image sensor market for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices.