OmniVision, SMI Partner on Virtual Reality Platform

OmniVision Technologies Inc. and SensoMotoric Instruments GmbH (SMI) of Tetlow, Germany, will combine their technologies in a virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) eye-tracking platform.

OmniVision will contribute its OVM6211 global shutter imaging sensor. The sensor's 3-μm OmniPixel3-GS pixels enables high sensitivity at near-infrared wavelengths. It captures full resolution (400 × 400 pixels) video at 120 fps. OmniVision shutter technology enables a compact form factor of 3.23 × 3.23 × 3.92 mm.

The companies said the system will deliver high frame rates with low latency, enabling real-time, intuitive and hands-free VR and AR experiences in devices such as headsets and smart glasses. Such systems will be capable of streaming eye-tracking data, such as gaze vector and 3D eyeball position.

"Previously we have integrated OmniVision's sensors to create unique reference designs for desktop, mobile and wearable VR and AR with exceptional results," said Christian Villwock, director of SMI's OEM Solutions Business. "By leveraging OmniVision's latest sensor technology, we are able to offer an extremely compact, robust and fast eye tracking platform that can be easily integrated into a wide range of displays. The combination of high performance and low power consumption in the OVM6211 aligns precisely with our advanced eye-tracking technology, and is critical in pushing the frontiers of natural user interfaces."