What Does the iPhone 12 Pro Max's LIDAR Sensor Do?

Apple held on October 13 Hi, speed introduced the iPhone 12, the most anticipated smartphone family of the year, at the event. The starting models of the iPhone 12 family, which comes in two different segments, were determined as iPhone 12 mini and standard iPhone 12. The upper segment models appeared with the "Pro" tag, just like last year. One of the most important differences of the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max was the LIDAR sensor included in the rear camera.

LIDAR sensor, previously introduced iPad Pro 2020 It appeared for the first time on the tablet. LIDAR sensors, which can detect the environment and objects and model them in 3D in the phone's memory, is actually a technology that has been used in scientific studies for years. For example, archaeologists can fly drones with LIDAR cameras over rainforests and unearth ancient cities beneath the forests. Although the sensor in the iPhone 12 Pro is not that advanced, it has important functions.

What is LiDAR?

stands for Light Detection and Ranging LiDAR, which is 3D laser recognition It is a technology that works with This sensor, which has been used in various sectors since the 1960s, was initially used for military purposes to map inaccessible areas. Then, in recent years, it was used for autonomous cars to sense their surroundings and pedestrians. Another daily use of LIDAR was smart vacuum cleaners. Thanks to this sensor, vacuum cleaners that create a 3D digital copy of the house can find their way more easily.

In fact, the working logic of LiDAR is quite simple. This sensor, which emits laser beams that the human eye cannot see, enables the identification of environmental factors and the distance between surrounding objects and the source. LiDAR is used by bats to navigate with sonar radar system We can say that it kind of works on the same logic.

As technology develops, the areas where this system can be used continue to increase. LiDAR, which is gradually starting to be used in smaller devices such as GPS systems and tablets, was recently introduced by Apple. iPhone 12 Max Pro It appeared on the phone's camera and also found its place on smartphones.

Are all LiDAR sensors the same?

Of course, the structure of LiDAR sensors used for different purposes differs from each other. It would be wrong to expect LiDAR sensors to map a large area and a small room to be the same. Dimensions and light powers vary according to usage areas.

Most of the LiDAR sensors used until recently were It was shaped like a radar dish and it was creating 3D maps by moving and scanning the surroundings. Since something of this size would not be suitable for use on mobile devices, LiDAR sensors A smaller, immovable system It was redesigned as an electronic device and started to be placed in cars, smart home appliances and phones.

What is the difference between the LiDAR used by Apple in the iPhone 12 Pro models and others?

Previously used in upper segment phones ToF so Time of Flight We were familiar with its sensors. This sensor emits with infrared lights It could detect surrounding objects and measure distance. In this way, phones with large cameras could both measure the depth of the scene and create a bokeh effect in photos.

apple, iPhone Pro Max It was clear yesterday that the LiDAR Sensor technology used in iPad Pro 2020 would take this job one click further. One of the main reasons for this, according to Apple, is that there is now a need for a smart browser technology on phones. For this reason, infrared technology was left behind and laser beams were now used. 

Apple LiDAR sensor, which emits different laser beams to different parts of the environment, A long range of 5 meters Because it has and works with "occlusion logic" Ability to detect objects behind large objects such as trees It also stands out with its features.

At the launch of the iPad Pro 2020, which previously included the same sensor, Apple said that LiDAR data was combined with data from the classical camera. Thus, devices make sense of the data with processors and algorithms for a more detailed analysis of the environment. In other words, for a perfect environmental view, the LiDAR sensor does not work alone; other hardware and software of the device also work together. This is where augmented reality comes into play

What can be done with the LiDAR sensor on iPhone 12?

LiDAR sensor delivers best performance in iPad Pro 2020 room size widths offers for. Well, thanks to this technology iPhone 12 Pro Max What can we do on phones? We said that LiDAR sensor technology has just started to be used in mobile devices. Therefore, our expectations from this technology should not be too high.

Currently, the best things to do with the LiDAR sensor include augmented reality games and shopping apps. apple, iPhone 12 Pro Max It previewed several applications that will work with the LiDAR sensor after its launch later this year.

Thanks to the LiDAR sensor, games based on augmented reality will increase:

Hot Lava, the most interesting game offered exclusively for iOS, iPadOS and MacOS, has millions of players. Hot Lava, a digital version of the real-life above-ground game, becomes just like real life on a device with a LIDAR sensor. After the environment is scanned, the ground is covered with lava and the elevations become safe zones. Thus, every area where you turn the camera turns into a unique playground. Of course, Hot Lava is just one example here. How games and applications will be depends on developers and Thanks to the LIDAR sensor, it depends on the imagination of the players. a situation. 

LiDAR sensor will not only be used in games 

We mentioned that LiDAR is a technology that is extremely suitable for games. But of course, this new technology is not limited to just games. After games, one of the areas where LiDAR will be used most frequently is design applications It will appear as . IKEA Place Thanks to applications such as, you will be able to try the items sold in the store in your own rooms with augmented reality.

Reportedly, if the LiDAR sensor is developed over the coming years, it could bring a whole new dimension to the photography and video industry. This technology is currently the most For those who use CAD programs and healthcare professionals (available on iPad Pro) Complete Anatomy Although it seems like it will be useful (thanks to the application), it is exciting to think about what awaits us in the coming periods.

Such technology iPhone 12 Pro Max The fact that it reaches smartphones like this is truly a great advantage. However, the LiDAR sensor is a product that is currently completely rumored. Apple Glasses It looks like it will show it with smart glasses called. Although no statement has been made on this subject yet, we will be following the new news with excitement and sharing it with you.