Sony has completed the acquisition of Softkinetic Systems, after reaching an agreement with the company and its major shareholders. Softkinetic is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Softkinetic owns time-of-flight (ToF) range image sensor technology, as well as related systems and software. No financial details related to the transaction have been disclosed.
ToF is a method for resolving the distance to an object. ToF distance measurement pixels, which are laid on top of the sensor in two dimensions, measure the flight time (delay) it takes for light to leave the light source, reflect off the object, and return to the image sensor.
Sony says it will combine Softkinetic's ToF range image sensor technology expertise with its own technologies to develop image sensors and services, not only in the field of imaging, but for broader sensing-related applications as well.
No material impact is anticipated on Sony's consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2016 as a result of the acquisition.
