佳能在“自动驾驶之眼”领域挑战索尼

Core Viewpoint - Canon has developed a new type of image sensor called "SPAD" (Single Photon Avalanche Diode), which excels in low-light conditions and reduces power consumption, targeting the automotive sensor market as a new growth area [1][3]. Group 1: Product Development - Canon's SPAD sensor is designed to perform well in dark environments, capable of detecting pedestrians from 120 meters away even in conditions darker than moonlight [5]. - The new sensor improves upon earlier prototypes by reducing power consumption to one-fourth of the 2022 trial product, aiming for practical applications and competitive pricing with CMOS sensors [5]. - Canon plans to start mass production of the SPAD sensor by 2031, marking its entry into the automotive market [3]. Group 2: Market Potential - The automotive sensor market is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating a market size of 3.6929 trillion yen by 2030, which is 2.3 times larger than in 2024 [5]. - Canon aims for its camera segment to capture 50% of the overall automotive sensor market by 2030 [5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The automotive sensor market is currently dominated by major players such as ON Semiconductor, OmniVision, and Sony Semiconductor Solutions, with Sony planning to increase its market share from 32% in FY2023 to 43% in FY2026 [6]. - Sony is also developing its own SPAD sensors for high-performance LiDAR applications, which will begin mass production in the fall of 2025, enhancing detection capabilities [7]. - The competition in the automotive sensor market is intensifying, with various manufacturers adopting different strategies regarding the use of cameras and LiDAR for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving [7].