What is LiDAR and what does it help on the iPhone Pro

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We keep hearing that the top models of the iPhone, respectively the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 and Pro Max are equipped with a LiDAR sensor, but many do not know much about what is the LiDAR sensor si what is it for.
Let's take it one at a time and see first what is LiDAR and what it was used for before it was present on the iPhone.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR stands for "Light Detection And Ranging", and in specialized magazines and press articles, we find it written in various forms. From the simple "Lidar" to changing the capitals to: "LIDAR", "LiDaR" or "LIDaR". All referring to the same thing.

Many people have heard of LiDAR with the introduction of this sensor on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max in the fall of 2020 and they went with the idea of ​​an innovative technology a Apple. In fact, LiDAR is more of a method than a technology, and was not discovered by Apple and it didn't even appear for the first time on the iPhone.

To the disappointment of many fans Apple, LiDAR first appeared in 1961, when under the guidance of Malcolm Stitch, Hughes aircraft company from the USA, it was discovered a new laser beam utility. And the laser was also discovered around that time.

LiDAR allows the mapping and scanning of objects or surfaces using laser beams. The laser beam is sent by a transmitter to an object or target surface, then calculated the return time of the reflected light from ink to receiver. Based on these return times of the reflected light, many characteristics of the target surface or object can be established. From shape to composition or density.

The mathematical formula by which LiDAR determines the distance to an object or surface is as follows:

LiDAR Formula
LiDAR Formula

The formula in which “c" It is speed of light, "d"Is the distance between the detector and the object or target surface, detected, and"t”Is the time interval in which the laser beam reaches the target object whether go back to the source.

Where is LiDAR used?

Until it was present on the iPhone, this system helped the Apollo 15 mission in 1971 to map and map the surface of the Moon. The moment when the term "LiDAR" became known in specialized magazines and began to appear on the lips of many people.

This laser system has been used for many years in atmospheric physics, meteorology, forestry, topography, geodesy, geography, geology, archeology and in many other areas and industries of research and development.
It is, of course, also used for military purposes since its discovery, for the improvement and development of defensive or neutralizing weapons.

The LiDAR system is widely used today 3D applications, creative applications and especially in applications augmented reality (AR). The system is able to scan, map and map with very high accuracy the surfaces or objects to which it is oriented. It helps to translate real environments into virtual ones, keeping all the characteristics, from dimensions to exact shapes.

What does LiDAR do on the iPhone?

Apple introduced the LiDAR sensor for the first time on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, to be maintained on the entire Pro range that followed, including the iPad Pro.

What is LiDAR in applications?
The LiDAR scanner is used by applications for measuring and mapping objects or surfaces. For example, it is used in mobile store applications, which allow you to scan with LiDAR all the room you are going to furnish or decorate. Choose furniture or decor pieces and place them in the scanned space where they are to be placed.

What is LiDAR
IKEA LiDAR

This scanner can also be used for the entire home. Some real estate websites offer customers 3D renderings of homes for sale. Customers can see every element in detail, both inside and outside the house.

Night photos are much clearer with the LiDAR scanner.

What is LiDAR for iPhone photos?
If you want to take good pictures in low light, an iPhone with LiDAR is definitely a great help.
Most smartphones and cameras use the automatic focus method with phase and contrast detection for night time (Focus pixels). The iPhone equipped with this LiDAR scanner and sensor will calculate and measure the light rays coming to the sensor much better, the automatic focus is much better, and in combination with the night mode it will lead to taking much clearer photos with more light . The photographed object or the scene will be much brighter in the picture than you can perceive in reality with the naked eye.

The Cat
Black Cat Details

Believe me, the naked eye cannot see as many details of a black cat in low light as an iPhone 13 Pro with night mode supported by LiDAR can capture in a photo.

The usefulness of this sensor can be found in "Camera" applications, augmented reality (AR) applications, surface measurement applications, 3D scanning applications and measurement of objects, plants and other elements around us.

I am happy to share my experiences in the field of computers, mobile phones and operating systems, to develop web projects and to bring the most useful tutorials and advice. I like to "play" on the iPhone, MacBook Pro, iPad, AirPort Extreme and on operating systems macOS, iOS, Android and Windows.

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