Sony Acquires Belgian Innovator of Range Image Sensor Technology, Softkinetic Systems S.A., in its Push Toward Next-Generation Range Image Sensors and Solutions

Tokyo, Japan - OCtober 8, 2015 -- Sony Corporation ("Sony") is announcing that it has completed the acquisition of Softkinetic Systems S.A. ("Softkinetic"), after reaching an agreement with the company and its major shareholders. With this acquisition, Softkinetic - which possesses time-of-flight ("ToF") range image sensor technology, as well as related systems and software - has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.

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 will focus on combining Softkinetic's ToF range image sensor technology expertise with its own technologies with the aim of developing the next generation of range image sensors and solutions, 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 March 31, 2016 as a result of the acquisition.

Overview of Softkinetic Systems S.A.

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium

Employees: 77

Business offices:

Brussels, Belgium; Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Primary areas of business:

• Development and licensing of ToF range image sensors
• Development and licensing of range imaging software, such as for range image signal processing and gesture recognition
• Development of ToF range image sensor modules and reference designs