Archives for November 2015

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Pixim/Sony patent application US20150319386 "Image sensor with floating diffusion interconnect capacitor" by Frederick Brady, Sungin Hwang, and Thomas Ayers proposes an intentionally increased layout and diffusion-poly overlap capacitors to boost FD voltage when TG turns on:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Harvard University publishes a PhD Thesis "Vertical Silicon Nanowires for Image Sensor Applications" by Hyunsung Park, dated by Sept. 2014. The nanowire filters have demonstrated quite small pixel size and good selectivity:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Himax reports its Q3 2015 results and updates on the image sensor business: "The Company’s CMOS image sensors experienced a series of slow quarters this year even though it remains one of the market share leaders in notebook application. The reason for this is found in the weak demand of low end smartphones, the main target market for Himax’s 2MP and 5MP sensors. At the same time, the Company wasn’t able to ramp 8MP and 13MP at the planned pace. Overall, during the first three quarters of this year, CMOS image sensors sales declined more than 50%."

"Though a leader in the driver IC space, the Company is still a new comer in the high end CMOS image sensor business. Himax launched 8MP and 13MP in 2014 but missed the market opportunity due to a lack of some of the new product features for high end phones, notably Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) that enables fast auto focus when taking pictures or recording videos. PDAF was first adopted in iPhone6 and has since become a popular feather for new designs of high end smartphones. The Company is catching up fast. Himax believes it will be one of the few players capable of providing PDAF-equipped CMOS image sensors in the very near future. The Company will report in due course."

Update: A graphical update from Q3 2015 Presentation:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

There is a nice graphical simulation of rolling shutter distortions, including the classical propeller demo, and other interesting shapes like this one:


Thanks to GF for the link!

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

BusinessWire: InVisage introduces its inaugural product, the Quantum13 image sensor, the world’s first electronic image sensor that does not use silicon but rather a quantum dot film, QuantumFilm. The sensor features a single-shot HDR mode called QuantumCinema. This mode is said to provide up to three additional stops of DR compared to conventional CMOS sensors. Both still and video modes will see this level of performance without any added HDR software processing, which can often cause a missed moment and a distorted image.

Quantum13 also offers the world’s first electronic global shutter for smartphones, instead of the rolling shutter method that CMOS sensors use to scan from the top of the image to the bottom. With this electronic global shutter, Quantum13-enabled smartphones can capture crisp still photos of fast-moving subjects at full frame shutter speeds normally reserved for DSLRs, and deliver smooth 2K and 4K video without any rolling shutter distortion.

“The launch of Quantum13 marks a new era for the smartphone camera industry,” said Jess Lee, CEO of InVisage. “For the first time, smartphones will capture images on an entirely new medium. Not silicon. Not film. QuantumFilm. We are thrilled to showcase the capabilities of Quantum13 to the richest and most vibrant ecosystem for smartphones. And we are delighted to share that several smartphone vendors have already adopted Quantum13 for upcoming release.”

Quantum13 is a 13MP, 1.1um pixel sensor that fits in an 8.5mm by 8.5mm module. With light absorption eight times faster than silicon, QuantumFilm creates an ultra-thin light capture medium that accommodates much higher incident angles of light, resulting in an unprecedented 4mm camera module height.

“InVisage is targeting the mainstream 13-megapixel smartphone camera market,” added Tetsuo Omori, senior analyst at TSR. “According to our research, the worldwide volume of the 13-megapixel camera sensor market is projected to increase from 408 million units in 2015 to 995 million units in 2020.”

Today in Beijing, InVisage is showcasing Quantum13-enabled smartphones running on both Qualcomm and Mediatek platforms. The sensor is sampling now and initial shipments to leading smartphone vendors are expected this quarter.

Update: Yesky.com publishes few pictures, apparently from Invisage presentation in Beijing today:


Update #2: Few more images from today's event from various websites in China:

Link to the original (marked as containing malware by Google)

Link to the original

Link to the original

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Cnet publishes an article "How a startup's tiny dots could lead to better smartphone photos" about "InVisage Technologies, a 75-person startup that hopes its exotic new material known as quantum dots will dramatically improve smartphone cameras when it arrives in devices in the first quarter of 2016."

"In a 2010 interview with CNET, [the company CEO Jess] Lee said he expected QuantumFilm image-sensor chips to arrive in 2011."

"While we've been taking longer to come to market than we originally predicted, this is brand-new technology," said Lee, who previously worked at OmniVision.

"Succeeding in the market will be an extremely difficult task for InVisage," said IHS analyst Brian O'Rourke. "The image sensor market is ferociously competitive. The last startup to succeed in this market was OmniVision, which started in the 1990s."

"Chips with the light-detecting layer of quantum dots will outdo today's image-sensor technologyLee said. First, their better dynamic range can handle highlights and shadows better, letting you avoid the glare of overexposed faces in the sun while still discerning the subjects in the shade. Second, a fast-acting "global shutter" avoids the Jello-wobble effect that hurts today's videos taken when the subject or camera is moving. Last, QuantumFilm-based cameras can be made thinner so phone makers can avoid the protruding camera lens present even on today's top-end phones like Apple's iPhone 6S and Google's Nexus 6P."

"Another perk: Because quantum dots are laid down in a continuous film, the number of pixels on a sensor isn't baked into the hardware. A smartphone could be set to capture images with a maximum number of pixels for fine detail then changed to a smaller number of larger pixels for better low-light performance."

Update: Few pictures from the article:

Invisage image sensor wafer

Some of the company's 56 granted patents

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

ON Semi publishes a Youtube video on its new Python image sensors:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

XDA Developers, Engadget, Reddit: It appears that Google Nexus 5X image sensor does not have an easy way to control its scan direction. Tech lead for Android's camera framework, Eino-Ville Talvala, explains why some third-party camera applications show an upside down image: "Because of manufacturing reasons, we needed to mount the Nexus 5X main sensor in the less-common (reverse landscape) orientation - the wires from the sensor chip wouldn't have fit otherwise.

Unfortunately, our old camera API (which is deprecated, but most apps still use it) isn't terribly user-friendly, and requires application developers to explicitly set the preview rotation. On most devices, though, it turns out the default rotation is correct for a forced-landscape app, so many apps never call the display orientation method."

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Hynix has updated its CMOS sensor web page and added info about its image sensor offerings:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

BusinessWire: InVisage announces the addition of famed cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, ASC, AMC to the company advisory board. Mr. Lubezki is the cinematographer of numerous award-winning films including Gravity (2013) and Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014). Mr. Lubezki is the Company’s first artistic advisor and will help shape and fine-tune the specifications of upcoming InVisage QuantumFilm camera image sensors for smartphones and mobile devices.

“We are honored to have Mr. Lubezki join our advisory board,” said Jess Lee, president and CEO of InVisage. “With Mr. Lubezki’s artistic direction, we intend to bridge the gap between Hollywood and advanced nanotechnology, bringing Hollywood quality to QuantumFilm-enabled smartphones and mobile devices.”

“InVisage understands that advancing film is equal parts artistry and technology,” said Emmanuel Lubezki, ASC, AMC. “I was drawn to InVisage and their technology because of the ground-breaking potential for greater dynamic range in cameras ranging from smartphones to professional video cameras, a crucial capability for cinematographers and everyday users alike.”

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

PRNewswire: OmniVision unveils its latest PureCel Plus and PureCel Plus-S pixel technologies featuringa buried color filter array (BCFA) and deep trench isolation (DTI).

One of the key benefits of PureCel Plus technology is the reduction of color crosstalk and color noise, improving color reproduction under low-light conditions. Another critical benefit is the angular response of the sensor. With PureCel Plus technology, OmniVision's sensors can provide higher signal response at a larger incident light angle than the one with predecessor technologies. As a result, with PureCel Plus sensors, module design houses can use brighter lenses and build camera systems with much thinner geometries.

"It has long been an industry-wide presumption that increasing resolution by reducing pixel size may result in the degradation of camera performance, due to low-light sensitivity. However, as we are seeing with PureCel Plus, that is not always the case," said Song Xue, senior manager of sensor technology at OmniVision. "Our new 1.0 micron sensors built on PureCel Plus technology will exhibit the same level of signal-to-noise ratio as 1.12 micron sensors built on our previous generation technologies. Today's advancement enables us to continue reducing pixel size while maintaining the highest image and video quality standards."

In addition to PureCel Plus, PureCel Plus-S leverages stacked die technology to deliver high functionality with minimal chip size.

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

PRNewswire: OmniVision announces the OV16860, a new 16MP PureCel Plus-S image sensor. Compared to previous generation OmniVision 16MP sensors, the OV16860 delivers improved low-light performance and faster readout architecture with a larger 1.3um pixel. The sensor also features HDR, PDAF, and slow motion video recording.

"Industry reports forecast continued growth in the 13‑ to 16‑megapixel resolution segment in 2016 and beyond, attributable to what is expected to be rapid adoption of 16-megapixel resolution in high-end smartphones starting in 2016. The action camera segment with similar camera resolution is also expected to grow quickly through 20191," said James Liu, senior technical marketing manager at OmniVision. "The OV16860's faster frame rate aligns perfectly with the feature set requirement of high-end smartphones and rugged action cameras for operating in high resolution and high frame rate modes."

The OV16860 is the first image sensor built on OmniVision's new PureCel Plus-S architecture. This architecture features a larger pixel size and offers a number of pixel performance improvements over traditional 1.12um 16MPsensors. The performance benefits of this new technology include a 33% improvement in full-well capacity, a 40% improvement in low light performance and dramatically reduced pixel crosstalk. Additionally, the OV16860 enables a nominal operating digital voltage (DVDD) spec of 1.0V, and thus requires 40% less power than the previous generation OV16825.

The 1/2.4-inch OV16860 supports high-quality slow motion video capture with full FOV. The sensor capture 16MP images and video at 45fps, 4K2K video at 60fps, and 1080p at 120fps via high speed D-PHY and C-PHY interfaces.

The OV16860 can fit into a 10.5 x 10.5 mm module with a low z-height of 5.8 mm. The sensor is currently available for sampling, and is expected to enter volume production in Q4 2015.

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

ON Semi patent application US20150312499 "Imaging systems and methods for mitigating pixel data quantization error" by Roger Panicacci, Jeffery Beck, and Barry Vanhoff proposes dither to reduce structured noise in image sensors:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Apple patent application US20150312479 "Image sensor having a uniform digital power signature" by Andrew Mcmahon, Chiajen Lee, and Michael Malone says "there is a need for a system and technique for reducing the effect of digital logic interference on the quality of a digital image. The techniques disclosed herein can be used to produce a digital image having reduced or minimized visual artifacts without significantly increasing the size of the sensor or the drawbacks of some traditional noise reduction techniques."

Apple proposes to add dummy operations 525 to the digital pipeline, so that the digital noise is substantially constant in all time slots:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

TSMC patent application US20150311248 "Back side illuminated image sensor with deep trench isolation structures and self-aligned color filters" by Kuo-cheng Lee, Yun-wei Cheng, Yung-lung Hsu, and Hsin-chi Chen proposes its own way to manufacture pixels with DTI and buried CFA:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Rice University team is to present a paper "FlatCam: Replacing Lenses with Masks and Computation" at the Extreme Imaging Workshop in Santiago, Chile on Dec. 17, 2015. The research paper is written by M. Salman Asif, Ali Ayremlou, Ashok Veeraraghavan, Richard Baraniuk, and Aswin Sankaranarayanan (CMU) and proposes an imaging system with no lens, somewhat similar to Rambus Lensless Smart Sensors (LSS).

"Our FlatCam design places an amplitude mask (with transparent and opaque features that transmit and block light, respectively) almost immediately in front of the sensor array (see Fig. 1). While we focus on a single mask for
exposition purposes, the concept extends to multiple amplitude masks in a straightforward manner. ...the main advantage of the FlatCam design is that it allows us to use a large sensor arrays for a given device thickness constraint, thereby significantly increasing the light collection capabilities of devices under thickness constraints.

...We reconstructed 512 × 512 RGB images from our prototype using 512 × 512 RGB sensor measurements."

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

PRNewswire: OmniVision announces two 5MP image sensors, the OV5675 and OV5695 for front-facing camera applications in smartphones and tablets.

"Front-facing cameras in smartphones and tablets have evolved quickly from low-resolution sensors with limited functionality and relatively low consumer expectations to high performance sensors with a host of advanced features," said Archie de Guzman, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision. "In this regard, we have developed the OV5675 and OV5695 as cost-effective upgrade solutions that can capture more dynamic and detailed images and video, via improved resolution and pixel performance."

Built on 1.12um PureCel pixel, the 1/5-inch OV5675 is said to be the smallest 5MP image sensor currently available on the market today. The sensor captures full resolution video in a native 4:3 aspect ratio at 30fps, or 720p and 1080p video at 60 FPS. Compared to previous generation image sensors, the OV5675 offers improved QE, crosstalk, and power efficiency in a compact package with a z-height of less than 4 mm.

The 1/4-inch OV5695 utilizes 1.4-micron OmniBSI+™ pixel to capture full resolution video in a native 4:3 aspect ratio at 30fps, 1080p video at 30fps, or 720p video at 60fps with support for interlaced HDR (iHDR). The OV5695 supports low power mode, which further reduces power consumption and improves battery life.

The OV5675 and OV5695 are expected to be shipping in volume production at the end of Q4 2015.

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Wainhouse Research reports that Cisco decided to shut down its video conferencing camera team in India: "Bangalore center has demonstrated core competencies in system architecture and design and a host of ancillary hardware, software, and microcode skills on the way to delivering five cameras, an H.265 codec, and one integrated video conferencing endpoint (the SX-10) since 2008. The group grew to around 50 people, but the shutdown announced last week involves termination of approximately 35 technical folks, according to our source." Here is the short presentation on the team's history and achievements:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

SeekingAlpha: Tessera, the new home for Ziptronix wafer bonding technology, updates on the ongoing lawsuit against Omnivision and TSMC: "in connection with our acquisition of the Ziptronix, we inherited a litigation matter that was already pending at the time of the acquisition between Ziptronix on the one hand and TSMC and Omnivision technologies or OVT on the other. Ziptronix filed this case in December 2010 in federal court in the urban district of California, alleging at TSMC and OVT infringed nine of Ziptronix zibond patents. TSMC also asserted counterclaims alleging that Ziptronix infringes certain TSMC patents. There is no trial date set in the case, the party have been engaging in mediation discussion before the acquisition and after and are planning to continue do engage in such discussions.

As we have demonstrated numerous times over the past two years, our intent is to reach a settlement that enable a closer technical working relationship and collaboration between the companies."

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

EETimes publishes a nice history of camera phone, from the first one in 1995 to nowadays, and how it changed the imaging.

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

BusinessWire: Heptagon introduces LAURA ToF 3DRanger sensor and the first member in a new family of scalable ToF sensor modules. Laura is said to be "the first smart sensor with integrated logic that simplifies system architecture and speeds up time to market. The new product provides longer range, faster distance measurements, lower power draw and improved lighting performance than existing laser based distance sensors." Unlike phase detecting AF systems, LAURA is said to enable fast AF focus lock in any lighting conditions including in video mode. Heptagon has developed its patented “phase modulation” ToF pixel said to have best-in-class sensitivity and speed, as well as excellent background light rejection.

“We’re delighted to be launching LAURA, the first member in our new family of ToF smart sensors,” says René Kromhof - SVP, Sales & Marketing of Heptagon. “LAURA is a complete ToF sensing solution that delivers automatic range calculations. It integrates an IR illuminator, IR sensor and a micro controller in a single package. This significantly lowers host CPU computations and simplifies usage. In addition, it enables integrated features like automatic exposure time adjustment that improves use in all lighting conditions.”

LAURA comes in a small, thermally efficient SMD package with embedded filters to allow for lower-cost cover glass designs.

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

IRLYNX, the CMOS-based infrared sensors company, has completed a €2M Series A round of financing. This investment will help IRLYNX accelerate and broaden product development, start the industrialization phase as well as expand its sales and marketing efforts. IRLYNX’s first product is an innovative sensor able to detect human activity, like true human presence and absence, counting, localization, movement analysis. With this €2M series A funding, IRLYNX will be able deliver to its customers its first development kits and new generation sensors at the end of this year.

Sébastien FABRE, IRLYNX CEO, says: “IRLYNX’s offering is well-timed with the increasing demand for solutions that can increase the level of information at an affordable price. This fundraising will accelerate our strategic plan, especially our time-to-market. We welcome DEMETER, PHITRUST and the others investors. For 18 months, we have been developing our savoir-faire and are recognized as experts in infrared sensors. Additionally supported by BPI France, we believe the company will continue to develop powerful infrared sensing solutions to fulfil new market requirements."

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Sony announces 5.1MP, 2/3-inch IMX264LLR/LQR and 3.2MP, 1/1.8-inch IMX265LLR/LQR sensors featuring 3.45um global shutter pixels. "This small-sized 3.45 μm pixel realizes higher sensitivity and lower noise than that of the existing 5.86 μm pixel products, and achieves high picture quality, high resolution and high-speed imaging without focal plane distortion... high-sensitivity pixel design technology and condensing process technology were used to increase the sensitivity of the newly developed 3.45 μm pixel, and realized high sensitivity exceeding that of the existing 5.86 μm product (1.1 times compared to the existing 5.86 μm product)"

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

IMEC publishes an October update of its presentation on hyperspectral imaging:

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Forbes reports that Magic Leap, a Florida-based AR startup, is aiming to secure another round of funding of $1bn at the valuation of $4.5b. So far, the new company has not presented its products, but filed for 153 patents, mostly on display technology.

Like any other AR setup, Magic Leap should use a number of cameras to create a map of surrounding area where it embeds its virtual objects. The company's recent Youtube video is said to be "Shot directly through Magic Leap technology on 10/14/15, without the use of special effects or compositing."

Go to the original article...

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Some recent Qualcomm Snapdragon processors have dual ISPs so that manufacturers can add two cameras onto the back of their smartphones, one for each ISP. Qualcomm publishes a promotional video on its dual camera support:

Go to the original article...