Smart Doors – New Market for 3D Cameras

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IEEE Spectrum shows what might develop into a mass market for 3D cameras - smart sliding doors, presented by University of Electro-Communications, and Hokuyo Automatic Co. at 2014 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in Hong Kong. A Youtube video explains the idea:

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Sony Curved Image Sensor Presentation

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IEEE Spectrum reports from VLSI Technology Symposium in in Honolulu, Hawaii on Sony curved image sensor presented by Kazuichiro Itonaga, device manager with Sony's R&D Platform in Atsugi-shi, Japan:

"Itonaga gave few details on the process the team used create the curved CMOS chips. He said that a machine was used to bend the CMOS sensors and that they were backed with a ceramic to stabilize them after bending. It was also unclear how much the chips were curved, although Itonaga said that they did achieve the same level of curvature found in the human eye.

Two chips were reported. One, which measured some 43 millimeters along the diagonal, is a full-size chip for digital cameras. The other is a smaller chip, more suitable for mobile phones, which measured 11 mm along the diagonal and boasts smaller pixels. The team integrated the curved image sensor with a lensing system and showed an image that seemed to be quite good, although it wasn't displayed alongside an image taken with an equivalent flat sensor for comparison.
"

"The team has made somewhere in the vicinity of 100 full-size sensors with their bending machine. "We are ready," Itonaga said."

Sony curved sensor

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ON Semi’s Presentation on Aptina Acquisition

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ON Semiconductor publishes a transcript its conference call script and investor presentation on the Aptina acquisition:


There is a clarification message I got from Aptina: "Many are wondering about mobile. Consumer & Mobile are a key businesses for us and in the top 5 businesses for ON. We are committed to this business as long as it generates returns (which it is)."

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High Performance Silicon Imaging Book

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Woodhead Publishing release a new book "High Performance Silicon Imaging" written by a number of world's experts in image sensor design and applications, and edited by Daniel Durini (Fraunhofer Institute, Germany). Here is the list of topics:
  • Fundamental principles of photosensing
    D. Durini and D. Arutinov (Fraunhofer Institute, Germany)
  • Operational principles of silicon image sensors
    D. Durini and D. Arutinov (Fraunhofer Institute, Germany)
  • Charge coupled device (CCD) image sensors
    M. Lesser (University of Arizona)
  • Backside illuminated (BSI) complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors
    A. Lahav, A. Fenigstein and A. Strum (TowerJazz)
  • Circuits for high performance complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors
    B. Choubey (University of Oxford, UK), W. Mughal and L. Gouveia ( University of Glasgow, UK)
  • Smart cameras on a chip: using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors to create smart vision chips
    D. Ginhac (Université de Bourgogne, France)
  • Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors for mobile devices
    R. J. Gove (Aptina)
  • Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors for automotive applications
    C. De Locht and H. van den Broeck (Melexis, Belgium)
  • Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors for use in space
    J. Bogaerts (CMOSIS, Belgium)
  • Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors for high-performance scientific imaging
    R. Turchetta (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
  • Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors for fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM)
    R. K. Henderson (University of Edinburgh, UK), B. R. Rae (ST, UK) and D.-U. Li (University of Strathclyde, UK)
  • Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) X-ray sensors
    A. Strum and A. Fenigstein (TowerJazz)
  • Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and charge coupled device (CCD) image sensors in high-definition TV imaging
    P. Centen (Grass Valley Nederland)
  • High-performance silicon imagers and their applications in astrophysics, medicine and other fields
    S. Nikzad (JPL, CA)

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On Semi to Acquire Aptina for $400M

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Business Wire: ON Semiconductor signes a definitive agreement to acquire Aptina Imaging. The high-performance CMOS image sensors for automotive and industrial markets are said to be the key areas of strategic focus for ON Semi. According to TSR, the worldwide demand for image sensors for automotive and industrial applications is expected to grow at annual compound rate of 16% between 2013 and 2016.

ON Semi will pay approximately $400M in cash to acquire Aptina Imaging, subject to customary adjustments at closing. The acquisition will be funded by available cash on ON Semi’s balance sheet and its existing revolver credit facility.

"The pending acquisition of Aptina enables us to accelerate our growth in the attractive automotive and industrial end-markets by leveraging Aptina’s highly differentiated imaging technologies in conjunction with our wide sales reach and strong operational capabilities," said Keith Jackson, president and CEO of ON Semiconductor. "The addition of Aptina vastly expands our scale and capabilities in image sensors and establishes us as a leader in image sensors for industrial and automotive related applications. I am excited about the possibilities that this transaction presents for both companies."

Based on unaudited results, Aptina’s revenue for last twelve months ending on May 29, 2014, was approximately $532 million with gross and operating margins of approximately 29% and 3%, respectively. ON Semiconductor currently intends to report operational results for Aptina and other image and optical sensor businesses in a separate reporting segment. The transaction has been approved by ON Semi’s and Aptina’s boards of directors and is expected to close during Q3 2014.

Update: Seeking Alpha publishes analyst's comments on the deal.

Update #2: EETimes publishes an article on ON acquisitions history and analyst responses to Aptina purchase. The article quotes Yole table of market shares in 2012, where the top 3 vendors control 58% of the $6.9B market:

Market shares in 2012,
according to Yole Developpement

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Ziptronix and EVG Achieve Sub-Micron Stacked Wafers Alignment

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EETimes: Ziptronix and EV Group (EVG) announce they have achieved submicron post-bond alignment accuracy on customer-provided 300mm DRAM wafers using Ziptronix's DBI Hybrid Bonding technology on an EVG Gemini FB production fusion bonder and SmartViewNT bond aligner. This approach can be used to manufacture fine-pitch 3D ICs for a variety of applications including advanced stacked image sensors.

Ziptronix Direct Bond Interconnect (DBI) Hybrid Bonding is a conductor/dielectric bonding technology that includes a variety of metal/oxide and/or nitride combinations, does not use adhesives and allows for strong, room temperature dielectric bonding, low temperature conductive bonding and finer-pitch interconnect over Cu/Cu or other metal bonding because the bond occurs between both the dielectric and the conductive surfaces, which effectively bonds the entire substrate interface area. DBI Hybrid Bonding can be used at the die or wafer level; however, wafer-level bonding enables a great cost benefit by bonding all the dice at once.

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Truesense Acquisition Story

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Rochester Business Journal publishes a story on Truesense acquisition by ON Semi. Few quotes:

"Eight prospective buyers emerged to purchase Truesense, touring the company’s facilities and evaluating its online data box, said Christopher McNiffe, previous CEO of Truesense Imaging and current vice president of the image sensor business unit of ON Semiconductor... Roughly 300 people now report to McNiffe, including 50 people who work near Brussels, Belgium, a dozen in Bangalore, India, and 10 in Santa Clara, Calif."

"Under ON Semiconductor’s watch, Truesense Imaging is expected to grow, officials say."

"I see the real power of this acquisition being we have the best of both worlds," McNiffe said. "So now we can go in to a customer and we can say: ‘Here’s a broad portfolio of high-performance image sensors. Which one of these is the best fit for what you’re trying to do?’ That’s something that no one else in our industry is able to do right now."

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Sony Semiconductor Business Update

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Sony releases a flyer updating its semiconductor business data, with image sensors shown separately. Most of the data was already published in the 2013 Annual Report.

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TowerJazz and Genoray Announce 100um Pixel X-Ray Sensor

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Business Wire: TowerJazz and Genoray announces a successful development of a CIS for medical diagnostic devices such as X-ray equipment, fluoroscopy and radiography in TowerJazz’s 0.18um CIS stitch process. The novel device which has a 100um pixel size and has a special feature to control the sensitivity of the pixel which can be applied in various types of medical equipment such as surgical C-Arms and portable X-ray machines.

This new device is a CIS detector whereas the existing market uses a silicon TFT type sensor. The advantage of CIS compared to TFT is that CIS uses active pixels so it obtains the image with less noise and helps minimize X-ray radiation exposure which is currently the biggest issue in the industry. Furthermore, Genoray’s single detector supports both CT mode and Panorama mode while the existing products in the market only support one by one (CT supports only CT mode, Panorama supports Panorama mode only). This means that by providing multi-functions through one detector, Genoray can satisfy customers who need both modes with a less expensive price point; a competitive advantage of this product.

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Mantis Vision’s Structured Light 3D Camera Used in Google’s Project Tango Tablets

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Marketwired: Mantis Vision confirms that its MV4D 3D camera is used in Google's Project Tango tablet. Mantis Vision camera consists of flash projector hardware components and includes structured light-based depth sensing algorithms. "3D represents a major paradigm shift for mobile. We haven't seen a change this significant since the introduction of the camera-phone. MV4D allows developers to deliver 3D-enabled mobile devices and capabilities to the world," said Amihai Loven, CEO, Mantis Vision. "This partnership with Google offers Mantis Vision the flexibility to expand quickly and strategically. It will fuel adoption and engagement directly with consumer audiences worldwide. Together, we are bringing 3D to the masses."

"We are excited about working with partners, such as Mantis Vision, as we push forward the hardware and software technologies for 3D sensing and motion tracking on mobile devices," said Johnny Lee, Technical Product Lead at Google.

A Youtube video demos the company's technology:



In another video Mantis CEO discusses his future vision:



Yet another Youtube video by Google introduces Project Tango tablet with Mantis camera inside:

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Google Announces PMD as a Project Tango Partner

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Google’s ATAP group (Advanced Technology and Projects group, a former part of Motorola Mobility) announces, that PMD is one of the technology partners in Project Tango integrating a 3D camera in a smartphone and tablet form factors. The 3D ToF image sensor belongs to IRS 10x0C chip family developed by PMD in collaboration with Infineon and featuring PMD's Suppression of Background Illumination (SBI) to improves the sensor chip’s DR for indoor and especially for outdoor operations. PMD 3D camera comes in place of Primesense one used in the early version of the project.

GigaOm reports that Google Tango tablet becomes available to developers later this month and costs $1,024.

Thanks to JZ for the news!

Google video talks about the Tango platform uses:

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LinX Imaging Announces Array Camera for Mobile Applications

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Business Wire: "The image quality of mobile cameras has reached a dead end. Device makers are striving to differentiate using imaging capabilities but the pixel size race has ended and next generation cameras do not reveal any dramatic improvements," says LinX Computational Imaging Ltd.. The company reports that it has successfully developed miniature multi-aperture cameras for mobile devices with nearly half the height of a standard mobile camera and are capable of creating stunning color images and high accuracy depth maps. The engineers at LinX have solved all problems associated with combining multiple images captured from different points in space such as registration errors and occlusion related artifacts which are seen on competing technologies, so that LinX cameras are artifact-free, even when objects appear at very short range.

LinX software also creates a true depth information on high contrast objects and on near flat surfaces, such as walls, which are traditionally considered difficult for passive stereo systems. With its partners, LinX has developed a variety of products ranging from arrays of two, three, and four cameras in various configurations and sizes, some with autofocus and others without. The technology is said to be ready for integration into the current generation mobile devices:


LinX technology is said to have many advantages over traditional mobile photography:

  • A larger sensor requires a longer lens. Therefore, by replacing one large sensor with two or more smaller ones, we reduced the height of our device by a factor of 1.4 to 2
  • Sensitivity to light increases by a factor of 3 by using a monochrome sensor
  • Noise levels are dramatically lower
  • The effective array camera resolution is similar to the single aperture camera in high light
  • Performance and image quality in low light are extraordinary
  • Allowing a fast exposure at indoor standard lighting conditions of 100-200 lux which assures crisp images free from motion blur
  • The multi-aperture camera creates a real-time, high-quality distance map

30-page LinX technology presentation shows many comparison pictures with iPhone 5s and Galaxy s4 cameras, many of them in low light:

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Ambarella Reports Quarterly Results

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GlobeNewswire: Ambarella reports that revenue for its fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2014 was $40.9M, up 21% from $33.9M a year ago. GAAP gross margin was 62.5%, compared with 63.9% for the same period a year ago. GAAP net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was $5.3M, compared $4.7M a year ago.

"We are very pleased with the financial results of our first fiscal quarter of 2015," said Fermi Wang, president and CEO. "During the first quarter we achieved revenue of $40.9 million, up 21% from the same period last year, driven by continued growth in our IP security camera business. We believe the expanding markets for innovative, high definition professional and consumer cameras will continue to give us the opportunity to grow our revenues in the year ahead."

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Apple Applies for Li-Fi-Optimized Image Sensor Patent

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Apple patent application US20140125852 "Optical demodulation using an image sensor" by Richard Baer, Michael Malone, Ting Chen, and David Amnon Silverstein proposes two-mode image sensor. The first mode is a regular image capture, while the second one is optimized for the lighting LED-based data communication (Li-Fi). In Li-Fi mode, "the integration interval for the image sensor is set to less than two row periods, preferably close to one row period, without regard to the exposure data if the data capture mode is selected.

An analog gain may be increased to as large a value as possible in data capture mode. All pixels in a row may be summed before analog to digital conversion in data capture mode. An image sensor frame period may be set according to a signaling frame period of an illumination modulation data transmission in data capture mode.

The controller may further causes data to be inverted from frame to frame and decoding of the difference of two successive frames if the data capture mode is selected. The controller may further causes defocusing of an optical system that forms an image on the image sensor if the data capture mode is selected.
"

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Rumor: ST Supplies SPAD-based ToF Autofocus for LG G3 Smartphone

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The newly announced LG G3 smartphone features an intriguing piece "Laser Auto Focus measures the distance to the subject using laser technology. Laser Auto Focus allows for improved focusing speed and object detection in low-light situations." I was told that this AF utilizes STM's SPAD-based ToF range finder. A similar SPAD device is also used in a low-end Bosch laser distance measurer PLR15.

If true, the SPAD ToF technology finds its way to more and more mass market devices: first to ST proximity sensor, then to Bosch distance meter, and now to LG G3 flagship smartphone.

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Omnivision Launches Industry’s Lowest Power 1080p60 Sensor

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PR Newswire: OmniVision announces the OV2740, an ultra-low power PureCel image sensor consuming only 90mW when recording 1080p HD video at 60fps. The OV2740 is said to be the lowest power 1080p60 image sensor currently on the market. Built on a 1.4um BSI pixel, the OV2740 PureCel image sensor achieves a 50% improvement in FWC and a 30% improvement in sensitivity over the previous generation OmniVision sensors. The OV2740 features staggered HDR mode with minimized motion artifacts.

The OV2740 is the only 1080p HD image sensor announced to date that features light-sensing mode (LSM) and ultra-low power mode (ULPM), enabling advanced features such as motion detection or gesture control. Additionally, the sensor is stereo ready with frame synchronization to support a host of depth perception applications.

The OV2740 fits into a 5 x 5 x 3 mm module. It is currently sampling and is expected to enter volume production in Q3 2014.

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Nikon P600 review – is 60x long enough?

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The Nikon COOLPIX P600 is a DSLR-styled superzoom with a massive 60x optical range, equivalent to 24-1440mm. It also sports a fold-out 3in screen, electronic viewfinder and Wifi which allows connection to a smartphone for transferring images and remote controle. The bridge superzoom market is a crowded place with plenty of choice from all the major manufacturers and purely on the grounds of zoom range, the COOLPIX P600 is a front runner. Size is important, but it's not the only thing that matters, so I tested the P600 against Sony's Cyber-shot HX400V which has a slightly shorter 50x optical zoom but a host of other compelling features. Find out which provides the best balance in my Nikon COOLPIX 600 review!

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Congnivue Image Cognition Processor Targets Low Power Devices

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PRWeb: CogniVue announced the ability of its Image Cognition Processor (ICP) to support always-on vision applications like gesture recognition, face and eye detection in low power smart wearable devices at power levels of ~1mA, enabling vision apps to run for many days as opposed to hours. CogniVue’s APEXTM ICP are said to be better than 100x performance per power vs conventional processing architectures for embedded vision applications. That significant performance per power advantage is paying off in the rapidly accelerating market of smart wearable devices. This advantage will grow as next-generation APEX cores are announced by CogniVue later in 2014.

One of Cognivue customers, NeoLAB Convergence went to production with the Neo 1 smart pen, said to be the smallest and longest lasting smart pen in the market. The pen uses CogniVue 1st generation APEX-based technology and an image sensor both operating at 120fps to render hand writing and hand drawings in real time to a smart phone or tablet or server wirelessly with no perceived delay. It does this at very low power levels, enabling this battery-powered device to last for weeks on a charge. NeoLAB engineers dramatically increased battery life compared to the competition and they were able to go from design start to prototype in as a little as 6 months using CogniVue’s comprehensive software development kit.

A Vimeo video presents the company positioning and technology:

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LFoundry Rousset Fab Might Return to Life as Thin-Film Vision Sensor Facility

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EETimes-Europe, EETimes report that the Commercial Court of Paris, France is considering 12 bids for the bankrupted LFoundry wafer fab in Rousset and its assets; one from General Vision Inc. and 11 others from brokers who wish to acquire the fab equipment and sell it on.

General Vision (Petaluma, CA) is a US company led by expatriate French expects in computer vision and neuromorphic computing and which includes Philippe Lambinet, formerly a corporate strategy officer at STMicroelectronics NV and general manager of ST's digital sector. General Vision is proposing to use the Rousset fab to manufacture neuromorphic chips and image sensors on glass substrates in a joint technology development with Japanese Asahi Glass, under a project call NeuroMem. The proposed chips could include a million neurons in a system that would function like the human visual system and recognize objects in visual inspection and robotic applications. General Vision has presented its plan to former employees at Rousset and said that if the liquidator accepts its proposal that it would need 120 employees by the end of 2014. Over the time General Vision hopes to expand its neuromorphic products manufacturing and return the site to the levels of employment when it was shuttered.

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Stereo 3D Platforms

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There are two almost simultaneous announcements of the stereo 3D camera platforms. One is Erton's Eagle Eyes 3D depth mapping platform based on eSP870 3D Depth-Map Camera Controller announced a year ago. Etron compares it with other depth sensing approaches:


Another 3D depth mapping announcement comes from Duo3D presenting AudioSight - a software-based solution turning stereo camera into a depth mapping device. The company's Youtube video demos the software capabilities:

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Omnivision Reports Quarterly and Yearly Results

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PR Newswire: OmniVision reports financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 that ended on April 30, 2014. Revenues for the quarter were $331.0M, as compared to $352.0M in the previous quarter, and $336.2M a year ago. GAAP net income in the last quarter was $15.1 million, as compared to net income of $30.6M in the previous quarter, and $8.9M a year ago.

Revenues for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2014 were $1.5B, as compared to $1.4B in fiscal 2013. GAAP net income for fiscal 2014 was $95.0M, as compared to income of $42.9M a year ago.

GAAP gross margin for the last quarter was 20.1%, as compared to 19.6% in the previous quarter and 17.5%a year ago. The increase in gross margin was primarily attributable to the introduction of newer and lower cost products into our shipment mix.

The Company ended the period with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $450.9M, an increase of $57.9M from the previous quarter.

"We are pleased to conclude our fiscal 2014 on a high note. Our financial metrics have continued to improve, with better gross margin, higher cash balance, and lower inventories. We have made meaningful progress on multiple fronts, including the diversification of our revenues into multiple geographies, especially in Asia, and the strong growth in our emerging automotive and security markets," said Shaw Hong, CEO of OmniVision. "We are also working on new technologies and applications in our core and emerging markets that have the potential to substantially enhance our market position over the longer term."

The company expects revenues for the next quarter will be in the range of $360M to $400M.

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Leap Motion Improves its Software

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Leap Motion announces V2 of its hand gesture recognition software. The new software now tracks the actual joints and bones inside each of the user’s fingers, up to 27 dimensions per hand. The company's Youtube video demos the V2 capabilities:

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Toshiba Announces New Image Recognition Processor

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Business Wire: Toshiba expands its line-up of image recognition processors in the TMPV750 (Visconti) series with the launch of TMPV7502XBG, a small package (11mm × 11mm) and low power consumption (Typ. 0.6W) processor for small-size camera modules. Sample shipments start now, with mass production scheduled to start in November, 2014.

The new product can be applied to driver assistance systems that recognize vehicles and pedestrians in images captured by a vehicle’s rear view monitor and electronic mirror. It can also handle intelligent camera functions in diverse Smart Community related applications, including alarm systems using surveillance cameras on roads and at intersections, and image-based air-conditioning and lighting management systems in buildings.

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Calls for Image Sensor Papers

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CNES, AIRBUS DEFENCE&SPACE, THALES ALENIA SPACE, SODERN and ISAE announce a workshop focused on image sensors optical interfaces, which will be held in Toulouse on November 27, 2014 as a part of the Optics & Optoelectronics Technical Expertise Centers (CCT). The workshop is coupled with “Radiation Effects on Optoelectronic Detectors” workshop which will be held
the November 26. The two workshops will share the poster session and the cocktail.

Papers are solicited in the following areas:

Quantum efficiency/reflectivity improvement:
  • Backside Illumination (Back side surface treatment, …)
  • Wafer thinning
  • Microlenses (inside process flow or back end process)
  • Wave guides
  • Anti-reflective coatings
  • Black coatings
Spectral range/polarization selectivity:
  • Filters (colours, multiple nodes…)
  • Polarizers
  • Plasmonic wave guide
  • Integrated optical systems (Fabry Pérot…)
Basic Mechanisms of Radiation Effects on Optoelectronic Detectors:
  • Single Event Effects
  • Displacement Damage Effects
Radiation Effects on Optoelectronic Detectors Performances:
  • Ground Irradiation Tests
  • In-flight Results
  • Impact of Performance Drift on Satellite Performances
Radiation Test Methodology and Facilities:
  • Test Guidelines, Qualification Plan
  • Radiations Facilities
  • Characterization Procedures
Radiation Tolerances of Optoelectronic Detectors:
  • Mitigation Techniques
  • Radiation Hardened Design and Technology
  • Specific Operation Modes

Schedule:
October 3rd: Dead line for abstract submission
October 31st: Paper selection
November 3rd: Final programme
November 21st: Deadline for registration
November 26-27: Workshops

Organization committee:
Cédric VIRMONTOIS
Jacques LOESEL
CNES
Olivier SAINT-PE Airbus Defence and Space
Christophe RENARD Thalès Alenia Space
Vincent GOIFFON ISAE
Dominique HERVE SODERN

IEDM too announces a call for papers. This year a special focus session will be devoted to "Novel Devices for Specialty Imaging Applications." The deadline for submissions is June 23.

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NHK Shows 133MP 8K Video Sensor

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Tech in Asia got an early look at NHK open house exhibition, scheduled to open on May 29. One of the achievements is 133MP image sensor for 8K video cameras:


NHK also schedules a special lecture on bright future for 8K cameras for endoscopic applications.

Update: NHK publishes a flyer of the new sensor, showing its Bayer CFA:


Update #2: Gigazine publishes NHK poster saying that the sensor's speed is 60fps at 12b ADC resolution:


imager.no-mania.com speculates that the sensor is designed by Forza.

Update #3: NikkeiBP posts explanations on how 133MP resolution is used. The reason for the increased resolution is that 33MP needs to be maintained in each of RGB channels.

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Aptina Buys CFA Manufacturing Assets from Micron

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Business Wire: Aptina is to acquire CFA processing and probe imaging assets from Micron. In addition, Aptina will lease from Micron the Nampa, Idaho fabrication facility known as Fab 9D where the CFA processing is located. The purchase is expected to close in Q3 2014.

"Our growing revenues and strong financial position have enabled Aptina to purchase these assets and add great people which gives us a strategic advantage in the marketplace," said Phil Carmack, CEO of Aptina. "Our ability to tightly integrate the entire R&D cycle accelerates innovation and enables us to uniquely support our customers."

"The operating advantages of this deal will flow directly to the bottom line," said Tony Alvarez, Chief Operating Officer of Aptina. "The ability to innovate, such as we have done with Aptina Clarity+ technology, and customize CFA will drive growth opportunities in all of our market segments including automotive, mobile and surveillance."

Aptina's blog also publishes Q&A session with Tony Alvarez, COO, Jeff Mendiola, VP of Operations, and Terry Gilton, VP of Advanced Technology, with more details on the acquisition:

Question: Could you share an example where these capabilities help Aptina innovate?
Terry: The best example of Aptina’s prowess in the pixel optical stack development is (Aptina) Clarity+ technology. We would have not succeeded with this program without being very closely involved in the CFA process development and materials evaluations. For the future there are some very unique ideas that we can realize quickly with the CFA/ML teams like super small pixels, new color/material combinations, uniformity improvements and a few others that we don’t want anyone to know about yet!

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Sony A5000 review – the best budget DSLR is mirrorless!

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The Alpha A5000 is an entry-level mirrorless camera that's aimed at anyone upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera or a smartphone. It goes head-to head with entry-level DSLRs, sporting a similarly-sized sensor and the chance to swap lenses, but unlike most DSLRs at this price point, adds an articulated screen for easy self-portraits and built-in Wifi that supports wireless image transfer, smartphone remote control and downloadable apps. As a mirrorless camera, the A5000 is also a lot smaller and lighter than a DSLR. So is this now your best bet if you're buying your first interchangeable lens camera? Find out in my Sony Alpha A5000 review!

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Sony Announces 20.48MP/22fps CMOS Sensor and 1.45MP/45fps CCD

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Sony announces IMX183CQJ, a 1-inch 20.48MP CMOS sensor based on 2.4um BSI pixels. It appears to be a version of the 1-inch sensor used in a number of recent Sony digital cameras and camcorders. Its full resolution speed is 22fps in 12b mode and 24fps in 10b mode:


Sony also announces two 2/3-inch 1.45MP CCDs, the ICX825ALA (black and white) and the ICX825AQA (primary color filter), for industrial applications. The CCDs feature an improved version of 6.45um EXview HAD CCD II pixel, compared below with the older version in ICX825AL and ICX825AQ CCDs:

Measured at 850nm wavelength

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Yole Webtalk on CMOS Image Sensor Market

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Yole publishes a Youtube recording of its webtalk on CMOS sensors market:



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Metaio Thermal Touch Can Create Mass Market for Thermal Cameras

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Gigaom: Munich, Germany based Metaio presents an interface concept based on minute temperature changes caused by a finger touch. A Youtube video shows the concept:

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