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CompactFlash Association developing faster specification

April 18, 2012 By

The CompactFlash Association announced development of the CFast 2.0 specification for speedier photo and video recording.

CFast 2.0 will leverage the same connector interface as CFast 1.1, released September 2008, and the SATA-3 interface (up to 600MB/sec) for higher performance, the CFA says.

Host manufacturers will be able to leverage their experience and investment in the ATA storage protocol, and media manufacturers will be able to leverage high volume solid state disk (SSD) controller technology to serve the high performance requirements of this market.

The new format will have Video Performance Guarantee capability with profiles capable of supporting digital intermediate formats such as ProResTM, DPXTM, and DNxHDTM.

CFA is targeting for the CFast2.0 specification to be available in the second half of 2012.

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poLight developing actuated lenses for mobile imaging

February 29, 2012 By

poLight says its patented proprietary technology enables the production of reflowable and wafer scale active optical components based on deformable polymers. Its “Tunable Lens” can replace traditional Voice Coil Motor technology, the company says, and will speed up the camera module’s autofocus more than 20 times, while consuming 40x less power.

poLight is developing three different actuated autofocus devices to fit in camera modules based on 1/5-inch up to 1/2.5-inch sensors, reaching 12MP resolutions.

poLight collaborated with Texas Instruments to produce in large volume the Optical MEMS part of its TLens, and is working with multi-core processor specialist Movidius to enable high-quality 3D video and photo capture with dual smartphones. “In addition to the faster AF speed, synchronizing the two cameras using the TLens dramatically improves the 3D performance compared to traditional VCM,” Movidius says, “showcasing our high quality 3D multimedia features.”

poLight is based in Horten, south of Oslo, Norway.

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Aptina A-PixHS captures 30 fps at 8MP

February 29, 2012 By

Aptina says its A-PixHS technology combines backside illumination and high-speed architecture to “enable a new class of ultra-responsive cameras with excellent low light performance and uncompromised bright light performance to capture images with zero shutter lag and suppressed rolling shutter artifacts.”

The latest imager captures full resolution at 30 frames per second. The AR0833 is an 8MP sensor in the 1/3.2-inch optical format, with 1.4-micron pixels. The sensor’s high operating speed captures HD video and 8MP stills simultaneously.

Video performance is also improved, Aptina says, by eliminating the need for cropping the scene or using common binning techniques that create image artifacts.

The AR0833 is currently sampling and will be available in mass production Q2 2012.

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Nemotek develops two-element wafer-level camera module

February 29, 2012 By

The first two-element wafer-level camera offers high resolution and low distortion in an ultra-small form factor, says Nemotek Technologie.

The manufacturer of customized cameras claims its Exiguus H12-A2 has lens distortion lower than 0.5 percent, resulting in a sharper and clearer image than a traditional one element lens, and providing better resolution than any current wafer-level offering on the market to date.

The Exiguus offers auto exposure control, auto white balance, black level calibration, noise reduction, flicker detection and avoidance, the company says. The camera also features color correction, color saturation, lens shading correction, software reset as well as chrominance control and maintains the ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

The VGA CMOS camera measures 1/10-inch. Samples are now available.

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High-density display to replace optical viewfinder?

February 3, 2012 By

The 5.4 megapixel microdisplay from MicroOLED measures just 0.61-inches diagonal, yet provides S-XGA resolution in full color — at half the power consumption of competing products the company claims.

“The current trend in replacing optics with electronics components fits excellently with our ability to produce this exceptional picture quality in miniature format,” MicroOLED says. “We are really excited by the market potential.”

The Organic Light-Emitting Display is ideal for applications demanding high picture quality, the French firm says, and “sharp images with very smooth transitional tones” such as professional camera and camcorder equipment, night vision systems and head-mounted displays used in surgery.

The ultra-compact microdisplay has a 2,560 by 2,048 pixels resolution, and a sub-pixel pitch of 4.7 by 4.7 micrometers — the highest pixel density OLED microdisplay available today, the company claims. “By doubling the pixel density of comparable products, MicroOLED has eliminated the gap between pixels. With no black matrix present, the resulting image resolution is of the highest quality.” The maximum contrast of 100,000:1 and 96 percent uniformity also play key roles in picture quality, it adds.

Founded in 2007, MicroOLED is a privately held company with headquarters, R&D and a new production facility located in Grenoble, France.

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WiFi card standard impinges Eye-Fi IP?

January 27, 2012 By

The SD Association recently added “Wireless LAN SD” to its standards — and now Eye-Fi, the company that developed and markets the eponymous WiFi-transmitting SD card, alleges the standard infringes its intellectual property.

SD Association says its standard “can transform millions of everyday consumer electronics into wireless LAN devices with portable storage and communications… Consumers will be able to transfer pictures,  videos and other content wirelessly from most existing digital cameras and digital video  cameras to web-based cloud services and between SD devices over home networks.”

Of course, that also sounds like a description of the products Eye-Fi has been marketing for years. And the company responded to the SDA’s announcement by stating in no uncertain terms “essential Eye-Fi patented technology would be violated by anyone implementing this draft specification.”

In a post on the company’s blog page, Eye-Fi CEO Yuval Koren writes, “Several years ago, Eye-Fi’s founding team realized that capturing photos or video is just the beginning, and that in an increasingly connected world, the true magic is in sharing,” Koren says. “We invested tens of millions of dollars and several years to create unique technology that lets people wirelessly transfer photos and videos directly from their camera and mobile devices.”

Furthermore, Koren states the SD Association’s announcement portrayed the draft Wireless LAN specification as an adopted new standard — which is “a flat out misrepresentation. As a matter of fact, under the SDA’s own rules, this was not possible. SDA members — and we are one — are allowed 60 days in which to respond with claims to patented intellectual property and plans around licensing that IP to the SDA. Should essential IP be presented during this process, and not offered for license, the SDA should revise the specification and begin the review cycle again. After this process, the SDA Executive Members have to vote on adopting the specification. Not only has the membership’s intellectual property disclosure window not closed, the Executive Members have also yet to vote on its adoption.”

Eye-Fi says it has disclosed its intellectual property to the SDA, “detailing multiple patents essential to the current SDA draft specification.”

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Sony improves back-illuminated CMOS sensor

January 27, 2012 By

Saying they’re aimed at future camera phones, Sony developed next-generation “stacked” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors with RGBW coding and HDR movie functions to “realizes higher image quality and superior functionality in a more compact size.”

Sony says its RGBW coding function “allows images to be captured with low noise and high picture quality even in low-light conditions,” thanks to a white pixel added to the conventional RGB array; its HDR function “allows brilliant color to be captured even in bright settings.”

The three new sensor models, with resolutions from 8 to 13 megapixel, will begin sampling in March 2012.

More information is here.

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CogniVue claims smallest low-power smart camera module

January 7, 2012 By

 

Imaging developer CogniVue claims it’s developed “the smallest and lowest power smart camera module demonstration and development platform in the market today.”

SmartVue is a programmable 1-inch cube camera designed with OmniVision’s OV7962 advanced CMOS image sensor and CogniVue’s CV2201 Image Cognition Processor. It enables “a multitude of embedded vision applications,” the company says, executing in real-time “for markets where size and power matter.”

The SmartVue reference module provides developers with a proof-of-concept design to showcase algorithms and applications early in the development cycle, accelerating time to market and reducing risk, CogniVue adds.

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Lexar develops 1000x storage card

January 7, 2012 By

The latest storage card from Lexar takes speed to a new level: the company claims it’s the industry’s first 1000x card, with a 150MB per second minimum guaranteed sustained read speed.

Also, VPG-20 specification supports means the card has been tested and guaranteed for professional video capture streams at up to 20MB per second, Lexar says, “ensuring professional-quality video at high frame rates with no dropped frames.”

The CompactFlash card is aimed at professional photographers. It will be available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities, priced at $170, $300, $530, and $900, respectively.

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Sony unveils new high-speed cards

January 7, 2012 By
Sony says its latest storage cards “give a whole new meaning to speed and performance for digital imaging enthusiasts.”

With support for the XQD specification for high-speed, high-performance digital image capture at up to 1Gbps and 125MB/s, write and read, the cards can be used in SLRs to capture up to approximately 100 frames in Raw format in continuous shooting mode, Sony says.

The XQD cards will come in 16 and 32GB capacities.

More information is here.

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DRM: five firms form ‘Next Generation Secure Memory Initiative’

December 23, 2011 By

Panasonic, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony, and Toshiba agreed to collaborate on a new content protection technology for flash memory cards such as SD Cards and various storage devices.

Under the “Next Generation Secure Memory Initiative,” the companies say, they will start preparing for licensing and promotion of HD-capable security for SD Cards and embedded memory for use in advanced consumer applications such as tablets and smartphones.

“This content protection solution will be robust enough to protect HD content,” the alliance says. “A high level of content security will be realized through the use of the initiative’s technologies, including unique ID (identification) technology for flash memory and robust copy protection based on public key infrastructure.”

The five companies say the technology will enable various HD content applications letting users enjoy HD content on a wide range of devices.

The announcement is here.

 

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Fujifilm patents hybrid organic/CMOS sensor

December 23, 2011 By

Fujifilm has earned a patent for its organic-hybrid sensor technology, reports DP Review.

Rather than silicon photodiodes as in CMOS and CCD sensors, it uses a photoelectric organic coating to convert light into electrons.

The organic layer can coat the entire sensor, making more of the surface light-sensitive, eliminating the need for microlenses and division into individual photosites.

More information is here.

 

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Double data density: Intel, Micron develop 128-gigabit flash chip

December 14, 2011 By

A terabit of data storage in a fingertip-size package: Intel and Micron say their new 128-gigabit NAND flash chip provides twice the storage capacity and performance of their previous 64Gb device, “providing customers with a more cost-effective solid-state storage solution for today’s slim, sleek product designs.”

Smaller than a fingertip, the multilevel-cell chip was created through a 20 nanometer manufacturing process, with a planar structure that allows memory cells to scale much smaller than before, and stacking as many as eight chips on top of each other. It is capable of 333 megatransfers per second,

High-definition video is one example of an application that requires high-capacity storage, the companies say, since attempting to stream this type of data can create a poor user experience.

It was developed through Intel and Micron’s joint-development venture, IM Flash Technologies, and mass production is set for the first half of 2012.

More information is here.

 

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CompactFlash guarantees video performance

December 14, 2011 By

The CompactFlash Association released its first Video Performance Guarantee profile specification for CompactFlash cards.

The VPG Profile 1 specification enables guaranteed sustained capture of video streams at up to 20MB/sec. for professional video capture.

VPG Profiles are a new kind of video stream specification that goes beyond command definitions and simple speed requirements, the association says. “VPG profiles specify the characteristics of a video stream to ensure compliant cameras and CF cards work together to meet the sophisticated requirements of professional video capture.” This includes guaranteed video capture over multiple capture files without dropping frames, enabling high quality 1080p capture at high frame rates with either under and over cranking functionality.

CompactFlash cards are currently available up to 128GB with sustained data rates over 100MB/sec. and provide the dominant flash storage solution for the new multi-mega pixel DSLR cameras and professional video cameras, the CFA claims.

The new VPG Profile specification is available for immediate download from the CompactFlash Association website here.

 

The CFA also announce the XQD specification, billed as a new high-performance memory card, based on the PCI Express specification. “The XQD format will enable further evolution of hardware and imaging applications, and widen the memory card options available to CompactFlash users such as professional photographers,” the association says.

The XQD format measures 38.5 by 29.8 by 3.8mm. It supports write speeds of 2.5Gbps today and 5Gbps in the future.

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Sharp makes thinnest phone camera with stabilization

December 2, 2011 By

“In response to the demand for portable mobile devices with ever more slender designs,” Sharp has developed what it claims is the thinnest phone camera module with image stabilization yet, measuring 5.47 mm high.

“The module also addresses the need for embedded cameras in these devices to deliver superior image quality and camera functionality,” the company adds, “including connectivity to AV equipment and personal computers.”

The optical image stabilizer uses a lens-shift system. “High-quality images can be captured in a wide variety of situations that are typically prone to blurring caused by camera shake, such as shooting under dim light conditions or shooting moving subjects,” Sharp says.

The RJ63YC100 has a 12-megapixel 1/3.2-inch CMOS sensor. It also captures 1080p HD video.

It is sampling now, with volume production set for January 2012.

More information is here.

 

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Aptina offers 8-megapixel phone sensor

December 2, 2011 By

CMOS imaging supplier Aptina Imaging says its 8-megapixel sensor with a 1.4-micron backside illuminated  pixel “produces stunning images to enable a class of Smartphone cameras capable of delivering the performance of digital still cameras.”

The AR0832E is a 1/3.2-inch optical format sensor. It captures “sharp video and crisp snapshots in a wide range of lighting environments,” Aptina claims. “Superior low light performance and uncompromised bright light operation provide the consumer with the ability to capture those important moments no matter where they happen.”

The company says it is ready “to go-to-market with leading performance, manufacturing capacity, and competitive yields.”

The AR0832E is sampling now, with high volume customer shipments expected in CYQ2 2012.

 

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Kodak sells its image sensor business

November 9, 2011 By

Kodak announced it has completed the sale of its Image Sensor Solutions (ISS) business “in a move that will sharpen Kodak’s operational focus and strengthen its financial position.”

The ISS business develops, manufactures, and markets the high performance solid state image sensor devices.

The buyer, Platinum Equity, specializes in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets.

“This is a great opportunity to acquire a business with an impressive record for delivering innovative solutions to customers around the world,” Platinum Equity says.

Financial details were not disclosed.

Kodak will have continuing access to the image sensor technology involved in this transaction for use in its own products.

Included in the sale is a 263,000 square foot facility in Eastman Business Park in Rochester, N.Y., that houses manufacturing and research facilities.

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Aptina senses 5 megapixels for surveillance

November 4, 2011 By

CMOS image sensor maker Aptina is offering surveillance camera manufacturers a new high-definition 5 megapixel image sensor.

The MT9P006 is “designed to meet the growing needs of the dynamic, quality-focused surveillance IP camera market,” the company says.

The 2.2-micron, 1/2.5-inch optical format sensor’s A-Pix pixel technology improves performance and enables the image sensor with video capture capabilities critical to the surveillance market, Aptina says, including enhanced low light sensitivity, reduced pixel noise, enhanced color fidelity, and bright light performance. “The sensor’s low light and dynamic range capabilities enable vibrant, accurate color, and detail-rich HD video capture at 720p/60fps and 1080p/30fps in a variety of lighting conditions.”

The MT9P006 image sensor is in production now.

More information is here.

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Ambarella enables low-light capture with low power consumption

October 3, 2011 By

Ambarella says its new imaging chip’s “incredibly low power consumption will not only extend battery life but inspire innovation in new camera form factors.”

The A7L system-on-chip captures 1080p HD H.264 video at 60 frames per second “for fluid motion even during fast moving sports scenes.” It can also capture up to thirty 16-megapixel still images per second.

Its multi-frame, high ISO image capture and High Dynamic Range processing ensure exceptional image quality, the company says, while lens distortion correction enables optimal results from wide angle and small form factor lenses.

It can deliver clear images even in low light conditions using 3D Motion Compensated Temporal Filtering (MCTF) and multiple exposures, Ambarella says. Night time photography is optimized using advanced flash light support with multi-frame still image processing.

The A7L includes hardware for real-time panorama sweep photography and offers a variety of video and still picture effects including: watercolor painting, drawing, miniature, pop color, and soft focus.

More information is here.

 

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Samsung serves 16-megapixel sensor for mobile

October 3, 2011 By

Samsung Electronics says it developed a 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor “designed for high-performance, advanced smartphones as well as digital still cameras and camcorders.”

The S5K2P1 is a 1/2.3-inch sensor with 1.34 micrometer backside illuminated pixels, which yield “excellent sensitivity and low-noise performances,” the company says. “The S5K2P1 also provides brighter and more vivid pictures even at night and dark indoor conditions. Introducing advanced high-resolution imagers based on BSI pixel technology supports further adoption of Samsung CMOS imagers to compact digital camera and camcorder applications.” It can capture video at an 8 megapixel resolution at 60 frames per second.

Also: for smaller phones, Samsung is making a 1.2-megapixel system-on-chip sensor, the S5K8AA.
The 1/8.2-inch sensor package fits in camera modules shorter than 3mm “for the slimmest mobile device designs,” the company says. “Raising the bar for user facing cameras, the advanced performance and high-resolution of the S5K8AA imager provides users with high-quality, vivid images for video calling on smartphones and tablet devices.”
The S5K8AA supports 30 frames per second at 720p, and 60fps at VGA resolution.

Both sensors are currently sampling to select customers.
More information is here.

 

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Photo Book printer RPI acquires Paro Group

August 29, 2011 By

Private-label photo-book printer RPI acquired Paro Group, which makes personalized consumer products in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

The combination will “make it easier for brand owners to reach consumers in new markets and geographies using a single partner known for innovation, quality and efficiency,” RPI says.

Paro Printing and Paro Books will become RPI-Paro B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seattle-based RPI.

RPI says that for 30 years, it has “pioneered the mass customization industry by leveraging our consumer insight, creative product development expertise and developing the technology to manufacturer the highest quality personalized products for our customers. As mass customization continues to grow at an exponential rate, it requires state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and processes to remain agile as customers seek innovative, customizable and affordable products to meet consumer demand.”

 

 

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Zoran processor reduces video size

August 29, 2011 By

Zoran says the enhanced video engine in its Coach 14 processor platform delivers improved detail resolution of video content while enabling a 40 percent smaller file size.

The Coach 14’s digital motion analysis technology eliminates the need for a gyro, saving manufacturing costs, while providing the best image quality video, the company says, It delivers “smooth, steady video due to its proprietary stabilization technology, a real-time compensation solution for hand shake, tilting of the camera, or moving objects.”

Zoran’s system-on-chip solutions are in “hundreds of millions of digital cameras.” The company notes a projection from Techno Systems Research that in 2013, CMOS sensors will overtake CCD sensors with 70 million CMOS sensors shipping to market versus 65 million CCDs.

More information is here.

 

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Nemotek debuts ultra-small wafer camera

August 22, 2011 By

Nemotek Technologies’ new line of Exiguus ultra small VGA wafer-level cameras measure just one-tenth of an inch deep.

The company cites the growing need for tiny cameras, specifically in the laptop, smartphone and tablet markets, which is projected to increase 120 percent in 2012.

The camera has a 60-degree diagonal field-of-view, and its glass wafer-level optics can withstand “the harshest environmental conditions,” with an operating temperature range from -40 to +80° Celsius.

The module measures 4.26mm by 4.26mm by 2.6mm

Nemotek manufactures in Morocco.

More information is here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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OmniVision develops smaller 8MP smartphone camera module

August 8, 2011 By

OmniVision Technologies claims its upcoming sensor leads the design race in the smartphone market “by enabling autofocus modules that are 20 percent slimmer than any 8-megapixel module in commercial use today.”

 

As OmniVision provides the sensor for Apple’s iPhone 4, this new sensor package is rumored to be intended for the iPhone 5, which is likely out this Fall.

The OV8850 has a 1/4-inch optical format, as compared to current 1/3.2-inch 8-megapixel modules. The sensor fits in an 8.5 by 8.5 mm autofocus camera module with a build height of 4.7 mm.

The company says its 1.1-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel architecture yields “miniaturized pixels, a 20 percent improvement in peak quantum efficiency in all color channels, a 35 percent improvement in low-light sensitivity, and a 45 percent increase in full-well capacity in an extremely compact and power efficient package.”

An integrated scaler allows the camera to maintain full field of view in 1080p HD video and preview modes and provides extra adjustable resolution for electronic image stabilization, OmniVision adds.

 

More information is here.

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Toshiba shrinks sensitive sensor

July 18, 2011 By

“As smartphones and other portable digital devices move to smaller form factors, image sensors must also shrink in size,” says Toshiba.

The company’s latest CMOS sensor has its smallest pixel size yet, just 1.12 micrometers, with enhanced sensitivity and improved imaging performance thanks to back-side illumination.

The first chip in the new line will feature a .25-inch optical format and 8-megapixel resolution.  The sensor will support video capture at up to 60 frames-per-second in both 1080p and 720p high-definition.

Samples are $15 per unit.

 

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