Aptina Announces Security Advances

Business Wire: Aptina announced MT9P006 HD-video enabled 5MP image sensor designed for surveillance IP camera market. The new 1/2.5-inch sensor is based on 2.2um Aptina A-Pix pixel. The MT9P006 delivers 720p/60fps and 1080p/30fps in a variety of lighting conditions.

“Aptina always strives for improvement within its image clarity and scene detail for surveillance camera applications. These improvements are what differentiate our solutions in the marketplace,” said David Zimpfer, VP and GM of Aptina’s surveillance business. “With the addition of the 5-megapixel MT9P006, Aptina offers a complete portfolio of image sensors and SOCs to address the needs of our surveillance customers with high performance, high resolution sensors as well as value-focused sensors.”

The MT9P006 image sensor is in production now. It is available in a 10mm x 10mm, 48-pin iLCC package.

Business Wire: Aptina and GEO Semiconductor announced the availability of a demo kit and reference design of a 180 / 360 Degree View Security Camera featuring “Zero-Blind-Spot” and “Zero-Pixel-Loss” capabilities. GEO Semiconductor’s patented eWARP technology embodied in its sxW2 IC. Using Aptina's 3.1MPixel AR0330 standard DR sensor, and the optional AR0331 HDR Sensor, this reference design enables a full HD security camera design with unique features at a very competitive price point. This demo shows the electronic Pan-Tilt-Zoom capabilities for Security Cameras as well as de-warp of very wide angle / fish-eye lenses, enabling 180 / 360 degree vision at full HD resolution (1080p60). Newly launched capabilities, such as multiple virtual cameras and “Zero-Blind-Spot” full-room view de-warp functions, are a part of this demo.

I was told that Geo is the only company that can process 180/360 degree view at 1080p60 rate with active ePTZ and offers this in a programmable form, rather than in FPGA.

Just a few days ago Geo announced that it has secured $1.6M in new financing comprised of approximately $1.3 million in equity investment from existing investors and approximately $300,000 under its convertible debt agreement. As an extension to this funding, GEO has initiated efforts to raise $10 million of Series B funding.