BusinessWire: InVisage launches the Spark4K NIR camera sensor. A 1.1um pixel, 13MP sensor in a 1/3-inch module, Spark4K is said to feature the world’s highest NIR resolution and 4K video at 30 fps, targeting augmented reality, autonomous, and authentication systems that require high-resolution, high dynamic range NIR imaging with global shutter capability.
Spark4K leverages the QuantumFilm technology platform’s combination of higher sensitivity with electronic global shutter to minimize power consumption while overcoming the glare of ambient infrared in sunlight. The photosensitivity of NIR-optimized QuantumFilm is sad to be 5x higher than conventional silicon at 940nm wavelength, allowing the Spark4K pixel to deliver 35% quantum efficiency. Spark4K can accurately detect a brighter but shorter LED pulse that instantaneously outshines ambient infrared light to help devices navigate and learn about their environments more accurately in pitch darkness or in direct sunlight. In addition, by pulsing the LED in sync with Spark4K’s global shutter, systems reduce battery consumption dramatically, enabling more compact, lighter weight product designs. The applications include drones, self-driving vehicles, and augmented reality devices that will benefit from Spark4K’s extended range and power savings.
“After the recent launch of our 2-megapixel NIR sensor SparkP2, we’re excited to expand our IR product portfolio with a higher resolution infrared camera sensor,” said Jess Lee, InVisage President and CEO. “As machine vision enters the mass consumer market of phones, drones, cars and AR headsets, the demands are clear. Small-footprint, high-resolution infrared cameras that perform invisibly indoors and outdoors are a must. By pairing higher sensitivity with a short pulse 940-nanometer source, our Spark products easily save 50 times on power compared to a conventional camera while overpowering sun irradiance.”
InVisage’s Spark line of NIR cameras is optimized for depth sensing, 3-D mapping, compositional analysis, authentication, and gesture tracking. Spark4K also features dynamic pixel sizing for lower resolution, high sensitivity security applications. Light captured from adjacent 1.1um pixels can be combined to maximize sensitivity and readout speed according to the demands of a specific application. In practice, this allows for an optional 3MP sensor mode with four times greater sensitivity in low light or long-range scenarios.
Spark4K is sampling in June 2016 with mass production scheduled by Q4 2016.
wow... I didn't think they would pull off a product at all. Definitely kudos to them.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for it though. :-/
DeleteI would be interested to know the MTF and noise.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the resolution limit of real world lenses with 940 nm light, it makes no sense to have pixels smaller than about 1.5 micron in size. So, its an interesting device, but they should have just made it with fewer, larger, pixels.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it obvious? This was probably intended for VIS applications, but due to performance issues the QD material was changed out for NIR application. Sort of a pivot based on existing design. Just a conjecture on my part of course.
DeleteIf we continue the best guess game,
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of perf issue for VIS apps?
Non-lnearity? Noise? Crosstalk?
Looking at the video they shown with the RGB version, the color seems a bit strange isn't it?