EETimes: The U.S. Department of Transportation proposal calls for all new motor vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds sold in the United States to incorporate backup cameras by Sept. 1, 2014. The mandate will cause sales of new cars with rear-view park assist cameras in the country to quadruple, according to iSuppli, now part of IHS Inc.
iSuppli now projects that from 2011 through 2017, 71.2 million new cars in the United States will be sold with rear-view cameras for park assistance. The pre-mandate forecast predicted only 19.1 million for the same period.
With the U.S. market beginning to accelerate dramatically in 2012, sales will rise 119.9 percent to 2.8 million units, up from 1.3 million units in 2011. Sales then will increase by 117.4 percent in 2013 to reach 5.98 million, and will climb another 91.1 percent in 2014 to hit 11.4 million. By 2017, a total of 17.1 million cars, representing the entire estimated new-vehicle fleet, will be sold with rear-view cameras in the United States.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Aptina Announces Native 1080p60 HD Video Sensor
Business Wire: Aptina introduced its new 1/3-inch native 1080p60 HD video sensor with support for electronic image stabilization (EIS). The sensor can support all HD video modes (1080p60, 1080p30 and 720p60) without losing field of view.
Leveraging a new 2.2um pixel design and Aptina's A-Pix technology, the new AR0330 is claimed to deliver excellent low-light performance, color and video quality. With its 3x3 on-sensor binning mode, the AR0330 also supports WVGA with high-speed capture options at 120fps and 240fps. In addition to high-end digital video performance, the AR0330 makes it possible to capture a 3.2MP still image due to its multi-aspect ratio format.
The AR0330 supports multiple serial interface options, including four-lane HiSPi and four-lane MIPI.
"We are thrilled by early responses from our customers, which we feel, confirm our belief that this is the best 2.2-micron pixel sensor they have ever seen", said Sandor Barna, Vice President and General Manager of Aptina’s consumer camera business unit.
The AR0330 is offered in a ceramic LCC package, a new small form factor CSP package, or in bare die for module integrators. The Aptina AR0330 is currently sampling with mass production expected in Q2 CY2011.
Update: Aptina posted Youtube video comparison of its new AR0330 sensor paired with Ambarella A7 processor vs high-end camcorder, apparently based on 6MP Sony BSI sensor:
Thanks to S.M. for sending me the video link!
Leveraging a new 2.2um pixel design and Aptina's A-Pix technology, the new AR0330 is claimed to deliver excellent low-light performance, color and video quality. With its 3x3 on-sensor binning mode, the AR0330 also supports WVGA with high-speed capture options at 120fps and 240fps. In addition to high-end digital video performance, the AR0330 makes it possible to capture a 3.2MP still image due to its multi-aspect ratio format.
The AR0330 supports multiple serial interface options, including four-lane HiSPi and four-lane MIPI.
"We are thrilled by early responses from our customers, which we feel, confirm our belief that this is the best 2.2-micron pixel sensor they have ever seen", said Sandor Barna, Vice President and General Manager of Aptina’s consumer camera business unit.
The AR0330 is offered in a ceramic LCC package, a new small form factor CSP package, or in bare die for module integrators. The Aptina AR0330 is currently sampling with mass production expected in Q2 CY2011.
Update: Aptina posted Youtube video comparison of its new AR0330 sensor paired with Ambarella A7 processor vs high-end camcorder, apparently based on 6MP Sony BSI sensor:
Thanks to S.M. for sending me the video link!
Omnivision 10MP BSI Sensor for DSC/DVC Hybrids
PR Newswire: Omnivision introduced the OV10810, a 10MP CMOS image sensor based on 1.4um OmniBSI pixel. The 1/2.5-inch OV10810 is designed to combine 10MP burst photography at 30fps with full 1080p HD video in a native 16:9 aspect ratio. The new sensor targets digital still and video camera (DSC/DVC) hybrids and high-end smart phones. It features simultaneous capture of 10MP still images while recording video in 1080p HD.
As a RAW sensor, the OV10810's integrated programmable scaler enables either 1080p or 720p HD video capture at 30 fps while maintaining full field of view (FOV). At 2.6MP resolution, the sensor operates at 60 fps with pixel binning, maintaining full FOV. At 5.3MP resolution with cropping, the OV10810 runs at 60 fps. The sensor supports up to 8-lane LVDS or MIPI interfaces for high data transfer rates.
As a RAW sensor, the OV10810's integrated programmable scaler enables either 1080p or 720p HD video capture at 30 fps while maintaining full field of view (FOV). At 2.6MP resolution, the sensor operates at 60 fps with pixel binning, maintaining full FOV. At 5.3MP resolution with cropping, the OV10810 runs at 60 fps. The sensor supports up to 8-lane LVDS or MIPI interfaces for high data transfer rates.
3D News Roundup: Softkinetic, Primesense, TI, Sony
Softkinetic has adapted its iisu ("The Interface Is You") middleware to the Intel Atom Processor CE4100 to enable its gesture recognition for a wide variety of consumer applications, including interactive television and movie channel navigation, web browsing, video conferencing and gesture-based video games.
Softkinetic also announced a collaboration with TransGaming to bring gesture-based video games to TransGaming’s on-demand gaming platform, GameTree TV.
Meanwhile Primesense presented its new hardware partners at CES 2011. Other than the previously announced ASUS, they are:
TI newly announced OMAP 4440 smartphone platform supports 1080p stereoscopic 3D imaging (S3D), and gesture recognition. The new OMAP works with two 12MP cameras in parallel to deliver high stereoscopic resolution photography, almost the same resolution as with 2D photography (it supports 20MP in single camera mode). "As [previous generation] OMAP4430 processor-based products hit the market in first half 2011, we're arming our customers with a huge performance boost via an easy migration to OMAP4440 processor for their next wave of exciting devices,", said Remi El-Ouazzane, vice president, OMAP platform business unit.
The OMAP4440 applications processor will sample in first quarter 2011, with production expected by the second half of 2011.
CNW: On the product side, Sony follows Panasonic steps with a year delay announcing two stereo camcorders: a high-end HDR-TD10E with two BSI sensors providing 1080x1920 x2 resolution, and a low-end MHS-FS3 Bloggie, also based on two sensors.
But the most interesting announcement is 3D Still Image mode in the new DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX9 and DSC-WX7 compact digital still cameras using just one lens and one imager. The cameras take two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths, and then they create left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. There is also The 3D Sweep Panorama feature producing panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create 3D panoramas.
Update: PC Magazine: iRobot AVA platform is using Primesense sensors too.
PR Newswire: JVC announced GS-TD1 two lenses/two sensors stereo camcorder, quite similar to Sony stereo video camera offerings.
Update #2: LA Times compares Kinect and Optrima platforms and writes that 8M Kinects have been sold in the first 60 days since its launch in November.
Update #3: Forbes has an article on Optrima, Kinect, Panasonic. Omek is providing the middleware for Panasonic D-Imager.
Update #4: Forex Yard: Primesense "is providing sensors for iRobot Corp's latest robots, including a new Roomba automatic vacuum cleaner that can actually 'see' dirt and head for it, rather than aimlessly trundling around the room." - another big market for 3D sensors.
Softkinetic also announced a collaboration with TransGaming to bring gesture-based video games to TransGaming’s on-demand gaming platform, GameTree TV.
Meanwhile Primesense presented its new hardware partners at CES 2011. Other than the previously announced ASUS, they are:
- Hisense will feature a new smart 3D LED TV series that uses PrimeSensor and middleware that enables Internet access, picture browsing, video watching, listen to music and full body interaction through gesture control.
- Haier will show Haier’s multi-touch TV with smart network features, such as gesture control and network content sharing, using PrimeSense full body recognition and 3D sensing technology to control all kinds of smart terminals in the home.
- TCL will demonstrate the PrimeSense sensor and user interface for gesture control for TCL Television.
- Lenovo will showcase its multimedia centre that uses the PrimeSense 3D sensor and middleware for gesture interaction/control.
- Intel and Orange Vallee, a subsidiary of Orange/France Telecom, will demonstrate the Intel Atom CE4100 media processor based consumer electronics platform with Orange Vallee framework and applications that utilize PrimeSense solutions on a set top box environment.
TI newly announced OMAP 4440 smartphone platform supports 1080p stereoscopic 3D imaging (S3D), and gesture recognition. The new OMAP works with two 12MP cameras in parallel to deliver high stereoscopic resolution photography, almost the same resolution as with 2D photography (it supports 20MP in single camera mode). "As [previous generation] OMAP4430 processor-based products hit the market in first half 2011, we're arming our customers with a huge performance boost via an easy migration to OMAP4440 processor for their next wave of exciting devices,", said Remi El-Ouazzane, vice president, OMAP platform business unit.
The OMAP4440 applications processor will sample in first quarter 2011, with production expected by the second half of 2011.
CNW: On the product side, Sony follows Panasonic steps with a year delay announcing two stereo camcorders: a high-end HDR-TD10E with two BSI sensors providing 1080x1920 x2 resolution, and a low-end MHS-FS3 Bloggie, also based on two sensors.
But the most interesting announcement is 3D Still Image mode in the new DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX9 and DSC-WX7 compact digital still cameras using just one lens and one imager. The cameras take two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths, and then they create left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. There is also The 3D Sweep Panorama feature producing panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create 3D panoramas.
Update: PC Magazine: iRobot AVA platform is using Primesense sensors too.
PR Newswire: JVC announced GS-TD1 two lenses/two sensors stereo camcorder, quite similar to Sony stereo video camera offerings.
Update #2: LA Times compares Kinect and Optrima platforms and writes that 8M Kinects have been sold in the first 60 days since its launch in November.
Update #3: Forbes has an article on Optrima, Kinect, Panasonic. Omek is providing the middleware for Panasonic D-Imager.
Update #4: Forex Yard: Primesense "is providing sensors for iRobot Corp's latest robots, including a new Roomba automatic vacuum cleaner that can actually 'see' dirt and head for it, rather than aimlessly trundling around the room." - another big market for 3D sensors.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Canon, Samsung Announce Camcorder Sensors
Business Wire: Samsung announces a camcorder with 5MP 1/4.1-inch BSI CMOS sensor "which records with twice the sensitivity of normal CMOS sensors, dramatically reducing noise and distortion while also enhancing recording quality in low-light conditions, so great quality video can be captured in any situation".
The sensor appears to belong to 1.4um pixel-based S5K4E family, such as S5K4E5 presented in this Youtube video:
Business Wire: Canon unveils its HD CMOS Pro 1/3-inch sensor intended for consumer camcorders. The sensor has native 1080p resolution as it allows 61% larger pixels with 280% improvement in DR and 25% improvement in low light sensitivity over the company's previous generation of camcorder sensors:
The sensor appears to belong to 1.4um pixel-based S5K4E family, such as S5K4E5 presented in this Youtube video:
Business Wire: Canon unveils its HD CMOS Pro 1/3-inch sensor intended for consumer camcorders. The sensor has native 1080p resolution as it allows 61% larger pixels with 280% improvement in DR and 25% improvement in low light sensitivity over the company's previous generation of camcorder sensors:
Fujifilm Unveils BSI "EXR-CMOS" Sensor
Fujifilm announces its new EXR-CMOS BSI sensor technology, embedded inside few of the new cameras to be presented at CES 2011. "Our award-winning EXR sensor technology has been taken to a new level with the EXR-CMOS sensor, providing extremely sharp and clear images in all lighting conditions while offering high speed functions so consumers will never miss a shot with these cameras.” says Greg Poole, vice president Imaging Division, FUJIFILM Canada.
The 1/2-inch 16MP sensor delivers 11fps at 8MP or 8fps at full resolution (dpreview, Fujifilm). Not much more is known about the sensor at this stage.
The 1/2-inch 16MP sensor delivers 11fps at 8MP or 8fps at full resolution (dpreview, Fujifilm). Not much more is known about the sensor at this stage.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Hynix to Start Mass Production of 1.4um Pixels in Q2 2011
The new Hynix CIS catalog dated Q1 2011 says that its first 1.4um pixel-based product, 3MP YACE5A1S SoC, is scheduled to start mass production in Q2 2011. The second 1.4um product, 5MP YACF4B1C raw sensor, is to go into production in Q3'11.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Primesense Teams Up with Asus on PC-based Gesture Control
Business Wire: PrimeSense announced that its Immersive Natural Interaction solutions will be embedded in WAVI Xtion, a next generation user interface device developed by ASUS for PC-based media centers. WAVI Xtion is scheduled to be commercially available during Q2 2011 and released worldwide in phases.
In addition, ASUS also adopts PrimeSense solutions to introduce the world’s first PC-exclusive 3D sensing professional development solution, Xtion PRO, for software developers to easily create their own gesture-based applications and software. Xtion PRO is scheduled to be commercially available in February 2011.
PrimeSense and ASUS are also working together to promote and support the OpenNI developer community with developer kits.
In addition, ASUS also adopts PrimeSense solutions to introduce the world’s first PC-exclusive 3D sensing professional development solution, Xtion PRO, for software developers to easily create their own gesture-based applications and software. Xtion PRO is scheduled to be commercially available in February 2011.
PrimeSense and ASUS are also working together to promote and support the OpenNI developer community with developer kits.
Toshiba New Division Focuses on Image Sensors
Toshiba announced a series of measures to transform its System LSI business, with the goal of boosting profitability by switching to fabless and fablite models, effective on January 1, 2011. The main focus has been on promoting analog ICs, CMOS image sensors and digital SoCs, discontinuing unprofitable products, and restructuring the back-end process through consolidation and increasing overseas production ratio.
The System LSI division will be reorganized into two: the Logic LSI Division, and the Analog and Imaging IC Division. The Analog and Imaging IC Division will concentrate on analog ICs and imaging ICs, particularly CMOS image sensors, and use existing production lines at Oita Operations, including 300mm wafer lines, and Iwate Toshiba Electronics Co., Ltd.
The System LSI division will be reorganized into two: the Logic LSI Division, and the Analog and Imaging IC Division. The Analog and Imaging IC Division will concentrate on analog ICs and imaging ICs, particularly CMOS image sensors, and use existing production lines at Oita Operations, including 300mm wafer lines, and Iwate Toshiba Electronics Co., Ltd.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Nokia N8 Uses Toshiba Sensor
In October I missed Chipworks N8 reverse engineering report revealing that the Nokia's best camera phone uses 12MP 1.75um-pixel sensor from Toshiba (no surprises). The sensor die has HES7 mark on it:
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