Image Sensor “Pixel Race” Restarted!
Image Sensor Pixel Race has restarted. The image sensor pixel are getting smaller and the camera resolution are getting higher. Even though most of the user won’t take super high resolution images, there are benefits such as zoom and additional image processing. Here are some news updates:
- Samsung 5G 8nm Exynos 980 Supports 108MP Camera (Korea on September 4, 2019): With multi-mode capabilities and sub-6GHz speed at up to 2.55Gbps, the Exynos 980 will help bring 5G connectivity to more mobile devices. The mobile processor supports up to 108MP camera: “For advanced photography, the Exynos 980 delivers compelling camera performances with resolution support for up to 108-megapixels (Mp). The advanced image signal processor (ISP) supports up to five individual sensors and is able to process three concurrently for richer multi-camera experiences. Along with the NPU, the AI-powered camera is able to detect and understand scenes or objects, according to which the camera will then make optimal adjustments to its settings. For an immersive multimedia experience, the Exynos 980’s multi-format codec (MFC) supports encoding and decoding of 4K UHD video at 120 frames per second (fps). HDR10+ support with dynamic mapping also offers more detailed and illuminant colors in video content.” https://youtu.be/hsNEjFaYcXk
2. DNN + Compressive Sensing Promises to Increase Video Resolution to 100Gpixel (Xuefei Yan, David J. Brady, Jianqiang Wang, Chao Huang, Zian Li, Songsong Yan, Di Liu, Zhan Ma, Submitted on 28 Aug 2019) Axiv.org paper “Compressive Sampling for Array Cameras” Camputer (?) Laboratory says:
“In the 75 year transition from standard definition to 8K, the pixel capacity of video has increased by a factor of 100. Over the same time period, the computer was invented and the processing, communications and storage capacities of digital systems improved by 6–8 orders of magnitude. The failure of video resolution to develop a rate comparable to other information technologies may be attributed to the physical challenge of creating lenses and sensors capable of capturing more than 10 megapixels. Recently, however, parallel and multiscale optical and electronic designs have enabled video capture with resolution in the range of 0.1–10 gigapixels per frame. At 10 to 100 gigapixels, video capacity will have increased by a factor comparable to improvements in other information technologies.”
3. OmniVision Announces Image Sensor With Industry’s Smallest BSI Global Shutter Pixel. PRNewswire( OmniVision Technologies, Inc. Sep 03, 2019, 09:00 ET) First BSI Global Shutter Sensor With Nyxel® Technology Combines 2.2 micron Pixel With Superior Near-Infrared Performance for Sharp, Accurate Images in Consumer and Industrial Applications. The new OG01A sensor combines PureCel Plus-S pixel and Nyxel NIR technology to achieve QE of 40% at 940nm and 60% at 850nm. “The OG01A has the industry’s smallest global shutter pixel and provides the best NIR performance in a GS sensor,” said Devang Patel, senior staff marketing manager for the security and emerging segments at OmniVision. “There is a growing need for global shutter technology to accurately capture images of moving objects, along with excellent NIR performance and small size, in camera applications such as AR/VR headsets, drones, robots and smartphones. The OG01A delivers the industry’s best combination of features for these applications.”
