OmniVision Technologies has just announced a new image sensor. The latest launch is the OV32C 32 megapixel sensor, which is its first RGBC sensor, that is also built specifically for front facing cameras in smartphones.
The OV32C arrives in a compact 1/3.2 inch optical format, which the company states is the “ideal performance/size ratio for next generation front facing mobile phone selfie cameras.” It arrives with built in RGBC technology that lets the sensor offer the best image quality in varying lighting situations. Notably, the OV32C’s low power nodes allows it bring “always on” to the selfie cameras on smartphones. With Always On, the sensor would offer a better user experience by using artificial intelligence (AI) processing to automatically perform various common tasks like face detection, QR code scanning, and much more.
According to Arun Jayaseelan, staff marketing manager at OmniVision, “Mobile phone users need the highest possible image quality and resolution from their cameras, but the design challenge is that there is very limited space for the front facing camera module. Our new OV32C addresses this issue by providing 1/2.8 inch pixel size performance in a compact 1/3.2 inch OF. The OV32C is our first sensor for the mobile phone market to feature RGBC―providing a 50% boost in overall sensitivity to enhance low light image quality. Additionally, we’ve reduced design complexity for OEMs with an on chip RGBC to Bayer fusion algorithm, therefore, a separate RGBC processing unit isn’t required.”
For those unaware, OmniVision is a leading develop of advanced digital imaging technologies that have been featured in many smartphone models. Now, it seeks to further boost its portfolio with an Always On Selfie camera from its first RGBC image sensor. While all of this does seem intriguing on paper, we will have to wait for real world tests to know of its capabilities. The company stated that more information will be shared during the CES 2022 event that is set between the 5th and 8th of January.
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