ISOCELL Archives - Gizmochina

Samsung unveils next-gen sensors for AR/VR headsets

Rajesh — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:57:34 +0000

Samsung has released two new sensors, the ISOCELL Vizion 63D and ISOCELL Vizion 931, that promise to enhance the experience of AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and even smartphones. Each sensor offers unique capabilities for enhanced virtual and augmented experiences and tackles different challenges in capturing images and depth data.

ISOCELL Vizion 63D

The ISOCELL Vizion 63D is a 3D ToF (Time-of-Flight) sensor with a 1/6.4-inch sensor size and 3.5µm pixels that measures depth and distance with high precision. It can capture QVGA (320×240) images at 30fps and VGA (640×480) videos.

This sensor is also a first in the industry, featuring an integrated depth-sensing ISP, eliminating the need for a separate chip and reducing power consumption by 40% compared to previous models. It boasts high light absorption and low noise thanks to its Backside Scattering Technology.

Likewise, the ISOCELL Vizion comes with two modes — flood and spot — which allow for optimizing resolution and range depending on the situation. Flood mode prioritizes resolution at shorter distances, while spot mode increases range at the expense of resolution.

ISOCELL Vizion 931

On the other hand, the ISOCELL Vizion 931 is a global shutter sensor, capturing entire scenes at once, unlike rolling shutter sensors that scan line by line and can introduce motion blur. This sensor offers 640×640 resolution and is ideal for applications like iris recognition, eye tracking, and facial/gesture detection in XR headsets.

It also boasts the highest industry quantum efficiency for its infrared light wavelength, leading to sharper images. This sensor can connect four cameras using a single wire, simplifying circuit design and saving space.

Both sensors are currently being tested by device manufacturers and are expected to be used in Samsung’s upcoming mixed-reality headset and other AR/VR devices. Their improved accuracy, efficiency, and image quality hold promise for enhancing the capabilities of these technologies.

Related:

(Via)

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Samsung signs half a billion dollar deal with Tesla for Cybertruck cameras

Sean — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 08:40:17 +0000

Samsung has just signed a deal with Tesla worth nearly half a billion dollars. This deal will have the former supply the latter with camera sensors for the latter’s upcoming electric vehicle, the Cybertruck.

The news for the latest deal between the South Korean tech giant and the American electric car maker arrives from South Korean publications (via SamMobile) that claim that Samsung’s latest camera modules will be used in Tesla’s Cybertruck. For those unaware, the Cybertruck is a futuristic-looking electric SUV designed that was first unveiled back in 2019. The prototype model from back then was equipped with an array of cameras connected to the dashboard screen, featuring a mirrorless design.

In the past, Samsung has supplied Tesla with components for its electric vehicles, with tech such as batteries. Now, the report suggests that the consumer electronics manufacturer has signed a 436 million US Dollars deal with the world’s largest EV maker for the supply of its new image sensors. Other rumors have also stated that the company will supply Tesla with its new PixCell LED headlamps as well for future EVs.

Interestingly, Samsung has also just recently announced the new ISOCELL Auto 4AC, which is built and optimized specifically for Automotive applications. In other words, this technology might be seen in the Cybertruck or even Tesla’s future EVs as well. The new ISOCELL Auto 4AC features the company’s CornerPixel solution that enhances the field of view for a safer driving experience. It comes in a 1/3.7 inch optical format with 1.2 million 3.0 micrometer (µm) pixels and can be housed in various regions of the car providing a wide angle of view.

Samsung to launch ISOCELL GN1s and ISOCELL GN3 image sensors in H2

Habeeb Onawole — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 21:41:29 +0000

Last year, Samsung announced the 50MP ISOCELL GN1 image sensor. The sensor can be found in phones such as the Vivo X50 Pro+ and the recently announced Vivo X60 Pro+. A new report says that the image sensor will be getting two successors by the second half of the year.

The source of the info is the Chinese leaker, Digital Chat Station, and according to him, Samsung will announce the ISOCELL GN1s and ISOCELL GN3 sensors later this year – the second half of the year to be specific.

The ISOCELL GN1s should be a slightly upgraded version of the ISOCELL GN1 while the ISOCELL GN3 should be the one that packs the major upgrades. Both sensors will appear in flagship phones.

Before the launch of these two sensors, Samsung is expected to announce the ISOCELL GN2. It has been reported that the sensor will be one of the cameras inside the upcoming Mi 11 Pro.

The ISOCELL GN series are expected to be more widely used than the ISOCELL HM series which has sensors such as the ISOCELL HMX (Xiaomi Mi Note 10), ISOCELL HM1 (Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra), ISOCELL HM2, and ISOCELL HM3 (Galaxy S21 Ultra).

We do not know which phones will be the first to come with the ISOCELL GN1s and ISOCELL GN3 cameras but we won’t be surprised to see it appear first in phones from Vivo and Xiaomi.

Smartphones sporting Samsung 200MP sensor may launch soon

Sean — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 11:14:21 +0000

With the Samsung Galaxy S21 series‘ launch being just around the corner, the high end Ultra variant is expected to feature an upgraded version of last year’s 108 megapixel sensor. Although, the company is apparently also working on a 200 megapixel sensor that might be seen in upcoming flagship launches soon.

Samsung ISOCELL will launch many innovative sensors in 2021.
200MP is coming soon.

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) January 9, 2021

As per a tweet from known leakster @IceUniverse, the South Korean tech giant is planning on launching a new innovative sensor this year. These new sensors will also be under the company’s ISOCELL family and will include a 200 megapixel image sensor as well. Previously, we had reported on Samsung apparently working on a 600 megapixel smartphone image sensor, although, the 200 megapixel leak seems a lot more likely at the moment and should launch earlier as well.

Back in March 2020, it was rumored that the company would launch a new 150 megapixel sensor by the final quarter of last year. Although, this launch never happened and another report pointed at Samsung now working on a 250 megapixel sensor as well. Keep in mind that the performance of the camera on smartphones is not solely defined by the megapixel count. Software optimizations and machine learning also play a major role.

But the hardware is still just as important, with a higher megapixel sensor offering a wider degree of application to Samsung in fields like health, agriculture, IoT, drones, and automotive. Unfortunately, it is still too early to tell if the company is actually working on such a sensor, thus, we will have to wait for further reports and rumors or even an official announcement to know for sure. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Sony & Samsung face new competition from S. Korea for their CMOS Image Sensor business

Joel Joseph — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 06:27:39 +0000

The world’s second-largest memory chipmaker, SK Hynix, will be strengthening its CMOS sensor business this year. This means the South Korean giant will join the likes of Sony and Samsung in the smartphone image sensor business in 2020 bringing more than four new CMOS image sensors for smartphones.

SK Hynix has rebranded its CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) business as ‘Black Pearl’. In the first half of 2020, the brand will focus on providing telephoto and wide-angle sensors for smartphones. So Black Pearl will directly take on Sony’s Exmor and Samsung’s ISOCELL image sensor brands. The company has already started shipping three new image sensors to smartphone manufacturers. The fourth image sensor will enter mass production this month.

SK Hynix CIS
Source: SK Hynix

The company’s recent push into the CMOS image sensor business comes as a result of the increasing demand for camera sensors in smartphones. According to Strategy Analytics, the average number of cameras per smartphone increased from 2.2 in 2017 to 3.9 in 2020.

Four Black Pearl Sensors in Q1: Two Telephoto & Two Ultra-Wide

SK Hynix will be shipping out four new sensors by the end of Q1 2020, this includes two telephoto sensors and two ultra-wide-angle sensors. All four sensors feature 1.0 µm pixels and 8MP to 20MP in resolution. They are likely aimed at mid-range to upper mid-range smartphones.

Hi-1634 and Hi-2021 are the two ultra-wide-angle camera sensors with 16MP and 20MP resolutions respectively. Both sensors support quad-pixel technology to combine four pixels into one to capture brighter, clearer pictures. The other two sensors are: Hi-847 and Hi-1337 with 8MP and 13MP resolutions respectively. These two are telephoto sensors offering up to 3x optical zoom.

SK Hynix also confirmed it will launch a 0.8um 48MP camera sensor in the second half of 2020.

Samsung’s ISOCELL CIS brand ranks second after Sony

With another significant player in the market, the image sensor industry will be a lot more interesting in 2020. Unfortunately, we don’t know which brands are going to use the new Black Pearl image sensors. With the sensors already shipping to customers, hopefully, we’ll get more details very soon.

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5 Things You Should Know About Xiaomi Mi Mix 5G’s 108MP Camera Sensor

Joel Joseph — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 19:19:13 +0000

Xiaomi’s most important flagship in the second half of the year, the Mi Mix 5G will debut tomorrow. Unlike the past couple of iterations, this new Mix model takes inspiration from its original sibling, as it will launch as a concept smartphone. This simply means that you can expect some next-generation technology inside this new device, that’s probably not easy to mass-produce.

We have been hearing some great things about the Mi Mix 5G’s curved wraparound display but since Xiaomi has confirmed that the new model will feature the new 108MP Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX sensor, let’s take a look at some of its key features.

So here are the 5 things you should know about the Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX 108MP camera that’s inside the Xiaomi Mi Mix 5G.

World’s First Smartphone Camera Sensor To Exceed 100MP

Samsung HMX ISOCELL Bright (Source: Samsung)

Just when we thought that the race for the largest megapixel camera was finally coming to an end, smartphone sensor makers like Sony and Samsung shook the market with their super high-resolution 48MP cameras. Then Samsung decided to take things up a notch with its new Samsung GW1 64MP sensor, the same one that’s inside the Vivo NEX 3.

But Samsung wasn’t happy with 64 megapixels. Hence, it decided to collaborate with Xiaomi to release a whopping 108MP camera sensor, the Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX. And the Xiaomi Mi Mix 5G is the world’s first smartphone to feature a camera sensor that exceeds 100MP!

The Sensor Was Developed In Close Collaboration With Xiaomi

Redmi Note 8 Pro’s 64MP Samsung camera was developed in collaboration with Xiaomi

It’s not uncommon for smartphone makers to work with companies like Sony and Samsung for their camera sensors. But this time around, Xiaomi seems to have invested heavily in the development of this 108MP camera sensor with Samsung.

Samsung’s official press release clearly states that this sensor is the fruit of a close collaboration with Xiaomi. So it’s no surprise that Xiaomi is the first company to use this sensor. Given its collaboration with Xiaomi, it remains to be seen whether other smartphone makers get to use this sensor anytime soon.

Xiaomi seems to have called dibs on this sensor for some time as it’s developing up to 4 smartphones with a 108MP rear camera.

World’s Largest Smartphone Camera Sensor

Samsung ISOCELL GW1 has a sensor size of 1/1.72″ which is much smaller than the HMX

Smartphone sensors are increasing in size, but this 108MP sensor takes things to a new level. It features an extremely large 1/1.33″ image sensor which makes it the largest one in the smartphone market. To give you some perspective, it’s three-quarters of the size of a typical 1″ sensor found on some point and shoot cameras. Another way to look at it is that the 64MP Samsung GW1 sensor, which is already considered pretty large, features a size of 1/1.7″ and the 48MP GM2 is even smaller at 1/2″.

6K Recording

Nubia Z20’s 8K recording has its limits

The Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX sensor can capture true 6K resolution videos at 30 fps. Wait, why this is a big deal? I mean, you must have already read that phones like the Red Magic 3S and the Nubia Z20 can do 8K.

Note that these two Nubia models can do 8K only at 15 fps. On the other hand, a flagship smartphone with this HMX sensor is technically capable of churning out 6K (6016 x 3384) at 30 fps!

27MP Super Bright Photos & Smart ISO

HMX uses Tetracell tech to churn out 27MP bright images

The 108MP Samsung HMX sensor utilizes its Tetracell technology to combine four pixels into one, churning out brighter big pixels. This means the sensor can out 27MP resolution images which are brighter and much clearer in low light. When the lighting conditions are good, the sensor can output large 108MP images with richer details.

Samsung’s Smart-ISO will also work with the sensor to automatically adjust its ISO levels depending on the lighting conditions. This smart tech basically toggles between a high ISO when the lighting is dark and a low ISO when the lighting is pretty good.

Overall, the Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX 108MP sensor takes smartphone imaging to new heights. Combined with the right processor, this camera sensor has the potential to do wonders in the hands of a smartphone user.

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Samsung announces World’s First 108MP Mobile Camera Sensor in collaboration with Xiaomi

Joel Joseph — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 04:05:30 +0000

Samsung has just announced the world’s first mobile camera sensor that goes beyond 100MP. The Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX is a 108MP sensor for smartphones that comes as a result of a close collaboration between Xiaomi. This partnership isn’t entirely surprising given that these two companies recently came together for Xiaomi’s 64MP smartphone that incorporates Samsung’s 64MP ISOCELL GW1 sensor inside.

Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX will still be a 0.8um image sensor as its 64MP offering but increases the sensor size to a staggering 1/1.33″, a first for a smartphone camera. This helps it churn out large 12032 x 9024-pixel resolution photos, comparable to high-end DSLRs. The large sensor size helps HMX to absorb more light in low-lit conditions. Further, Smart-ISO helps the sensor intelligently select the right ISO to match the needs of the environment. The HMX sensor is using Samsung’s Tetracell and ISOCELL Plus technologies, so it will be able to generate bright, big-pixel 27MP images. The sensor also supports 6K (6016 x 3384 pixels) video recording at 30 fps.

“Samsung is continuously pushing for innovations in pixel and logic technologies to engineer our ISOCELL image sensors to capture the world as close to how our eyes perceive them,” said Yongin Park, executive vice president of sensor business at Samsung Electronics. “Through close collaboration with Xiaomi, ISOCELL Bright HMX is the first mobile image sensor to pack over 100 million pixels and delivers unparalleled color reproduction and stunning detail with advanced Tetracell and ISOCELL Plus technology.”

Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX

Now that it’s confirmed that Xiaomi will be the first to use this sensor, it’s said that the upcoming Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 will likely be the first smartphone to feature a 108MP camera sensor. Mass production will kick off later this month, which means it won’t be long until we see the Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX sensor inside smartphones.

UP NEXT: Google Pixel 4 XL images reveal ultra-thin chin and side bezels

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Samsung Introduces ISOCELL Plus Technology To Improve Photos In Low-Light Conditions

Michele Ingelido — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 04:27:39 +0000

Low light-condition has always been the weakest points in smartphone photography. It has always been very hard to shoot good photos when there is not much light as the noise starts appearing and the details decrease drastically. Samsung is one of the few smartphone manufacturers who has been able to solve this problem and it is still doing it. The company has just unveiled a new technology called ISOCELL Plus which is able to improve low-light photography even more than before. Thanks to this technology, light isolation has been improved with a new material developed by Samsung in cooperation with Fujifilm.

This new material will be used instead of the metal inside the sensors and it will increase light sensitivity by reducing light leaks. In detail, the next-gen sensors based on the ISOCELL Plus technology will be 15 percent more sensitive to light, even though the pixel size will remain the same. So, in order to achieve better results with low-light conditions, the company will not need larger sensors and the space occupied by them will not vary. The new technology will also improve the color accuracy and sharpness of mobile photos. A very smart and efficient solution which will let smartphones be closer to professional cameras.

This is not the first innovative technology unveiled by Samsung this year. With the Galaxy S9 duo, the company has launched the first sensors for mobile devices to feature a variable aperture (it can switch from f/1.6 to f/2.4). Samsung will showcase the new ISOCELL Plus technology at MWCS 2018 (Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2018) in the upcoming days. The first phone to sport this technology should be either the Galaxy Note 9 coming in August or the Galaxy S10 line-up which will be unveiled in the first half of 2019 (most likely the S10 series).

(via)

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Galaxy S9 May Feature Samsung’s New ISOCELL Sensors That Shoot FHD Slo-Mo At 480fps

Habeeb Onawole — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 15:47:15 +0000

Last year, Sony’s Xperia XZ Premium flagship launched with a camera that could record slow-motion HD videos at 960fps. Although it could only record in that mode for a few mili-seconds. Samsung’s Galaxy S9 series may be coming with slo-motion at a higher resolution albeit at a slower frame rate.

Samsung today unveiled its new ISOCELL sensors that can record slo-motion videos at 1080p resolution but at 480fps. This is half the frame rate of the Xperia XZ Premium but at a higher resolution. There are speculations that the sensor should be able to shoot slo-mo at 720p/960fps too.

Slo-motion recording is not the only feature of Samsung’s new ISOCELL sensors. Low-light photography is set to get better too. The sensor uses Bright’s Tetracell technology which combines four-neighboring pixels to serve as one large pixel. It will also use a Smart WDR feature to take multiple exposures in a single shot. This results in a picture with greater detail for both light and dark areas.

Focusing gets a boost too. The new ISOCELL sensor features advanced PDAF such as Dual Pixel and Super Phase Detection (Super PD) sensor. These sensors can identify the distance of fast-moving objects even in low-light conditions. There is also a 3-stack Fast Readout Sensor for high-speed capture in FHD video.

Samsung says the new ISOCELL sensor is great for slimmer devices as it is just 0.9um. If you are also into dual cameras, the new ISOCELL sensors come in configurations that provide optical zoom, low-light shooting (LLS) or depth sensing for out-focusing (portrait mode).

While there is no official confirmation yet, these new sensors should debut in the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.

(Source, Via)

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