PRWeb: CogniVue announced the ability of its Image Cognition Processor (ICP) to support always-on vision applications like gesture recognition, face and eye detection in low power smart wearable devices at power levels of ~1mA, enabling vision apps to run for many days as opposed to hours. CogniVue’s APEXTM ICP are said to be better than 100x performance per power vs conventional processing architectures for embedded vision applications. That significant performance per power advantage is paying off in the rapidly accelerating market of smart wearable devices. This advantage will grow as next-generation APEX cores are announced by CogniVue later in 2014.
One of Cognivue customers, NeoLAB Convergence went to production with the Neo 1 smart pen, said to be the smallest and longest lasting smart pen in the market. The pen uses CogniVue 1st generation APEX-based technology and an image sensor both operating at 120fps to render hand writing and hand drawings in real time to a smart phone or tablet or server wirelessly with no perceived delay. It does this at very low power levels, enabling this battery-powered device to last for weeks on a charge. NeoLAB engineers dramatically increased battery life compared to the competition and they were able to go from design start to prototype in as a little as 6 months using CogniVue’s comprehensive software development kit.
A Vimeo video presents the company positioning and technology:
Jumat, 30 Mei 2014
LFoundry Rousset Fab Might Return to Life as Thin-Film Vision Sensor Facility
EETimes-Europe, EETimes report that the Commercial Court of Paris, France is considering 12 bids for the bankrupted LFoundry wafer fab in Rousset and its assets; one from General Vision Inc. and 11 others from brokers who wish to acquire the fab equipment and sell it on.
General Vision (Petaluma, CA) is a US company led by expatriate French expects in computer vision and neuromorphic computing and which includes Philippe Lambinet, formerly a corporate strategy officer at STMicroelectronics NV and general manager of ST's digital sector. General Vision is proposing to use the Rousset fab to manufacture neuromorphic chips and image sensors on glass substrates in a joint technology development with Japanese Asahi Glass, under a project call NeuroMem. The proposed chips could include a million neurons in a system that would function like the human visual system and recognize objects in visual inspection and robotic applications. General Vision has presented its plan to former employees at Rousset and said that if the liquidator accepts its proposal that it would need 120 employees by the end of 2014. Over the time General Vision hopes to expand its neuromorphic products manufacturing and return the site to the levels of employment when it was shuttered.
General Vision (Petaluma, CA) is a US company led by expatriate French expects in computer vision and neuromorphic computing and which includes Philippe Lambinet, formerly a corporate strategy officer at STMicroelectronics NV and general manager of ST's digital sector. General Vision is proposing to use the Rousset fab to manufacture neuromorphic chips and image sensors on glass substrates in a joint technology development with Japanese Asahi Glass, under a project call NeuroMem. The proposed chips could include a million neurons in a system that would function like the human visual system and recognize objects in visual inspection and robotic applications. General Vision has presented its plan to former employees at Rousset and said that if the liquidator accepts its proposal that it would need 120 employees by the end of 2014. Over the time General Vision hopes to expand its neuromorphic products manufacturing and return the site to the levels of employment when it was shuttered.
Stereo 3D Platforms
There are two almost simultaneous announcements of the stereo 3D camera platforms. One is Erton's Eagle Eyes 3D depth mapping platform based on eSP870 3D Depth-Map Camera Controller announced a year ago. Etron compares it with other depth sensing approaches:
Another 3D depth mapping announcement comes from Duo3D presenting AudioSight - a software-based solution turning stereo camera into a depth mapping device. The company's Youtube video demos the software capabilities:
Another 3D depth mapping announcement comes from Duo3D presenting AudioSight - a software-based solution turning stereo camera into a depth mapping device. The company's Youtube video demos the software capabilities:
Kamis, 29 Mei 2014
Omnivision Reports Quarterly and Yearly Results
PR Newswire: OmniVision reports financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 that ended on April 30, 2014. Revenues for the quarter were $331.0M, as compared to $352.0M in the previous quarter, and $336.2M a year ago. GAAP net income in the last quarter was $15.1 million, as compared to net income of $30.6M in the previous quarter, and $8.9M a year ago.
Revenues for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2014 were $1.5B, as compared to $1.4B in fiscal 2013. GAAP net income for fiscal 2014 was $95.0M, as compared to income of $42.9M a year ago.
GAAP gross margin for the last quarter was 20.1%, as compared to 19.6% in the previous quarter and 17.5%a year ago. The increase in gross margin was primarily attributable to the introduction of newer and lower cost products into our shipment mix.
The Company ended the period with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $450.9M, an increase of $57.9M from the previous quarter.
"We are pleased to conclude our fiscal 2014 on a high note. Our financial metrics have continued to improve, with better gross margin, higher cash balance, and lower inventories. We have made meaningful progress on multiple fronts, including the diversification of our revenues into multiple geographies, especially in Asia, and the strong growth in our emerging automotive and security markets," said Shaw Hong, CEO of OmniVision. "We are also working on new technologies and applications in our core and emerging markets that have the potential to substantially enhance our market position over the longer term."
The company expects revenues for the next quarter will be in the range of $360M to $400M.
Revenues for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2014 were $1.5B, as compared to $1.4B in fiscal 2013. GAAP net income for fiscal 2014 was $95.0M, as compared to income of $42.9M a year ago.
GAAP gross margin for the last quarter was 20.1%, as compared to 19.6% in the previous quarter and 17.5%a year ago. The increase in gross margin was primarily attributable to the introduction of newer and lower cost products into our shipment mix.
The Company ended the period with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $450.9M, an increase of $57.9M from the previous quarter.
"We are pleased to conclude our fiscal 2014 on a high note. Our financial metrics have continued to improve, with better gross margin, higher cash balance, and lower inventories. We have made meaningful progress on multiple fronts, including the diversification of our revenues into multiple geographies, especially in Asia, and the strong growth in our emerging automotive and security markets," said Shaw Hong, CEO of OmniVision. "We are also working on new technologies and applications in our core and emerging markets that have the potential to substantially enhance our market position over the longer term."
The company expects revenues for the next quarter will be in the range of $360M to $400M.
Leap Motion Improves its Software
Leap Motion announces V2 of its hand gesture recognition software. The new software now tracks the actual joints and bones inside each of the user’s fingers, up to 27 dimensions per hand. The company's Youtube video demos the V2 capabilities:
Toshiba Announces New Image Recognition Processor
Business Wire: Toshiba expands its line-up of image recognition processors in the TMPV750 (Visconti) series with the launch of TMPV7502XBG, a small package (11mm × 11mm) and low power consumption (Typ. 0.6W) processor for small-size camera modules. Sample shipments start now, with mass production scheduled to start in November, 2014.
The new product can be applied to driver assistance systems that recognize vehicles and pedestrians in images captured by a vehicle’s rear view monitor and electronic mirror. It can also handle intelligent camera functions in diverse Smart Community related applications, including alarm systems using surveillance cameras on roads and at intersections, and image-based air-conditioning and lighting management systems in buildings.
The new product can be applied to driver assistance systems that recognize vehicles and pedestrians in images captured by a vehicle’s rear view monitor and electronic mirror. It can also handle intelligent camera functions in diverse Smart Community related applications, including alarm systems using surveillance cameras on roads and at intersections, and image-based air-conditioning and lighting management systems in buildings.
Rabu, 28 Mei 2014
Calls for Image Sensor Papers
CNES, AIRBUS DEFENCE&SPACE, THALES ALENIA SPACE, SODERN and ISAE announce a workshop focused on image sensors optical interfaces, which will be held in Toulouse on November 27, 2014 as a part of the Optics & Optoelectronics Technical Expertise Centers (CCT). The workshop is coupled with “Radiation Effects on Optoelectronic Detectors” workshop which will be held
the November 26. The two workshops will share the poster session and the cocktail.
Papers are solicited in the following areas:
Quantum efficiency/reflectivity improvement:
Schedule:
October 3rd: Dead line for abstract submission
October 31st: Paper selection
November 3rd: Final programme
November 21st: Deadline for registration
November 26-27: Workshops
Organization committee:
Cédric VIRMONTOIS
Jacques LOESEL
CNES
Olivier SAINT-PE Airbus Defence and Space
Christophe RENARD Thalès Alenia Space
Vincent GOIFFON ISAE
Dominique HERVE SODERN
IEDM too announces a call for papers. This year a special focus session will be devoted to "Novel Devices for Specialty Imaging Applications." The deadline for submissions is June 23.
the November 26. The two workshops will share the poster session and the cocktail.
Papers are solicited in the following areas:
Quantum efficiency/reflectivity improvement:
- Backside Illumination (Back side surface treatment, …)
- Wafer thinning
- Microlenses (inside process flow or back end process)
- Wave guides
- Anti-reflective coatings
- Black coatings
- Filters (colours, multiple nodes…)
- Polarizers
- Plasmonic wave guide
- Integrated optical systems (Fabry Pérot…)
- Single Event Effects
- Displacement Damage Effects
- Ground Irradiation Tests
- In-flight Results
- Impact of Performance Drift on Satellite Performances
- Test Guidelines, Qualification Plan
- Radiations Facilities
- Characterization Procedures
- Mitigation Techniques
- Radiation Hardened Design and Technology
- Specific Operation Modes
Schedule:
October 3rd: Dead line for abstract submission
October 31st: Paper selection
November 3rd: Final programme
November 21st: Deadline for registration
November 26-27: Workshops
Organization committee:
Cédric VIRMONTOIS
Jacques LOESEL
CNES
Olivier SAINT-PE Airbus Defence and Space
Christophe RENARD Thalès Alenia Space
Vincent GOIFFON ISAE
Dominique HERVE SODERN
IEDM too announces a call for papers. This year a special focus session will be devoted to "Novel Devices for Specialty Imaging Applications." The deadline for submissions is June 23.
NHK Shows 133MP 8K Video Sensor
Tech in Asia got an early look at NHK open house exhibition, scheduled to open on May 29. One of the achievements is 133MP image sensor for 8K video cameras:
NHK also schedules a special lecture on bright future for 8K cameras for endoscopic applications.
Update: NHK publishes a flyer of the new sensor, showing its Bayer CFA:
Update #2: Gigazine publishes NHK poster saying that the sensor's speed is 60fps at 12b ADC resolution:
imager.no-mania.com speculates that the sensor is designed by Forza.
Update #3: NikkeiBP posts explanations on how 133MP resolution is used. The reason for the increased resolution is that 33MP needs to be maintained in each of RGB channels.
NHK also schedules a special lecture on bright future for 8K cameras for endoscopic applications.
Update: NHK publishes a flyer of the new sensor, showing its Bayer CFA:
Update #2: Gigazine publishes NHK poster saying that the sensor's speed is 60fps at 12b ADC resolution:
imager.no-mania.com speculates that the sensor is designed by Forza.
Update #3: NikkeiBP posts explanations on how 133MP resolution is used. The reason for the increased resolution is that 33MP needs to be maintained in each of RGB channels.
Aptina Buys CFA Manufacturing Assets from Micron
Business Wire: Aptina is to acquire CFA processing and probe imaging assets from Micron. In addition, Aptina will lease from Micron the Nampa, Idaho fabrication facility known as Fab 9D where the CFA processing is located. The purchase is expected to close in Q3 2014.
"Our growing revenues and strong financial position have enabled Aptina to purchase these assets and add great people which gives us a strategic advantage in the marketplace," said Phil Carmack, CEO of Aptina. "Our ability to tightly integrate the entire R&D cycle accelerates innovation and enables us to uniquely support our customers."
"The operating advantages of this deal will flow directly to the bottom line," said Tony Alvarez, Chief Operating Officer of Aptina. "The ability to innovate, such as we have done with Aptina Clarity+ technology, and customize CFA will drive growth opportunities in all of our market segments including automotive, mobile and surveillance."
Aptina's blog also publishes Q&A session with Tony Alvarez, COO, Jeff Mendiola, VP of Operations, and Terry Gilton, VP of Advanced Technology, with more details on the acquisition:
Question: Could you share an example where these capabilities help Aptina innovate?
Terry: The best example of Aptina’s prowess in the pixel optical stack development is (Aptina) Clarity+ technology. We would have not succeeded with this program without being very closely involved in the CFA process development and materials evaluations. For the future there are some very unique ideas that we can realize quickly with the CFA/ML teams like super small pixels, new color/material combinations, uniformity improvements and a few others that we don’t want anyone to know about yet!
"Our growing revenues and strong financial position have enabled Aptina to purchase these assets and add great people which gives us a strategic advantage in the marketplace," said Phil Carmack, CEO of Aptina. "Our ability to tightly integrate the entire R&D cycle accelerates innovation and enables us to uniquely support our customers."
"The operating advantages of this deal will flow directly to the bottom line," said Tony Alvarez, Chief Operating Officer of Aptina. "The ability to innovate, such as we have done with Aptina Clarity+ technology, and customize CFA will drive growth opportunities in all of our market segments including automotive, mobile and surveillance."
Aptina's blog also publishes Q&A session with Tony Alvarez, COO, Jeff Mendiola, VP of Operations, and Terry Gilton, VP of Advanced Technology, with more details on the acquisition:
Question: Could you share an example where these capabilities help Aptina innovate?
Terry: The best example of Aptina’s prowess in the pixel optical stack development is (Aptina) Clarity+ technology. We would have not succeeded with this program without being very closely involved in the CFA process development and materials evaluations. For the future there are some very unique ideas that we can realize quickly with the CFA/ML teams like super small pixels, new color/material combinations, uniformity improvements and a few others that we don’t want anyone to know about yet!
Senin, 26 Mei 2014
Sony Announces 20.48MP/22fps CMOS Sensor and 1.45MP/45fps CCD
Sony announces IMX183CQJ, a 1-inch 20.48MP CMOS sensor based on 2.4um BSI pixels. It appears to be a version of the 1-inch sensor used in a number of recent Sony digital cameras and camcorders. Its full resolution speed is 22fps in 12b mode and 24fps in 10b mode:
Sony also announces two 2/3-inch 1.45MP CCDs, the ICX825ALA (black and white) and the ICX825AQA (primary color filter), for industrial applications. The CCDs feature an improved version of 6.45um EXview HAD CCD II pixel, compared below with the older version in ICX825AL and ICX825AQ CCDs:
Sony also announces two 2/3-inch 1.45MP CCDs, the ICX825ALA (black and white) and the ICX825AQA (primary color filter), for industrial applications. The CCDs feature an improved version of 6.45um EXview HAD CCD II pixel, compared below with the older version in ICX825AL and ICX825AQ CCDs:
 |
| Measured at 850nm wavelength |
Sabtu, 24 Mei 2014
Jumat, 23 Mei 2014
Metaio Thermal Touch Can Create Mass Market for Thermal Cameras
Gigaom: Munich, Germany based Metaio presents an interface concept based on minute temperature changes caused by a finger touch. A Youtube video shows the concept:
Kamis, 22 Mei 2014
Himax Imaging Update
Seeking Alpha publishes Q&A session from Himax Q1 2014 earnings call. Few interesting quotes:
Jerry Su – Credit Suisse AG:
Is there a significant turnaround on your on several subsidiaries specific non driver – non-driver product lines?
Jackie Chang, CFO:
"Yes, LCOS company and also the Himax Imaging Technology that is the CMOS imaging sensor region that is still losing money. But we do expect one or both of them breaking even or be profitable this year."
Daniel A. Heyler – Bank of America Merrill Lynch:
Could you elaborate on the products, you just mentioning eight megapixel. Is that a BSI product – BSI technology or is that going to start on a FSI.
Jordan Wu, CEO:
The major BSI product we’re launching eight megapixel, which is really getting enjoying growing popularity design wise with customers... And later in the year we are going to launch around 1 megapixel BSI sensor for laptop and tablet, which is a full HD sensor. So that will likely be our second BSI product.
Daniel A. Heyler – Bank of America Merrill Lynch:
So is the eight megapixel BSI, is that currently shipping in volume or is that a third quarter ramp?
Jordan Wu, CEO:
No, it’s a third quarter thing, starting of third quarter. It’s going through design stage.
Daniel A. Heyler – Bank of America Merrill Lynch:
And is that on 12-inch wafer or is that going to be on 8-inch because I know capacity is pretty tight on 8-inch?
Jordan Wu, CEO:
No, it’s 8-inch, but TSMC has – we will agree upon to capacity reservation with TSMC. So I think we all can.
Jerry Su – Credit Suisse AG:
Is there a significant turnaround on your on several subsidiaries specific non driver – non-driver product lines?
Jackie Chang, CFO:
"Yes, LCOS company and also the Himax Imaging Technology that is the CMOS imaging sensor region that is still losing money. But we do expect one or both of them breaking even or be profitable this year."
Daniel A. Heyler – Bank of America Merrill Lynch:
Could you elaborate on the products, you just mentioning eight megapixel. Is that a BSI product – BSI technology or is that going to start on a FSI.
Jordan Wu, CEO:
The major BSI product we’re launching eight megapixel, which is really getting enjoying growing popularity design wise with customers... And later in the year we are going to launch around 1 megapixel BSI sensor for laptop and tablet, which is a full HD sensor. So that will likely be our second BSI product.
Daniel A. Heyler – Bank of America Merrill Lynch:
So is the eight megapixel BSI, is that currently shipping in volume or is that a third quarter ramp?
Jordan Wu, CEO:
No, it’s a third quarter thing, starting of third quarter. It’s going through design stage.
Daniel A. Heyler – Bank of America Merrill Lynch:
And is that on 12-inch wafer or is that going to be on 8-inch because I know capacity is pretty tight on 8-inch?
Jordan Wu, CEO:
No, it’s 8-inch, but TSMC has – we will agree upon to capacity reservation with TSMC. So I think we all can.
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