Exmor is a technology developed by Sony and implemented on some of their CMOS image sensors. It performs on-chip analog/digital signal conversion and two-step noise reduction in parallel on each column of the CMOS sensor.
Sensors from the Exmor family have become widely available in consumer technology.
In October 2015, Sony Semiconductor Solutions was established as a wholly owned group company to reinforce the CMOS image sensor business and integrate the semiconductor-related business operations of Sony Group. Following the incorporation, all the Exmor sensors are designed and manufactured by the company. [1] [ non-primary source needed ]
On 14 May 2020, the Intelligent Vision Sensor was announced with an introduction that reads: "the first image sensor in the world to be equipped with AI processing functionality". The new sensor distinguishes itself from the previous Exmor RS sensors by an AI processor and a memory storing the AI models, included in a stacked logic layer for the real-time image analysis and instant extraction of metadata from a raw image. In the release, only model numbers were identified and it was not confirmed whether the sensor bears a different name. [2]
On 29 June 2022, Xiaomi announced that it was using the IMX989, Sony's first 1-inch smartphone camera sensor, in the Xiaomi 12S Ultra. [3] However, it later emerged that it was earlier used by Sharp Aquos R7 in May 2022, albeit slightly cropped in. [4]
Exmor R is a back-illuminated version of Sony's CMOS image sensor. [5] Exmor R was announced by Sony on 11 June 2008 and was the world's first mass-produced implementation of the back-illuminated sensor technology. [6] [ non-primary source needed ] Sony claims that Exmor R is approximately twice as sensitive as a normal front illuminated sensor.[ citation needed ]
This active pixel sensor is found in several Sony mobile phones and cameras as well as Apple's iPhone 4s and 5. [7] [8] Originally, Exmor R was limited to smaller sensors for camcorders, compact cameras and mobile phones, but the Sony ILCE-7RM2 full-frame camera introduced on the 10 June 2015 features an Exmor R sensor as well.
Exmor RS was announced on 20 August 2012 and is the world's first stacked CMOS image sensor. [9] [ non-primary source needed ] Subsequently, Sony announced the first 3-layer stacked CMOS sensor, which added DRAM cell array in the middle. [10]
From the Exmor RS line, IMX582 or IMX586 sensors are widely implemented as 48 megapixel smartphone cameras (e.g. Samsung Galaxy S20), with the sensors having almost identical specifications, but for the IMX586 supporting faster frame rates at 4K. In early 2020, the IMX586 was followed by the IMX686, enlarging the format to 1/1.72" (increasing resolution to 64 megapixels), but keeping the same pixel size. [11] Pixel binning is used to reduce the high sensor resolution to standard photographic resolutions such as 4K, overcoming some of the traditional limitations of Bayer filtering.
STARVIS is a series of sensors with the Exmor RS family. [12] It features high pixel sensitivity, making it suitable for low light applications. Industrial versions are finding applications in ambient-light surveillance systems. Commercial versions are finding applications in prosumer webcams with 4K HDR support, based on single exposure.
From the second-generation STARVIS line (STARVIS 2), the IMX585 was announced on 29 June 2021, [13] featuring a large image sensor format of 1/1.2", making it suitable for low light photography. Sony designed the STARVIS 2 sensor family for AI face recognition in surveillance applications with difficult lighting conditions. [14] [ promotional source? ] The sensor's high dynamic range assists with this task. It became available in a Razer Inc. prosumer webcam in January 2023. [15] Larger sensor form factors decrease depth of field, which is often desired for teleconferencing webcams. Sony claims near DSLR quality for some applications. [15]
Sony introduced the Exmor T with the Xperia 1 V smartphone on 10 May 2023. [16]
On 7 November 2022, Sony announced their LYTIA brand of CMOS image sensors for mobile devices. [17] [18] [19]
A camera phone is a mobile phone that is able to capture photographs and often record video using one or more built-in digital cameras. It can also send the resulting image wirelessly and conveniently. The first commercial phone with a color camera was the Kyocera Visual Phone VP-210, released in Japan in May 1999.
OmniVision Technologies Inc. is an American subsidiary of Chinese semiconductor device and mixed-signal integrated circuit design house Will Semiconductor. The company designs and develops digital imaging products for use in mobile phones, laptops, netbooks webcams, security, entertainment, automotive and medical imaging systems. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, OmniVision Technologies has offices in the US, Western Europe and Asia.
A back-illuminated sensor, also known as backside illumination (BI) sensor, is a type of digital image sensor that uses a novel arrangement of the imaging elements to increase the amount of light captured and thereby improve low-light performance.
8K resolution refers to an image or display resolution with a width of approximately 8,000 pixels. 8K UHD is the highest resolution defined in the Rec. 2020 (UHDTV) standard.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia ray (ST18i) is an Android smartphone from Sony Ericsson. It was unveiled on 22 June 2011 in Singapore during CommunicAsia 2011. It was announced that the Xperia ray would be released globally in select countries from Q3 2011.
The Sony Xperia Z is an Android-based smartphone by Sony. Announced at CES 2013 the phone was officially released on 9 February 2013 in Japan and 1 March 2013 in Singapore and the UK. It was released in the U.S months later. The Xperia Z was initially shipped with the Android 4.1.2 operating system. The smartphone has Ingress Protection Ratings of IP55 and IP57. It also contains a 13.1 MP Exmor RS camera sensor, and the screen of the phone consists of a TFT 1920x1080 display, with 441 ppi. It would be the first smartphone in the Sony Xperia Z series, continuing all the way up to the Xperia Z5.
The Sony Xperia SP is a mid-range smartphone from Sony Mobile. It was announced on 18 March 2013. It is powered by a 1.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core processor. It has 1 GB RAM, an 8-megapixel camera with Exmor RS sensor and a 4.6-inch reality display with a 720p resolution with Sony's Mobile Bravia Engine 2.
In Sony digital cameras, the acronym ILCE stands for "Interchangeable Lens Camera with E-mount". In August 2013, Sony announced the first model of the ILCE mirrorless camera with E-mount, electronic viewfinder, contrast-detection autofocus and Multi Interface Shoe, the ILCE-3000. In October 2013, two full-frame E-mount cameras were announced, the ILCE-7 and ILCE-7R.
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The ISOCELL CMOS camera sensors are a family of sensors produced by Samsung and available for purchase by other companies. They are used in a wide variety of products including mobile phones, computers and digital cameras.
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The Sony Xperia XZs is an Android smartphone manufactured and marketed by Sony. Part of the Xperia X series, the device was announced to the public along with the Xperia XZ Premium at the annual Mobile World Congress last February 2017.
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The Sony Xperia XZ2 is an Android-based smartphone unveiled, manufactured, released and marketed by Sony. Part of the Xperia X series, the device was announced to the public along with the Xperia XZ2 Compact at a press conference held at the annual 2018 Mobile World Congress event on February 26, 2018. It features Qi wireless charging, Dynamic Vibration System, 4K HDR video recording and has the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack removed.
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is an Android smartphone manufactured and marketed by Sony. Part of the Xperia X series, the device was announced to the public along with the Xperia XZ2 at a press conference held at the annual 2018 Mobile World Congress event on February 26, 2018.
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