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Medical image signal processor boards optimized for endoscopes, catheters

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OmniVision Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, announced the OH0120 and OH0130 ASIC-based boards—the newest members of its award-winning OVMed medical image signal processor (ISP) family, designed to pair with its high performance medical image sensors for quick integration into single-use and reusable endoscopes as well as catheters. The OH0120 provides a cost-effective, off-the-shelf, board-level option with HDMI connectivity and LCD screen support, as well as external USB memory-card storage. The OH0130 supports all of OmniVision’s HD and analog medical image sensors, enabling customers to expand to full HD imaging with no ISP system redesign.

The OH0120 provides medical designers with a cost-effective solution for developing analog-input and HDMI-output systems with up to 720p resolution. It features LED light control and LCD-screen drivers for integrating the display directly into a handheld or rack-based camera control unit (CCU). The OH0120 also includes on-board memory and a USB 2.0 port for external memory cards with up to 64GB, which can store up to 30 hours of video recordings. These features, along with native support for Android applications, help designers get to market quickly.

The OH0130 offers a cost-effective option for creating a CCU system platform that can process higher, full-HD resolution images of up to 1080p from a broad range of image sensors with a single board. It accepts dual inputs for either a MIPI interface or a 4-wire analog interface, making it compatible with OmniVision’s entire portfolio of medical image sensors. The OH0130 offers these high performance features, along with USB 3.0 Type C, HD output, in a small form factor that can fit into the handle of a larger endoscope or into a CCU. USB-C connectivity enables developers to create their own user interfaces and perform post-processing of the image for enhanced diagnostics. OmniVision also provides a software development kit (SDK) to speed the design of interfaces and applications. This SDK features callable APIs, eliminating the need to write lower-level code.

The OH0130 also includes an LED control board that can adjust the image brightness. These features make the OH0130 an ideal imaging solution for a wide range of endoscopic procedures, including airway management and urology, using esophagoscopes, laryngoscopes, thorascopes, pleuroscopes, bronchoscopes, mediastinoscopes and utero-renoscopes.

The OH0120 and OH0130 are both medically pre-certified to comply with IEC 60601 (ESD, EMC, EMI, patient isolation). Additionally, they are compliant with REACH and RoHS, and are manufactured in facilities certified to the ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 standards.

Samples of OmniVision’s new OH0120 and OH0130 OVMed ISP boards are available now.

Next-gen 8-MP smartphone image sensor enables full-resolution imaging

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OmniVision Technologies, Inc. announced the OV08B — the latest generation of its 1.12 micron, 8 megapixel (MP) image sensor family, designed for the broad smartphone camera markets. This new image sensor supports mainstream selfie imaging, as well as multicamera configurations.

“The 1/4 inch 8 MP sensor category continues to see tremendous volume opportunities in the mainstream mobile phone camera market. In addition to selfie cameras, we are also expecting to see these sensors being deployed in multiple-camera configurations, enabling features such as optical telephoto zoom and ultrawide-angle cameras. The multiple-camera configuration is fast becoming a standard requirement in everything from entry-level to high-end smartphones,” said James Liu, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “The OV08B provides the best combination of performance, features, cost and power consumption in a 1/4 inch optical format, and is an ideal option for customers upgrading from 5 MP image sensors.”OV08B smartphone image sensor

Built on backside-illumination pixel technology, the OV08B features 1.12 micron pixels in a 1/4 inch optical format, providing a compact size that enables 5.1 x 6.5mm fixed-focus modules for front-facing cameras. Placing pads on the top and bottom of the sensor also reduced its X dimension, enabling narrow-bezel designs and 4:3 aspect ratios.

The OV08B supports full 8 MP resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) using either two or four MIPI lanes, which provides maximum design flexibility for multicamera configurations. Other output options include high definition video of 1080p at 60 fps and 720p at 90 fps. The OV08B also offers Bayer imaging and a 4-cell binning capability for better low-light video performance.

Samples are expected to be available in April. Contact your OmniVision sales representative for more information: www.ovt.com/contact-sales.

Backside illumination image sensors for IoT security cameras

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OS02F10 and OS04B10OmniVision Technologies, Inc announced from the Security China Show in Beijing its latest 2-micron image sensor family members built with OmniBSI pixel technology, the OS02F10 and OS04B10. The two sensors provide the industry’s most cost-effective backside illumination (BSI) solutions and are designed for capturing high definition (HD) images in entry-level IoT, industrial, commercial, and residential security and surveillance cameras.

The OS02F10 and OS04B10, with superior low-light sensitivity, can produce high-quality digital images and HD video, even in poor lighting conditions. This capability is critical for security applications. Their wide chief ray angle (CRA) of 9 degrees enables thinner modules with wide-aperture lenses for accurate, unobtrusive surveillance.

The OS02F10 is a 2-megapixel (MP) sensor that supports 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution streaming video at 30 frames per second (fps). This ultra-compact sensor features a 1/4-inch optical format and a 4.9 x 3.0-mm chip scale package (CSP). Its high quantum efficiency (QE) requires less IR illumination, thus enabling low power consumption for excellent camera battery life. The OS02F10 itself consumes less than 120 mW.

The OS04B10 is designed for applications covering larger surveillance areas. With 3.6-MP resolution, the OS04B10 supports 2K (2560 x 1440) resolution streaming video at 30 fps. It features a 1/3-inch optical format and a 6.3 x 3.7-mm CSP. The OS04B10’s power consumption is less than 140 mW, and it has high QE for low system power.

The OS02F10 and OS04B10 image sensors are available now, and are being demonstrated at OmniVision’s Security China Booth #E1E19 during this week’s show in Beijing. For more information or product samples, please contact your OmniVision sales representative at sa…@ovt.com.

Image signal processor excels at medical, industrial endoscopy uses

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OmniVision Technologies, Inc., a developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today announced from MD&M East in NYC the OVMed, a new mixed-signal image signal processor (ISP) designed for medical, veterinarian and industrial endoscopy applications. The OVMed ISP offers industry-leading image processing features and high image quality. It also integrates easily with commercial hardware and software, and meets stringent medical certification standards, thus decreasing development cost and time to market, allowing designers to focus on developing differentiated post-processing algorithms.Image signal processor

“Due to the continued push for smaller CMOS image sensors in endoscopes, most signal processing has to be executed on a separate ISP chip, either inside the endoscope handle or within the camera control unit. The OVMed solution integrates the analog-to-digital converter, ISP and output interface to streamline the signal conditioning and processing architectures of endoscope designs,” said Tehzeeb Gunja, principal marketing and business development manager at OmniVision. “When coupled with our portfolio of compact, high-performance medical CMOS image sensors, the OVMed ISP provides customers with an end-to-end, proven solution that is market-ready and cost-effective.”

The OVMed ISP system’s video processing unit comes in two versions. The Mini version is compact enough to fit inside an endoscope handle, which is ideal for mobile, ambulatory or other environments that connect directly to a tablet or PC. The larger, Advanced version provides the highest image quality with more sophisticated features and can reside in the camera control unit. The OVMed ISP is available in multiple output formats and interfaces, depending on the desired application. The output can connect to an external display via USB or HDMI cables, or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. Alternatively, the unit can interface with a microcontroller via a DVP port.

The OVMed ISP system offers industry-leading image signal processing with a short system delay of less than 100 ms, enabling instantaneous image capture and display even when connected via Wi-Fi. With power consumption at only 300 mA in active mode, it can run on a battery or via a USB power adaptor.

The OVMed ISP can be easily integrated with a wide variety of hardware and software. Endoscope designers can define configurable hardware buttons and LED indicators, based on their applications’ specific requirements. The included software development kit (SDK) runs on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, and features APIs with a C++ callable function library in binary DLL format. The SDK also provides demo programs that illustrate how to use the APIs. The optional Wi-Fi module can be controlled via the included application, using any iOS- or Android-based mobile device.

The OVMed ISP meets the ESD, EMC and EMI specifications required by the IEC 60601 standard. It is also certified as REACH and RoHS compliant, and qualifies for CE marking. Additionally, its software complies with the IEC 62304 standard.

OmniVision’s OVMed ISP is currently sampling. The ISP is being demonstrated this week at OmniVision’s Booth #1563 at MD&M East in NYC, June 12-14, 2018. Please visit the booth or contact your OmniVision sales representative for more information.

Two-megapixel, 3 μ shutter image sensor designed for driver monitoring systems

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OmniVision Technologies, Inc. introduced the OV2311, an automotive 2-megapixel, 3 μ global shutter image sensor designed for the next generation of driver monitoring systems. Leveraging OmniPixel3-GS global shutter technology and near-infrared imaging capabilities, the OV2311 offers manufacturers of semi-autonomous vehicles a high-performance, cost-effective, ISO 26262-ready imaging solution for vision-based driver monitoring systems.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is one of the major causes of car accidents. To combat distracted driving, the automotive industry is ramping up its development of driver monitoring systems and vehicle co-pilot applications, which in combination can allow the on-board computer to seize or relinquish control of the vehicle, based on the driver’s state. NHTSA defines this setup as level 3 autonomy. Currently only available for luxury vehicles, these systems are expected to become a standard safety feature in the near future.

“The demand for driver monitoring systems is expected to increase significantly as more affordable technologies allow advanced semi-automated features to transition from high-end to mainstream vehicles,” said Jeff Morin, automotive product marketing manager at OmniVision. “Possessing the same capability customarily found in much larger and more expensive sensors, the OV2311 aims to bring advanced driver monitoring systems to the masses by delivering high-level, cost-effective performance in a compact form factor.”

Vision-based driver monitoring systems in semi-autonomous vehicles require highly sophisticated eye-tracking technology and imaging capabilities. The OV2311 achieves high near-infrared quantum efficiency to minimize active illumination power. The sensor’s 1600 x 1300 resolution format is designed to fit a driver’s head box to ensure reliable monitoring regardless of that driver’s height or seat position. Packaged in OmniVision’s ultra-compact automotive chip-scale package (a-CSP), the OV2311 can be discreetly installed anywhere inside the automobile’s cockpit.

The OV2311 is available for sampling, with volume production expected in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Dual-camera zoom reference design for mobile devices

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OmniVision Technologies, Inc announced its collaboration with dual-camera technology pioneer Corephotonics in producing a new dual-camera zoom reference design for mobile devices. Combining OmniVision’s OV12A10 and OV13880 image sensors with Corephotonics’ proprietary zoom and Bokeh algorithms, the reference design brings best-in-class optical zoom capabilities commonly found in DSCs and DSLRs to smartphone camera applications. The reference design will be available for demonstrations at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, from February 27 through March 2, 2017.

According to a June 2016 market research report from Yole Développement, mobile devices with dual-camera configurations are expected to account for 20 percent of the total handset market by 2020. A dual-camera zoom configuration that combines an OV12A10-based wide-angle camera with an OV13880-based telephoto camera to achieve high-quality optical zoom is now available for adoption in high-end smartphones and is well-positioned to enter mainstream markets in 2017.

“Corephotonics is widely regarded as a world leader in dual-camera technology,” said Will Foote, senior partnership manager, OmniVision. “The rapid expansion of the dual-camera smartphone market gives us the perfect opportunity to combine our companies’ expertise. We are pleased to introduce our first joint reference design, and are excited about many more future collaborations based on OmniVision sensors and Corephotonics’ algorithm IP.”

“OmniVision has established itself as a leader in image sensors and image signal processing. We are confident that combining its imaging technologies with our proprietary algorithms can deliver a highly competitive dual-camera optical zoom solution for our customers,” said Eran Briman, VP marketing and business development, Corephotonics. “This unique collaboration can enable smartphone OEMs to leverage the system integration and image quality tuning effort already made, and achieve the fastest time to market.”

Dual-camera configurations in smartphones require advanced technologies that have not usually been found in single cameras, such as image registration, image fusion and depth map generation. These technologies can enable advanced features like the Bokeh portrait effect, which brings elements into sharp focus while blurring the background. In this reference design, Corephotonics works with OEMs and camera module integrators to integrate its proprietary algorithms specifically optimized for OmniVision’s sensors to deliver excellent image quality to the smartphone user. The Corephotonics algorithms fuse the images from the wide-angle cameras and telephoto cameras to deliver optical zoom, increase resolution, reduce SNR and enable smoother video transitions. OmniVision’s OV12A10 and OV13880 are optimized to deliver top tier performance in dual configurations. Key benefits include: 

  • Slim form factor, which is enabled by reduced module height
  • Superior performance enabled by PureCel® Plus 1.25-micron large pixel and 1.0-micron small pixel
  • Dual-camera sync: master/slave capability to switch between sensors during zoom operation
  • Ultra-low power using unique toggle mode to extend phone battery life

The reference design is now available for customer demonstrations.

Image signal processing chip targets surround-view vehicle systems

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The OV491, OmniVision's ISP with dual-sensor processing for surround view architectures. (PRNewsFoto/OmniVision Technologies, Inc.)
The OV491, OmniVision’s ISP with dual-sensor processing for surround view architectures. 

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. announced the OV491 and OV495, two new companion chips that deliver exceptional performance and advanced features in combination with OmniVision’s portfolio of automotive RAW image sensors. The OV491 is a compact image signal processor (ISP) companion chip specified to enable best-in-class image quality in surround view system architectures. The OV495 contains the same ISP features but is also equipped with electronic distortion and perspective correction, making it an ideal solution for rear video mirror and camera monitor system (CMS) applications. The OV491 and OV495 are both compatible with OmniVision’s OV2775, OV10650, and OV10640 automotive image sensors.

“As advanced automotive driver assistance features such as rear video mirrors and 360-degree surround view become more popular, car makers are demanding imaging solutions that are suitable for multiple vehicle platforms while meeting important industry standards,” said Bahman Hadji, senior automotive marketing manager at OmniVision. “The OV491 and OV495 are designed to deliver automotive camera integrators the flexibility to design integrated as well as distributed architectures for various driver assistance systems.”

The OV491 supports dual sensor input for streamlined surround view architectures, enabling a system with only two ISP companion chips to process four camera inputs, each up to two megapixels in resolution. The OV495 can process video streams of up to two megapixels in resolution at a maximum of 60 frames per second, with distortion and perspective correction to enable different viewing modes and angles. The OV495 also supports overlay capabilities for features such as parking guidance to enable high-performance rear video mirrors and rear view cameras.

The OV491 and OV495 each come in AEC-Q100 Grade 2-qualified, compact 7 x 7 mm BGA packages. Both chips are currently available for sampling and are expected to enter volume production in the first quarter of 2017.