OmniVision launches OV04C/OV02G image sensors to empower IoT market with innovation

The rapid development of 5G communication technology has truly built a bridge for the interconnection of all things. According to GSMA's forecast, the global IoT market size will be US$248 billion in 2020 and will exceed US$1 trillion by 2024. The compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2025 is expected to reach 44.6%. It is foreseeable that IoT is becoming a new growth point in the consumer electronics industry.

As the market scale expands, terminal application scenarios are also developing in a more diversified direction. In addition to simple functions such as voice wake-up, users are increasingly emphasizing the upgrade of IoT products in terms of human-computer interaction experience. In the current mainstream solutions in the industry, cameras are regarded as an important window for most IoT terminals to achieve interaction, which also means that the product characteristics of image sensors will have a key impact on the final interactive effect.

In order to more accurately meet the needs of IoT terminals, OmniVision Group has launched two image sensors, OV04C and OV02G, for different application scenarios.

OV04C: High performance, more immersive

The OV04C sensor can support high-definition 2K images, 4-megapixel still images and dynamic videos, with a frame rate of up to 60 frames per second, allowing for smoother images. The product uses OmniVision's unique PureCel® Plus technology, with a pixel size of 2.0um; it is mainly used in scenarios such as Smart TVs and video phones.

At the same time, the OV04C image sensor is equipped with mature Staggered HDR technology, which not only enables the captured images to have a higher dynamic range, copes well with the shooting of moving objects, optimizes the video shooting experience, but also saves computing power and power consumption. Staggered HDR technology supports 4 output modes, with more flexible configuration to adapt to the limitations of transmission bandwidth.

In addition, OV04C also uses variable conversion gain technology, which can adapt different conversion gains according to the changes in the scene, thereby achieving better imaging effects. This product itself has a large CRA and uses COB packaging, which can fully meet the requirements of the terminal for miniaturization of the camera module.

Comparison of images taken with Staggered HDR technology (right)

Entering the post-epidemic era, as the use of smart terminals in household scenarios gradually increases, it also gives more possibilities for human-computer interaction. The terminals that users choose to use for video interaction are no longer limited to smartphones, tablets, or laptops, but extend to more smart home appliances, such as smart TVs. Compared with mobile terminals such as mobile phones and tablets, smart TVs integrate a variety of entertainment functions such as film, television, music, games, live broadcasts, and social apps. They have an open operating system and are more advantageous in terms of picture display and screen size. Through software and hardware upgrades, users can be provided with diversified interactive scenarios.

The smart TV camera uses the OV04C high-definition image sensor, which not only allows users to achieve high-definition, low-latency remote video conferencing and remote video calls directly through the TV; in their spare time, users can also use the somatosensory game TV with a 2K high-definition camera to experience a doubly smooth gaming experience and enrich the entertainment at home.

Smart TVs have now surpassed traditional TVs and become the mainstream in the TV market. In the future, smart TVs are more likely to develop into smart home control centers that integrate home audio-visual entertainment, information sharing, management control, and multi-device interaction.

OV02G: Strong compatibility, easier to use

OV02G is an upgraded product launched by OmniVision based on the security product OS02G, with a resolution of 1920x1080. It supports 1080P high-definition images, 2-megapixel still images and dynamic videos, and a shooting frame rate of 30 frames per second. It can capture natural and smooth images and supports 10-bit RAW RGB output format.

In addition to maintaining the mainstream 1/2.9-inch optical size, the OV02G image sensor's 2.8μm pixel size adopts OmniVision's OmniPixel® 3-HS technology. This high-performance, cost-effective solution uses a high-sensitivity FSI process to achieve true color reproduction in both light and dark conditions.

In addition, the OV02G image sensor has a larger CRA angle, which can be adapted to the miniaturized module design and used with the lens of mobile phone product specifications, reducing the size of the camera while taking into account the cost performance. With its strong compatibility, OV02G can be widely used in various terminal products equipped with cameras in the smart home ecosystem.

As more and more IoT incorporates imaging functions, OV02G can be seen in smart speakers, smart TVs, smart refrigerators, smart lamps and other products. OV02G can assist terminals in enhancing human-computer interaction in terms of video, entertainment, security, monitoring and other aspects, so that the entire home system can bring users a more immersive and intelligent experience.

Summarize:

At present, many first-tier terminal brands around the world are planning to enter the IoT market. For most brands, in addition to highlighting their technological competitiveness with products targeting the mid- and high-end markets, they also need to increase their overall market share by launching cost-effective products, thereby expanding their influence in emerging markets. The two products launched by OmniVision Group this time have achieved comprehensive coverage of the IoT market from different directions, which can not only meet the end customers' demand for product performance improvement, but also meet the end product demand that emphasizes cost-effectiveness.