Sony Corporation : Sony Develops New “RGBW Coding” and “HDR Movie” Functions
January 23, 2012 at 12:37 pm IST
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- To be Equipped in First Release of New Stacked CMOS
Image Sensors, To Begin Sample Shipment -Tokyo, Japan - January 23, 2012 - Sony Corporation
("Sony") today announced the development of two CMOS
image sensor models designed for use in smartphones and other
devices. They are equipped with Sony's unique "RGBW
Coding" function which allows images to be captured with
low noise and high picture quality even in low-light
conditions. They also contain Sony's "HDR (High
Dynamic Range) Movie" function which allows brilliant
color to be captured even in bright settings. Sony has also
developed a model with built-in signal processing
functionality, an element that usually requires external
embedment.
Sony has successfully developed new stacked CMOS
image sensor technology that realizes higher image quality and
superior functionality in a more compact size. The three newly
developed next-generation back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
models will be the first to utilize this technology. Samples
will begin to successively ship starting March 2012.Background of development (new functions)The recent proliferation of smartphones and other devices
has increased casual shooting opportunities and there is demand
for the evolution of cameras to be able to shoot in a diverse
range of settings. In particular, consumers want to easily take
pictures in low light conditions or those with both low and
bright lights. Sony has incorporated its two newly developed
models with its unique "RGBW Coding" function which
enables high-sensitivity shooting even in low-light conditions
and its "HDR Movie" function which can capture images
or video across a broad dynamic range of low-light to
bright-light conditions.About the key functions incorporated in the new CMOS
image sensors1. Sony's unique "RGBW Coding" function
enabling clear shooting in dark rooms or at night
The built-in "RGBW Coding" function which
adds W (White) pixels to the conventional range of RGB
(Red-Green-Blue) pixels has realized higher sensitivity,
enabling high-quality shooting with low noise even in dark
indoor or night settings.
While the addition of W (White) pixels improves
sensitivity, it has the problem of degrading image quality.
However, Sony's own device technology and signal processing
realizes superior sensitivity without hurting image quality.
Furthermore, while the individual pixels of the newly developed
models are extremely minute at 1.12
Sony Group Corporation (formerly Sony Corporation) is a world leader in designing, manufacturing, and selling electronics and entertainment products. Net sales break down by activity as follows:
- game sales (28.9%): game consoles, softwares and consumables;
- sale of multimedia products (21.1%): televisions (37.3% of sales), mobile telecommunications equipment (18.8%), still and video cameras (17.7%), audio and video equipment (16.5%) and other (9.7%);
- music production and distribution (10.3%; Sony Music Entertainment);
- sale of imaging and sensing solutions (10.4%);
- cinematography production and distribution and TV broadcasting (8.4%): operating primarily on behalf of Sony Pictures and Columbia Pictures;
- other (2.4%).
The remaining sales (18.5%) are from financial services.
Net sales break down geographically as follows: Japan (32.9%), China (8.5%), Asia/Pacific (9.6%), the United States (23.9%), Europe (20.2%) and other (4.9%).