Sensor raises security camera definition

High-performance low-power 1Mpixel CMOS image sensor that offers high-quality HD video performance at 30 frames per second.

OmniVision Technologies has unveiled its first true high-definition (HD) image sensor optimised for use in indoor and outdoor applications for the security and surveillance markets.

The OV9710, which will be showcased at the ISC West show in Las Vegas next week, is a high-performance low-power 1Mpixel CMOS image sensor that offers high-quality HD (720p or 800p) video performance at 30 frames per second.

"What truly sets the OV9710 apart from competing solutions is that it incorporates OmniVision's proprietary OmniPixel3-HS technology in a 3 x 3um pixel to enable best-in-class low light performance", says Bruce Weyer, OmniVision's Vice President of Marketing, commenting on the position of the OV9710 in the security and surveillance market.

"With a low light sensitivity of 3300mV per lux-second, the OV9710 enables security cameras to operate in virtually every lighting condition - from bright daylight to nearly complete darkness".

"As a result, it is ideally suited for next generation HD security and surveillance video applications".

"High definition video offers the security market exceptionally detailed evidence and opens the possibility of highly capable recognition algorithms", Weyer continues.

"In moving to HD security solutions it is critical to perform under low-light conditions".

"Having an HD camera solution available that offers such exceptional low light sensitivity puts OmniVision in a strong position in the high performance security camera space".

The OV9710 is a quarter-inch HD CameraChip sensor providing full-frame, subsampled or windowed 8/10bit images in raw RGB format via the digital video port.

The sensor delivers full-frame HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second or 800p (1280 x 800) at 30 frames per second with complete user control over image quality, formatting and output data transfer.

The OV9710 incorporates image processing functions, including: exposure control, gain control, white balance, lens correction, and pixel correction.

These functions are also programmable through the serial camera control bus (SCCB) interface.

The OV9710 comes in a variety of lead-free packaging options, and is capable of operating within a temperature range of -30 to +70C.

It is currently available in sample quantities, and the company expects to begin volume shipments in June 2008.

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