Sony Corporation recently announced the release of two CMOS image sensor models which have been exclusively designed for Sony’s smartphones and tablets. These new sensors feature an all new coding scheme called RGBW (W for white) coding, which will allow high quality still pictures even in low light conditions. Added to this unique coding scheme is Sony’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie technology, which provides clarity in colour, even at the brightest settings possible.
These sensors have been equipped with signal processing capabilities, which in most cases require an external embedment. This new CMOS technology developed by Sony not only promises superior image quality but also promises better performance in a compact size. These next generation, back illuminated CMOS image sensors are expected to start shipping in March this year.
So what exactly can one expect from the new RGBW coding scheme? This new coding function adds extra ‘white pixels’ to the standard RGB pixels for a given image. This addition of white pixels not only aids in the improvement of picture sensitivity, but also degrades the picture quality a little. This is where the embedded signal processing pitches in and ensures that there is minimal loss in quality without any compromise in sensitivity.
This new coding scheme also helps in improving the S/N (signal to noise) ratio, which is evident from the decrease in the pixel size from 1.4 microns to 1.12 microns. This enables the sensors to aim for higher resolutions with a more compact chip size. Another added advantage is that the final image is restored in the conventional RGB method, hence ruling out any additional signal processing techniques required to change the existing standard.
The other highly touted feature is High Dynamic Range technology. This feature is designed to handle conditions in which light levels change rapidly, for example when moving from indoors to outdoors, which often leads to an annoying and blinding glare. This phenomenon is a consequence of excess light interference, especially when there are different levels in the same shot. HDR technology makes use of advanced signal processing techniques and ensures that different exposure conditions are processed separately. This ensures that the image is generated in a wide range of spectra thus enabling shooting of the subject matter with brilliant colour quality even in bright light conditions.
These latest announcements are expected to help Sony regain the glory associated with its Cybershot series of phones, which were associated with superior camera quality; something which has been missing lately as Sony tries to play catch up with other Android manufacturers.
