OmniVision’s new PureCel image sensor brings biometric capabilities for mobile devices

OmniVision Technologies has announced OV2744, a 1.4-micron PureCel image sensor that is supported by the company’s second-generation RGB-Ir technology.

The OV2744 enables advanced biometric capabilities such as facial recognition for front-facing cameras in a range of devices, including notebooks, tablets and smartphones.

“Notebook and mobile device OEMs have traditionally relied on two-camera solutions for image capturing and facial recognition functionalities,” said Arun Jayaseelan, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “The OV2744 is capable of delivering both premium RGB imaging and high quality IR information required for biometric and other emerging IR applications. The OV2744 thus gives OEMs the opportunity to move to single camera solutions, thereby reducing cost and space requirements for their devices.”

The OV2744 outputs 10-bit RAW RGB-Ir images while OmniVision’s RGB-Ir technology enables the image sensor to deliver quality IR output without impacting its premium RGB images.

The image sensor also prevents the need to have two-camera solutions for devices that require both IR and RGB imaging. Additionally, the solution requires less color aliasing than other RGB-Ir sensors.

The solution can capture high definition 1080p video at 60 frames per second while using less power than competing 1080p sensors.

The OV2744 supports full frame staggered high dynamic range and offers an ultra-low power mode, which decreases the resolution and frame rates to save even more power.

Currently available for testing, the OV2744 is expected to enter volume production in the first quarter of 2016, according to OmniVision.

Last September OmniVision Technologies released the OV2281, a PureCel sensor that provides accurate iris recognition capabilities for smartphones, tablets and notebooks, in both landscape and portrait orientations.

Article Topics

biometric application  |  biometrics  |  image sensor  |  mobile device  |  OmniVision Technologies