OmniVision launches sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition on 2-in-1 laptops

OmniVision Technologies has launched a new image sensor for 2-in-1 convertible laptops to provide greater accuracy for infrared (IR) Windows Hello facial authentication along with high quality color images for selfies and videoconferencing from a single camera.

The new OV5678 is the industry’s first 5MP RGB-IR image sensor for 2-in-1 laptops, according to the company announcement. The sensor is built on OmniVision’s 1.12-micron PureCel Plus pixel architecture with deep trench isolation to reduce color spillover, and a buried color filter array (BCFA) with a high tolerance for collecting light from various angles.

“Previously, Windows Hello facial authentication was not commonly found in 2-in-1 convertible laptops, as it required a second camera for IR functionality,” says Jason Chiang, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “The OV5678 eliminates the need for a second camera by combining RGB and IR capabilities in a single 5MP sensor, saving space while increasing value.”

The thicker silicon used in PureCel Plus architecture improves quantum efficiency for capturing images in near-infrared light outside the visible spectrum, which uses only 1.3MP, and enables IR performance suitable for machine vision applications like Windows Hello facial authentication. It can also be used for eye tracking with reduced power consumption when the screen is not in use, OmniVision says.

Windows Hello was recently certified for FIDO2 authentication standards.

The OV5678 is now available for samples, evaluation, volume production, and the company will attend Computex Taipei 2019, May 28 to 30.

OmniVision launched an image sensor for on-device facial recognition in any lighting conditions last October.

Article Topics

authentication  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  OmniVision Technologies  |  sensors  |  Windows Hello