OmniVision Technologies Inc, a developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, announced a new ultra-compact CameraChip sensor for medical imaging and industrial applications.
The company’s 1/18-inch OV6946 is said to capture 400 x 400 pixel resolution images and video with good color fidelity in a compact 0.9 x 0.9 mm package that consumes low power, making it a suitable camera solution for minimally-invasive, reusable endoscopy.
According to OmniVision, to reduce patient trauma and shorten recovery time, doctors are turning to smaller, reusable endoscopes to deliver the images and video required during a medical procedure. The company reports that there are currently no other image sensors available that offer the level of performance and image quality in such a compact and power efficient form factor.
“Our research group has developed numerous endoscope prototypes based on OmniVision’s OV6946 sensor, and we are encouraged by the initial evaluations,” said Dahong Qian, professor at the Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University. “This prototype is the smallest endoscope system at this resolution to date, with many potential applications such as hysteroscopes, cystoscopes, falloposcopes, oledochoscopes, and bronchoscopes, among others.”
Using an advanced 1.75-micron OmniBSI+ pixel, the OV6946 captures quality 400 x 400 resolution images and video at 30 frames per second (FPS). The OV6946 enables minimally invasive endoscope module designs with a width of 1.65 mm and height of 5 mm. Additionally, the sensor’s reduced pinout and basic ISP functionality are designed to offer easy integration.
The OV6946 is currently available for sampling, the company reports, and is expected to enter volume production in the third quarter of 2015. For more information, visit the OmniVision website.
