Depth, computation to boost embedded camera market

Market news | May 4, 2014

The adoption of image sensors with depth sensing and computational cameras could add a billion units to annual shipments of embedded camera modules by 2017, according to a report from Woodside Capital Partners.

By eeNews Europe

The report predicts that in 2017 over 1.5 billion image sensors will ship in smartphones but that a further 1.2 billion computational cameras will be included.

Source: Woodside Capital Partners

The report asserts that the addition of depth information and computation around that will become the point of differentiation for embedded cameras. This computation can be used to increase dynamic range, improve low-light image capture and improve image focus. And it can be used for gesture recognition and the human–machine interface and as part of augmented reality systems that overlay third-party information on the captured scene.

This provides opportunities throughout the supply chain from sensors and they way they capture depth information as well as light, up through, packaging and modules through to image processors and software an systems engineering.

Source: Woodside Capital Partners

While many of this possibilities can be seen in the mobile electronic equipment market they are also likely to be transformative in the broader consumer electronics market (smart TVs) and in automotive electronics, Woodside Capital Partners reckons.