A new wide-aspect ratio image sensor recently released by Sony Semiconductor Solutions combines a large imaging area with high-speed, low-noise and high-resolution performance.
In fast-evolving contemporary logistics systems where belt conveyors are continually getting wider and faster, there’s a growing demand for high-performance image sensors that not only expand the imaging area they cover, but also improve the speed, detail and efficiency of tasks such as barcode reading. Typically, to capture the entire belt conveyor in one field of view, multiple cameras are required to work together, leading to concerns about the increased cost and size of the system, and the complications of combining multiple components.
Sony’s stacked CMOS image sensor gives a wider single-camera view
To address these concerns, Sony Semiconductor Solutions has developed a new stacked CMOS image sensor designed to work with a single camera. With a single camera, the sensor can capture a wide-range area horizontally, meaning the number of cameras used in a system – and the associated cost – is reduced when compared to conventional methods.
Leveraging Sony’s back-illuminated Pregius shutter technology, the new sensor delivers distortion-free high-speed imaging, along with image quality. With a wide dynamic range exceeding 70dB, the sensor can capture fast-moving objects at 134 frames-per-second (fps).
A standard camera's field of view vs a wide angle. Capturing more of the subject allows fewer camera to be required across a system. Image: Sony
Sony’s IMX901 image sensor
With 8K horizontal resolution and approximately 16.41 effective megapixels, and the support of C-mount lenses widely used in industrial applications, the new CMOS image sensor provides high-resolution images across a wide field of view - with 8K horizontal and 2K vertical pixels. Along with the increased image range, Sony says their Pregius STM shutter technology provides high-quality, low-noise and high-speed image quality.
Sony’s 16.41-effective-megapixel IMX901 CMOS image sensor is released in July 2024, before a smaller version with 6K horizontal and 2K vertical pixels, and 12.38 effective megapixels is released later in the year. Both products combine a wide aspect ratio with high image quality and high speed, making them suitable for use in barcode reading and on belt conveyors at logistics facilities, machine vision inspections and appearance inspections, detecting fine defects and scratches, as well as other applications.
