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Tokyo, Japan — Sony Corporation on Thursday, Jan 31, announced the development of a 35mm full size (diagonal:43.3mm/Type 2.7) 24.81 effective megapixel, ultra-high speed high image quality CMOS image sensor designed to meet the increasing requirement for rapid image capture and advanced picture quality within digital SLR cameras.

The newly developed CMOS image sensor combines unique circuit design technology with Sony’s advanced fabrication expertise, such as advanced planarization for minimizing fluctuation, to realize 35mm, full size, 24.81 effective megapixel resolution. Sony’s “Column-Parallel A/D Conversion Technique” also provides each column within the sensor with its own A/D converter, minimizing image degradation caused by the noise that arises during analog processing while at the same time delivering an extremely high signal conversion speed.

The enhanced image quality generated by the sensor’s 24.81 effective megapixel resolution, wide range of graduation expression achieved by its full size broad dynamic range, and the low noise, high resolution, ultra-responsive performance provided by Sony’s Column-Parallel A/D Conversion technique enable it to meet the ever-increasing requirements within high performance digital SLR cameras.

Sony will target for mass production of this CMOS image sensor within this year.

Major Features
1, High picture quality in 35mm full size image sensor with 24.81M effective pixels

2, “Column-Parallel A/D Conversion method” achieves high S/N and high-speed imaging

- CDS/PGA(24dB)Circuit (PGA: Programmable Gain Amplifier)
- 12bit-AD Converter on chip
- Diversified readout mode
- All-pixel scan mode 6.3 frame/s (12bit)
- Window readout

3, High-speed digital output (12 channel parallel LVDS output)

More at Sony.

LAKE SUCCESS, NY — Jan 07, `08 — Canon today announced the VIXIA family – a new lineup of consumer High-Definition camcorders embracing Canon optical and imaging technologies for superior image quality and flexibility – at the CES 2008 in Las Vegas.

VIXIA Core TechnologiesAll VIXIA camcorders feature Canon core technologies to create HD video that possesses the highest level of image quality – a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens; a Canon designed and manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor for Full HD (1920 x 1080) image capture; the Canon-developed DIGIC DV II Image Processor; Instant AutoFocus, crucial for HD; and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization.

VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory and VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory Camcorders:
The VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory camcorder offers the flexibility of recording up to 6 hours of High-Definition video to a 16GB internal Flash drive, as well as the option of recording to an SDHC memory card. The HF100 Flash Memory camcorder features an SDHC memory card slot only. The SDHC slot provides future storage expandability with both models. These camcorders also offer other sophisticated new features, including a newly designed Genuine Canon 12x HD Video Lens, a robust Canon 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, and Full HD Lens-to-Screen (1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution to capture, record and output).

In addition to 24p Cinema Mode, which allows users to mimic the look of Hollywood-style movies, the VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory and HF100 Flash Memory camcorders offer a new feature called 30p Progressive Mode. Canon’s 30p Progressive Mode, once exclusive to pro-level camcorders, delivers clarity for fast action events, such as sports or news, and is the perfect frame rate for clips intended to be posted on the Web. A 2.7″ Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD offers a wide viewing angle, making it visible from any direction.

VIXIA HV30 HD Camcorder:
As the successor to the Canon HV20 HD Camcorder, the VIXIA HV30 HD camcorder provides consumers with the ability to record HD quality video to MiniDV cassettes. Wrapped in a sophisticated black exterior, the VIXIA HV30 camcorder features a Genuine Canon 10X HD Video Lens, Canon 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, DIGIC DV II Image Processor, a 30p Progressive Mode (and 24p Cinema Mode), and a 2.7″ Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. In addition, the VIXIA HV30 camcorder is compatible with Canon’s high capacity BP-2L24H Lithium-ion battery.

DW-100 DVD Burner:
The Canon DW-100 DVD Burner allows to burn all, part or previously recorded video from a compatible Canon camcorder to a DVD. In addition to burning Standard Definition DVDs, the DW-100 can also burn AVCHD DVDs which can be played in compatible Blu-Ray players. The DW-100 DVD Burner has only three buttons: power, record and eject, making operation fast and easy. Unlike other similar yet daunting devices, the DW-100 DVD Burner is designed for one-touch operation: connect via USB, set and burn.

Available in late April, the VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory and VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory camcorders will have an estimated retail price of $1,099 and $899, respectively. The Canon VIXIA HV30 is scheduled to be available in late February for the estimated retail price of $999. The Canon DW-100 DVD Burner is scheduled to be available in late April for the estimated retail price of $269.More at Canon.

TOKYO, Japan — On Thursday, Dec 20, Canon announced the achievement of a new camera-manufacturing milestone as combined production of the company’s EOS-series film and digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras passed the 30-million mark.

Additionally, production of EOS Digital-series SLR cameras has passed the 10-million unit threshold.

The achievement coincides with Canon’s 70th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the launch of its EOS line of SLR cameras. Shipment of EOS cameras began in 1987 from Canon’s Fukushima Plant (now Fukushima Canon), with production later moving to Canon, Taiwan and the company’s current main production base at Oita Canon.

In 1997, the 10th anniversary of the series, production reached 10 million units, and in 2003 it passed the 20-million mark. And now, a mere four years later, Canon reached the 30-million level.

In March of 1987, Canon’s 50th anniversary, the company introduced the EOS 650 AF SLR camera, the first model of the EOS series. The EOS 650 incorporated the world’s first fully electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system, representing a new generation of AF SLR cameras.

In 2000, Canon formally ushered in the age of the digital SLR camera with the introduction of the EOS D30, equipped with the company’s proprietary CMOS sensor. In addition to developing in-house such key components as CMOS sensors and the high-performance DIGIC digital image processor, Canon offers an extensive lineup of EF lenses.

This year, commemorating the 20th year of the EOS series, Canon has further bolstered its digital SLR camera lineup with the launch of the top-of-the-line EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III, featuring a fully revamped camera system, as well as the EOS 40D. More at Canon.

Houston — Dec 05, ‘07 — On August 07, 2008, after 20 years of hype, disappointment, blunders, triumphs and peerless glittering vistas of space and time, and four years after NASA decided to leave the Hubble Space Telescope to die in orbit, setting off public and Congressional outrage, a group of astronauts will ride to the telescope aboard the space shuttle Atlantis with wrenches in hand. Says NYTimes.

That, at least, is the plan.

Servicing Mission 4
NASA managers officially are targeting August 7, 2008, for the launch of the fifth and final space shuttle servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. During the 11-day flight, Atlantis’ seven astronauts will repair and improve the observatory’s capabilities through 2013.

Mission planners have been working since last fall, when the flight was announced, to determine the best time in the shuttle manifest to support the needs of Hubble while minimizing the impact to International Space Station assembly. NASA also will support a “launch on need” flight during the Hubble mission. In the unlikely event a rescue flight becomes necessary, shuttle Endeavour currently is planned to lift off from Launch Pad 39-B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla. However, managers constantly are evaluating the manifest to determine the best mission options.

Shuttle missions beyond the Hubble flight, designated STS-125, still are being assessed. Shuttle and station program officials will continue to consider options for the remainder of the shuttle flights to complete construction of the space station by 2010, when the fleet will be retired. Those target launch dates are subject to change.

More at NASA, NYTimes.

Taipei, Taiwan — Nov 26, ‘07 –Jimmy Hsu of DigiTimes reports on Samsung Electronics, in a bid to promote sales of its digital cameras at the annual IT Month fair to take place in Taipei in early December, offering a 4GB SD memory card as a gift along with the sale of Samsung digital cameras, citing retail channels in the Taiwan market.

He further writes, “Price competition that has been ongoing for up to two years in the Taiwan market has reduced sales margins for digital cameras to a low level of $15.5-24.7 (NT$500-800), and vendors have started to opt for offering gifts instead of further price cuts, the sources indicated.

Memory cards are the most common promotional gifts offered alongside digital cameras, usually a 1GB SD card for an entry-level model and a 2GB SD card for a mid-range or high-end model, the sources noted. However, Samsung will take the initiative in offering 4GB SD cards and it is uncertain whether main competitors, including Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon and Casio, will follow suit, the sources pointed out.” More at DigiTimes.

LIVERMORE, CALIF — In an effort to find an answer to the problem of identifying smuggled special nuclear material (SNM), researchers at Sandia National Laboratories in California say a Neutron Scatter Camera they are developing may be able to detect radiation from much greater distances and through more shielding than current detection instruments.

The neutron scatter camera, says Sandia physicist Nick Mascarenhas, has the capability to count neutrons from a source of SNM and localize it — meaning it doesn’t only indicate there is radiation present, but also where it is emanating from and, under some circumstances, how much.

“This instrument can pinpoint a hot spot in another room through walls, something not typically possible with gamma-ray detectors,” says Mascarenhas. “Performance-wise, it’s beating the older technologies, but we want to continue to push the limits of sensitivity and detection distance.”

Distance, says Mascarenhas, is a significant benchmark because it means the neutron scatter camera has the potential to detect through various types of shielding, a concern at any border crossing or point of entry.

Since 9/11, radiation detection has taken on a new immediacy as a means of preventing a nuclear weapon attack within the United States. Gamma-ray and neutron detectors are being deployed at border crossings and ports, with the goal of enabling interdiction of a nuclear weapon or material before it enters the country.

The neutron scatter camera has an advantage over traditional neutron detection because it can differentiate low energy neutrons from high energy neutrons.Another advantage is shielding. While some gamma rays can be blocked from detectors, neutrons are much more difficult to conceal. In a lab test, the camera easily detected and imaged a source placed across the hallway, through several walls and cabinets.

The biggest obstacle to the camera becoming widely adopted is the liquid scintillator, which is flammable, hazardous, and requires special handling. According to Mascarenhas, materials exist that could be used as a solid scintillator, but they need to be mass produced and made readily available in the U.S. for this purpose. Solid scintillator material, he says, is not in the scope of the current project but is a logical next step.

“We are not concerned with size at this point — our mission is to understand everything about the performance of this instrument and make it the best it can be,” he says. “Making it portable or compact might be the next steps, but that’s something I’m confident that Sandia, as an engineering laboratory, can solve.” More at Sandia.gov

Nov 21, ‘07 — Tech-On! is reporting on Future Creation Laboratory of Olympus Corp prototyped a new camera and a projector. The camera can shoot video images with horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 360 and 50°, respectively, in 1080i full-HD resolution, and the projector can project the images shot with this camera.

Tech-On! further writes, “Based on Olympus’ proprietary “axisymmetric free-form-surface lens” unveiled in July 2007, the prototypes have enhanced resolution and widen viewing angles. The lens had 760 scanning lines and a vertical viewing angle of 45° when it was first announced in July. The resolution and the viewing angle were achieved by optimization of the imaging optics (lens group) including the axisymmetric free-form-surface lens, the company said.

The lens is shaped like a top with a diameter of about 6cm. It is made of plastic. It can form omnidirectional images (horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 360 and 50°, respectively) on a plane surface in an annular manner, or project annular images on an omnidirectional surface.”

More at Tech-On!

PARK RIDGE, N.J – Nov. 14, 2007 – Sony Electronics’ latest HDV products include two new camcorders that feature interchangeable lens systems, native progressive recording, increased sensitivity for low-light conditions, hybrid solid-state recording and other features designed for video production professionals and pro-sumers.

The new models are the HVR-Z7U (handheld) and HVR-S270U (shoulder-mount) camcorders. Sony is also introducing the HVR-M35U playback and recording deck. These new products expand Sony’s line-up of HD production technologies, which includes the recently introduced PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX solid-state memory camera and the soon-to-be-available HVR-HD1000U shoulder-mount HDV camcorder.

Each camcorder comes standard with a 12x high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video, with a Vario-Sonnar T coating to reduce reflections.

The camcorders offer 1080, 24p and 30p native progressive recording. The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system and EIP technology create true 1080p images, which can then be recorded as progressive signals by the HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U camcorders in the HDV format. The progressive HDV streams can be output from an i.LINK interface and used for progressive editing with compatible NLE software.

The HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U can switch between 1080p, 1080i in the HDV format, DVCAM, and DV recording, and both can down-convert material from HD to SD, and output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other SD output connectors. The HVR-Z7U has an HDMI output. The HVR-S270U is available with HD-SDI or SD-SDI connectivity, and also supports embedded audio and timecode.

The HVR-M35U record and playback deck is compatible with HDV native progressive recording modes and supports HD/SD-SDI output with embedded audio and timecode data. It has a 60i/50i switchable function, and supports HDV1080i (60i/50i/24p/30p/25p) and DVCAM/DV (60i/50i). The new products are each planned to be available in February, at the following suggested list prices:

HVR-S270U camcorder, $10,500
HVR-Z7U camcorder, $6,850
HVR-M35U deck, $5,540

More at Sony.

Nov 14, ‘07 — AT&T plans on Wednesday to introduce a nationwide program giving owners of small- and medium-size businesses some of the same tools big security firms offer for remotely monitoring employees, customers and operations, the New York Times said in its online edition.Under AT&T’s Remote Monitor program, a business owner could install adjustable cameras, door sensors and other gadgets at up to five different company locations across the country, the newspaper reported.

Using a Java-enabled mobile device or a personal computer connected to the Internet, the owner would be able to view any of the images in real time, control room lighting and track equipment temperatures remotely, the Times said. All the images are recorded on digital video which can be viewed for up to 30 days, the newspaper added.

According to the Times, equipment costs range from $199 for a fixed camera starter kit in a single location, to $349 for multiple cameras including ones that will pan or tilt. The newspaper also said monthly monitoring charges range from $9.95 for a single location, to $39.95 for five locations. More at AT&T Remote Monitor.

Nov 09, ‘07 — Tech-On! is reporting on an “underfloor inspection robot” developed by Sanyo for detached housing.

“This inspection robot can go around or over obstacles under the floor. It enables users to remotely inspect the leakage of the piping, corrosion and deterioration of structures. It is also capable of displaying images in real time.

The robot makes it possible to automatically perform difficult operations in dark, narrow spaces, which is otherwise human-intensive work, and enables users to monitor the operations above ground.

The robot is operated by the user with a remote controller. Thus, it is capable of transmitting clear images of the piping and other structures while avoiding obstacles in narrow places under the floor. It also displays the inspection image on a monitor at hand.

The robot automatically creates the inspection report for easier data management. It can clime over the obstacle with a height up to 85mm. The robot has small dimensions of 420 (L) x 260 (W) x 200mm (H), and weighs as light as 9.6kg. It runs on a lithium ion rechargeable battery, and can be operated continuously up to 140 minutes.” More at Tech-On!, Sanyo.

Tokyo, Japan — Oct 17, 2007 — Sanyo announces the development of an automotive omni-directional monitor system that can display a bird’s eye view of the vehicle shot with four cameras mounted on front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle. The monitor system is intended to assist drivers of large truck, RV to park or change the direction at an intersection.

The distortion of images are corrected by an image processor and converted into bird’s eye images before they are combined together. In order to provide a coherent view, the company reportedly developed an algorithm to adjust the misalignment of the joint lines when the images are integrated.” Sanyo will exhibit the latest system at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007.

More at (google translated) Sanyo

Singapore, 12 October 2007 — Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) today announced the launch of Mobile LIVECam, a simple-to-use, cutting edge and affordable home surveillance device. Each camera comes equipped with a SIM card and users simply place it at their selected location.  They can then dial in to the camera’s assigned number from wherever they are using their 3G mobile phone in order to view the images.  A unique feature of the device is how it allows the user to remotely pan, tilt and zoom (up to three times) using the numeric keypad on their phone, enabling full control of the camera view.  Image brightness, volume, on-the-fly recording and even image inverting are also supported.

“The Mobile LIVECam will appeal to anyone who likes to keep an eye on the things that are close to their hearts.  Families with aged parents, babies or problematic pets found the LIVECam service we launched last year to be extremely useful.  The simple setup and use for Mobile LIVECam promises to further enhance this experience and help even the most technologically-challenged among our customers to enjoy the benefits of this device,” said Ms Vicki Brady, Vice President of Consumer Marketing.

The 0.3 megapixels camera is compact and provides quality video streaming.  It comes with a built-in microphone and 512 megabytes memory card for video recording.  The camera is battery-operated,allowing it to be truly portable. It requires no configuration or installation and is equipped with infra-red video capture to improve images in dark spaces and at night. Mobile LIVECam operates on the 3G network, and is a standalone service available toall residential customers with an existing SingTel Mobile 3G account.

More at SingTel here and here

CNET is reporting on Adobe’s new 3D camera technology.

In their words “Today, if you want to trim all the distracting background out of a picture–say, the crowd behind your daughter playing soccer–you have to do a lot of artful selection with high-powered software such as Photoshop. But what if your computer understood the depth of the image, just as you did when you took the picture, and could be told to just erase everything that’s a certain distance behind your kid?

That’s one possible way to use technology that Adobe Systems has begun showing off–and that can be seen in video of a news conference posted by the Audioblog.fr site last week.

Dave Story, vice president of digital imaging product development at Adobe, showed off aspects of how the technology worked. First comes a lens which, like an insect’s compound eye, transmits several smaller images to the camera. The result is a photograph with multiple sub-views, each taken from a slightly different vantage point at exactly the same time.

From this information, the computer reconstructs a model of the scene in three dimensions.

Story then showed a video with significant transformations of an image based on this 3D understanding. The image had three major elements–a statue in the foreground, a statue in the middle distance, and a wall in the background. The video showed a simulation of a person shifting vantage point left and right–natural enough given that the multiple views captured that information.

More at CNET…