2M-Pixel CMOS Camera Module with Autofocus Function for Mobile Equipment
MCB770
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3-element, 3-group glass lens with AF
function
Based on Sony’s experience introducing 1.3M-pixel CCD camera mod-
ules to the marketplace, Sony has embarked on efforts to respond to
customer desires for increased pixel counts, improved functionality,
reduced power consumption, and further miniaturization and lower
mounting heights in CCD camera modules.
CMOS sensor with 2.01M camera
block effective pixels
Supports both uncompressed moving
picture and JPEG compressed still im-
age data formats
The MCB770 introduced here is a new product that responds to these
desires with newly-developed technologies such as a 2M-pixel CMOS
sensor and an AF function that can handle a wide range of camera to
subject distances.
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Image expression capabilities based
on the AE and AWB technologies used
in dedicated digital still cameras
This product adopts many ideas from the dedicated digital still cam-
era, which has acquired wide support in the image creation areas, to
achieve a balanced and rich set of image expression capabilities.
This made it possible to create a minia-
ture low-power AF system optimal for a
camera module. The MCB770 also sup-
High-Performance Lens with
Newly-Developed DSP for
Natural Image Rendition and
High-Generality Interface
Wide Distance Range AF
Function
ports manual focus.
The MCB770 includes an AF system for
Sony achieved low TV distortion and high
The MCB770 provides three formats: draft
mode, which is intended for preview mov-
ing picture, uncompressed capture mode
for moving picture recording, and JPEG
capture mode for still images. The
MCB770 supports flexible end product
design by providing a variety of image
sizes in each of these modes.
The MCB770 provides rich image expres-
sion that will not betray our customers’
hopes for image creation. The AE and
AWB algorithms implemented in the
newly-developed DSP are based on con-
cepts from dedicated digital still cameras
and take into account the functional
balance required in a camera module. The
MCB770 thus provides imaging perfor-
mance in difficult conditions that is
equivalent to that of dedicated digital still
cameras. Furthermore, the MCB770 pro-
vides a scene selection function that can
set optimal condition for the camera mod-
ule simply by selecting a scene mode that
matches the scene being imaged.
the first time in a Sony camera module
resolution performance by combining a
product. This AF system focuses over a
lens design optimized in conjunction with
wide range of distances from 10 cm, a dis-
the sensor structure with a 3-element,
tance selected specifically for imaging QR
3-group glass lens.
codes, to infinity. It also includes a focus
point prediction function to improve fo-
cusing performance. In addition to an AF
control system that takes advantage of
Sony’s experience in dedicated digital still
cameras, it also adopts a linear method.
High Picture Quality CMOS
Sensor for Mobile Equipment
The MCB770 includes the IMX011CQ*
diagonal 5.97 mm (Type 1/3.0) 2.13M
total pixels primary color progressive scan
CMOS sensor that was designed at the
same time as the MCB770. This device
was designed for use in mobile equipment
and achieves the high-speed progressive
scan of all pixels at 15 frames/s and the
same high picture quality as CCD sensors.
While it goes without saying that this de-
vice uses Sony’s know-how developed
over many years of CCD development as
a foundation, this device also features fur-
ther optimization of the pixel layout and
on-chip microlenses.
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This newly-developed camera
module was made possible by the
persistence of each of the persons
in charge of the various compo-
nents; the lens, sensor, DSP,
mechanism, mounting, image
quality, and plant. Our idea was to
provide more freedom and more
fun to users, we wanted our users
to experience the pleasure of be-
ing able to photograph the things
around them freely and easily. We
are committed to continuing to
develop products to the best of
our ability.
*
IMX011CQ: See CX-NEWS Vol. 40.