Optical Sensors - Image Sensors, Camera are components or module-level devices designed to capture visual information electronically in the visible and infrared spectrums. The products consist of a series of photosensitive elements linked by a shared control and interface mechanism; these include standard still image and video captures and more specialised applications, including spatial and thermal imaging.
The camera's image sensor converts the light and colour spectrum into electrical signals so that the camera can be converted to zeros and ones. All digital cameras on the market (still, video, or security) use one of two possible methods for the camera's image sensor: CCD or CMOS.
Types of Image Sensors
There are two types of commonly used image sensors in the market:
Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) Sensors
In 1969, Willard Boyle and George E. Smith joined AT&T Bell Labs and developed the CCD, which could capture images until 1971. CCDs are engineered using state-of-the-art technology that allows charge to flow through the chip uninterrupted, creating exciting objects with high reliability and light sensitivity. The output of the chip is in the form of an analogue voltage. The image created using the CCD image sensor is good quality and noise-free. The running speed is medium to fast, and the difference between the sensors is slight. Although CCD sensors use more power than CMOS sensors, these sensors are widely used in many applications that require the highest quality data.
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) Sensors
CMOS is an integrated electronic system used for capturing images. The CMOS sensor components can be easily assembled into a single chip using a manufacturing process. The output of the chip is in the form of a digital bit. Although challenging, CMOS image sensors would be easier and cheaper to design than CCD sensors. Every pixel in the CMOS sensor can be read. Images are fast yet responsive. However, it is an effect on noise. Advances in CMOS imaging technology allow CMOS sensors to achieve higher performance levels.
Applications of Optical Sensors - Image Sensors, Camera
Below is a list of the main applications of image sensors. Optical mouse, document scanning, barcode readers:
- Toys and games
- Scientific imaging
- Aerospace, defense, automotive, biometrics, and media applications
- Medical - such as dental x-ray and medical cameras
- Photographic equipment such as digital cameras, camera modules, camcorders
- Smartphones, security cameras, PC cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), machine vision security and surveillance cameras, and videoconferencing
