OMNIVISION Launches Ultra-Small Sensor for Presence Detection and Facial Recognition

OMNIVISION has announced the OV0TA1B monochrome/infrared (IR) CMOS image sensor, expanding its portfolio of biometric imaging solutions. The sensor is designed to fit within a 3mm module Y dimension, making it suitable for ultra-thin-bezel notebook computers, webcams, and IoT devices. This development follows the company’s earlier OV01D1R sensor launch, which addressed similar human presence detection applications.

According to Jason Chiang, OMNIVISION’s staff marketing manager for computing, the market has seen increasing adoption of standalone 940nm IR cameras in modern ultra-thin notebooks. This trend has created demand for compact sensors supporting human presence detection (HPD) and facial authentication capabilities while maintaining minimal form factors.

The sensor uses a 2-micron pixel architecture based on PureCel technology, a CMOS image sensor platform that OMNIVISION states delivers enhanced light sensitivity and improved signal-to-noise ratio. Operating at 440 x 360 resolution with 30 frames per second (fps), the OV0TA1B is designed for continuous operation in low-power scenarios.

The technology enables dual-purpose functionality, as the sensor can work independently or alongside RGB cameras for systems requiring both mono and IR capabilities. This flexibility addresses growing privacy concerns in computing devices, where physical privacy shutters may block traditional RGB sensors while maintaining security features.

OMNIVISION reports that the OV0TA1B will enter mass production in Q1 2025, with sampling currently available for manufacturers. The sensor’s applications extend beyond computing to include IoT implementations such as people counting and traffic monitoring systems.

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November 4, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team