As reported by Tech-On!, Sharp (Tokyo, Japan) has created a CCD camera with a visible light sensitivity of 3800 mV; this was done by expanding the proportional area for converting light to image signals. The CCD is targeted at cameras used for intelligent transport systems and factory automation.
Sharp claims that that camera has the industry's highest visible light sensitivity. The company used its own high-speed image-signal-transmission technology and output for up to two channels so that the CCD supports high-speed video for outputting 200 images per second.
When the CCD is used in a camera for factory automation, it enables high-speed processing such as positioning and inspection on production lines, contributing to improving production efficiency. Used with a near-IR light source, the camera can take clear images of the license plate of a car traveling at a high speed at night, says Sharp.
Four models
Sharp will release four models of the CCD. The models have different numbers of output channels (one/two) and different color filters (original color/black and white). The price of its sample is ¥8,000 (approx U S$64.60, including tax). The company will start shipment of samples July 16, 2015, and volume production with an expected rate of 10,000 units per month Sept 30, 2015.
For the future, Sharp plans to develop similar CCDs with a pixel count for intelligent transport systems and factory automation uses.
Source: http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20150716/428164/
