Digital imaging devices have come a long way and have proved better than film-based photography in a number of areas. Digital camera technology has constantly been improving to the point where it can capture images at very high resolutions and with considerable zoom capabilities. There is, however, a growing problem associated with higher resolutions and greater zoom capacity and this is the problem of pixel shift. Pixel shift occurs when the camera shakes while capturing the image. With higher resolutions comes the need for greater pixel density and this in turn makes the imaging device more susceptible to vibrations. Vibrations are typically caused by natural hand jitter and are impossible to eliminate completely.

A popular solution is to incorporate image stabilization systems. However, these systems are costly to design and integrate especially into the more compact digital cameras. The high-end and considerably expensive digital single reflex lens (DSLR) cameras do possess image stabilizing gyroscopes; these were typically made of quartz or ceramic and too large and expensive for lower end models.

InvenSense is one of the first companies to offer a solution of image stabilization in the mid- to low-cost range. InvenSense has developed a silicon-based dual axis gyro, which is small enough to be integrated into practically any imaging device. The IDG-1000 integrated dual axis gyro is primarily targeted for image stabilization for camcorders and digital still cameras (DSC). With time, these gyros should find applications is camera-phones as well.

The IDG-1000 has a considerably small footprint for a single chip dual sensor, making it ideally suitable as a low-cost image stabilizing solution. It is for this reason that Sanyo Electric Co. has selected InvenSense's IDG-1000 dual axis gyro in its upcoming range of DSC models with image stabilization features.

By incorporating MEMS gyros such as the IDG-1000, camera manufacturers can develop higher megapixel cameras with greater zoom capabilities, which do not suffer from noticeable pixel shifts even under extreme conditions. Sanyo is one of the first in an increasing number of camera and phone manufacturers who are taking notice of the advantages offered by MEMS gyroscopes. The main advantage behind the solution offered by InvenSense is its ability to sense two axes with a single device. This is achieved by InvenSense's patented out-of-plane, resonating structures. Another reason for the interest in the IDG-1000 is its low cost of production, especially in high volumes, coupled with their patented wafer-level packaging technology allowing for fully functional device testing at the wafer level.

Details:

Dan Goehl

Media Contact

InvenSense

3150A Coronado Drive

Santa Clara

California 95054

Phone: 408-988-7339, Ext:103

E-mail: dgoehl@invensense.com

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