Corephotonics teams with SEMCO to evolve imaging in Smartphones

Corephotonics has partnered with prominent camera module integrator Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEMCO) to develop a complete reference design, based on its innovative dual camera technology. Through this reference design, which is now in volume production, smartphone manufacturers are able to benefit from dramatic enhancements in image quality without any impact on the slim designs that consumers now expect from their handsets. 

The new partnership combines SEMCO’s expertise in camera module design and manufacturing, with Corephotonics’ new camera-related technologies. It enables a far greater number of smartphone manufacturers to access ground-breaking imaging technology that will help them to elevate user experience.

The dual camera concept made possible by Corephotonics’ proprietary technology presents smartphone manufacturers with the means to distinguish their handsets from those of their rivals through greatly improved imaging capabilities – with better zoom, increased effective resolution and broader dynamic range all being derived. It comprises one camera producing a wide field of view (FOV) image – much like the technology found in a conventional smartphone.

In addition, however, there is a second camera that features a telephoto lens – which addresses the narrow FOV image. The result is an imaging mechanism that can deliver up to 3x optical zoom and provides the user with highly detailed photographs even in the most challenging of low light conditions. Combining such imaging capabilities with proprietary lens design and actuator implementation allows a compact form factor (down to 5.5mm in Z-height) to be maintained, while eliminating delicate opto-mechanical arrangements that are prone to damage.

“The camera has become a key differentiator in the current, highly competitive global smartphone market. Via the dual camera zoom solution pioneered by Corephotonics and the access we have now gained to their technology, it is possible to greatly expand upon our current smartphone camera capabilities,” states EVP Hong, CMO of SEMCO  “This will take us closer than ever before to the imaging performance that would normally be associated with an SLR.”

“SEMCO is an acknowledged leader in smartphone camera modules and it is now fully equipped with a broad range of Corephotonics technology,” adds Eran Briman, VP of Marketing & Business Development at Corephotonics. “By integrating our calibration tools into its production lines, SEMCO is now better positioned for delivering mass production zoom dual camera modules which are drop-test certified and support relaxed calibration assembly. Combining such modules with Corephotonics’ zoom and bokeh algorithms easily satisfies consumer demands for elevated imaging functionality.”