CMOS image sensor targets barcode reading

By Jean-Jacques DeLisle, contributing writer

CMOS image sensors are an integral part of many devices with a digital camera. A main component of the CMOS image sensor is the pixel array. Each pixel measures the color and intensity of the light that it receives and transmits that data to the image processing electronics of the device. The rate at which the image sensor can refresh and capture a new image, along with the density of pixels, determines what applications an image sensor can be used for. Typically, the smaller the number of pixels, the faster an image can be taken in frames per second.

Recently, Teledyne e2v released the Snappy 2-megapixel (MP) CMOS image sensor. The new sensor is specialized for high-speed applications such as barcode scanning and other 2D scanning purposes. The Snappy 2M features full HD resolution and a 2.8-μm low-noise global shutter as well as other advanced features. Unlike other image sensors, CMOS image sensors process their images on a chip, allowing for advanced noise cancellation, which delivers better image capture in low-light conditions.

Highly accurate image sensors are necessary for many applications, such as scanning barcodes in shipping services, retail sorting, or internet of things applications. The accuracy of CMOS image sensors in low light and while in motion is a boon for those applications. Drones and surveillance technology can also benefit from this technology. The on-chip noise-cancelling provided by these chips enables a far greater level of detail in low light or otherwise imperfect conditions.

Key features:

• Small, low-noise global shutter CMOS pixel (2.8 × 2.8 μm)
• Small 1/3-inch optical format at full HD format
• Excellent signal-to-noise ratio at low light
• HDR modes for wide dynamic scenes
• Single- and multi-ROI modes for tracking simultaneous image regions

Snappy 2M is just the start, and an entire new generation of more accurate and faster image sensors is on its way for different applications, including reading a barcode or facial recognition.

“Snappy 2M is the first in a range of innovative sensors specifically aimed at barcode reading and is designed to empower handheld, mobile, or fixed readers and automatic identification cameras with better-than-ever performance,” according to Gareth Powell, marketing manager at Teledyne e2v. “The new sensors feature our patented Fast-Exposure mode, which ensures that the first image frame is correctly exposed to enable the fastest possible identification and decoding by the image processing system, even in diverse or rapidly changing light conditions.”

The Snappy 2M is a part of a larger family of sensors that share the same software and hardware requirements, making it interchangeable and giving options to developers without forcing them to redesign the architecture of their products, which could be costly.

Samples and demo kits are available.