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Sony Commercializes World’s Highest Sensitivity Image Sensor

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Sony Corporation has announces the commercialization of the “IMX224MQV” CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras, which boasts the world’s highest sensitivity levels*1 of any image sensor of its kind.

This sensor is capable of capturing high-resolution color images even in light conditions as low as 0.005 lux, a level equivalent to that of a moonless night and one that is far below illumination levels under a star-filled night sky.

Sony said on its website that the “IMX224MQV” is set*2 to become Sony’s first image sensor for automotive cameras to meet the requirements of the “AEC-Q100″*3 electronic component reliability tests.

In July, 2013, Sony gained “ISO/TS 16949” certification, a technical specification and quality management standard for the automotive industry.

“IMX224MQV” is the starting point from which Sony will proactively develop CMOS image sensors for automotive use, a market projected to grow significantly due to the trending towards and advances made in automated vehicles.

Image sensors that can capture high-resolution images even in dark conditions are critically important elements of automotive cameras, which must be able to quickly and accurately sense and identify people or other obstructions in the images they take.

With conventional image sensors for automotive cameras, under 0.005 lux light conditions that are equivalent to the dark of night, there had always been a marked drop in sensitivity, leading to darker image capture as well as difficulties in discerning one color from another.

Sony’s newly commercialized CMOS image sensor has realized 2,350 mV (standard F5.6), a level of sensitivity that is around twice*4 that of conventional models and the industry’s highest.

This was achieved through the adoption of photo diodes that improve the conversion efficiency of light into electrons and through the installation of circuits that improve the conversion efficiency of those electrons into voltage.

In addition, a programmable gain amplifier capable of amplifying electric signals up to 72 dB was installed in the sensor, further contributing to the ultimate achievement of a minimum object illuminance of 0.005 lux.

Thanks to this innovative design, it now becomes possible to capture high-resolution color images even on a dark road at night with no stars to illuminate the surroundings.

This image sensor also supports a WDR (Wide Range Dynamic) system that allows for extended exposure time, which, when compared to conventional multi-exposure WDR systems, makes possible improved image quality in low light conditions when combined with a compatible ISP (Image Signal Processor)*5.

Also, the sensor also boasts a pixel structure with improved sensitivity to near infrared light outside the visual spectrum, an innovation that results in greater object recognition accuracy when the sensor is used in concert with a near infrared irradiating LED.

Sony has engaged in the technological development of image sensors for products such as professional and consumer-use cameras and smartphones with the central aim of creating high-resolution image capture technology.

Going forward, however, Sony said it intends to expand its reach beyond the realm of digital imaging devices and into the arena of “sensing” as well.

Building off products such as the “IMX224MQV,” Sony will pioneer and tap into a new market for image sensors that are capable of acquiring and discerning information from captured images such as objects’ distance, movement, shape, and color, for use in vehicles and elsewhere.

Mass production of compatible ISP from Sony is planned on June 2016.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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E-Financial

Lagos State Appoints MoneyMaster as Payment Partner for “Ounje Eko” Programme

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“Ounje Eko”, the food price discount initiative of the Lagos State Government, has appointed leading payment service bank, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank Limited (MMPSB), as its collaborator in the bid to ensure ease of payments at the market.

MoneyMaster is one of the Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed Payment Service Banks (PSBs) to promote financial inclusion across Nigeria.

Under the partnership, MMPSB will apply its cutting-edge payment solution to engender easy payment and reconciliation in order to make   the experiences of Lagosians who will be getting their food supplies from the markets pleasurable. Its payment solution is also all-encompassing and ensures real time value to payment destinations.

The mobile bank was appointed as the collection and payment partner for “Ounje Eko” Food Markets programme which is a government initiative serving the five divisions of Lagos State. Consequent on this, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank will collect payments in 57 LCDAs in the state.

The partnership gives credence to the quality of payment solutions that MoneyMaster is reputed for in its services to its growing business clientele in private and public sectors.

 


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CBN, EFCC Probe Banks, Firms over Alleged Forex Racketeering

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is investigating irregular foreign exchange transactions and forward contracts valued at approximately $2.4 billion.

CBN, EFCC Probe Banks, Firms over Alleged Forex Racketeering

The  inquiry follows an extensive audit by Deloitte, which scrutinized $7 billion in dollar debts accumulated under the bank’s previous leadership.

In the aftermath of the 294th Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja, Yemi Cardoso, governor of CBN,  disclosed to journalists that the investigation, supported by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, among other security bodies, aims to clarify the legitimacy of these FX allocations identified as problematic by the audit.

“It was determined that a number of these transactions did not qualify…they were outright illegal. The law enforcement agencies are now looking into those transactions that as far as we are concerned, are not valid to be paid,” Cardoso detailed, emphasizing the unlawful nature of these forex deals.

The crux of the investigation lies in the audit findings that a significant portion of the scrutinized transactions lacked proper documentation and, in many instances, were deemed outright illegal.

However, the unfolding investigation has raised concerns within the organized private sector, with some entities contemplating legal action against commercial banks for unresolved forex bids.

Despite these tensions, Governor Cardoso reassures that the foreign exchange market remains open and transparent, inviting stakeholders to address their forex needs through the official channels.

Furthermore, Cardoso clarified the distribution of fertilizers to farmers as a one-off measure and not indicative of a shift back to direct interventions by the CBN, underscoring a commitment to strategic, regulatory governance rather than direct market involvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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CBN Urges Banks to Expedite Action on Recapitalisation

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed deposit money banks in the country to expedite action to increase their capital base from the current ₦25bn.

CBN Urges Banks to Expedite Action on Recapitalisation

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, stated this during the apex bank’s 294th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Tuesday in Abuja, when the MPC hiked the interest rate by 22.75% to 24.75%.

The apex bank chief said the MPC examined developments in the banking sector and expressed satisfaction that the industry remained stable. The committee, however, said to guard against risk, commercial banks in the country should accelerate their recapitalisation efforts.

Cardoso said, “The MPC also reviewed developments in the banking system and noted that the industry remains safe, sound, and stable. The committee thus called on the bank to sustain its surveillance and ensure compliance of banks with existing regulatory and macro-potential guidelines.

“The MPC also enjoined the banks to expedite actions on the recapitalisation of banks to strengthen the system against potential risks in an increasingly globalised world.”

 

 

 

 


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