Newsletter
After smartphone processors, Samsung may now bring on-device AI capabilities to image sensors. The Korean firm is reportedly preparing to commercialize cameras with on-sensor AI technology. Its compatriot SK Hynix is also working on a similar solution, the Korean media reports.
Samsung and SK Hynix are readying AI cameras
According to Business Korea, SK Hynix revealed its ongoing work on on-sensor AI technology for cameras during the SK Tech Summit 2023 last month. The plan is to embed a dedicated AI chip into the image sensor. The chip can process image data at the sensor level for more effective AI applications. Current solutions rely on the main processor to process and compute data from the sensor.
The new technology can reduce power consumption and processing time, wallowing for advanced camera solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home applications. SK Hynix has already begun proof-of-concept research focused on facial and object recognition features. It showcased the solution at several academic conferences, including the International Conference on Computer Vision and the IEEE EDTM seminar.
While there is no report about Samsung publicly announcing its work on AI cameras, the same report confirms that the Korean behemoth is incorporating AI deeper into its image sensor business. An early glimpse of it is a zoom feature for 200MP cameras called Zoom Anyplace. Unveiled earlier this year, it allows simultaneous viewing and recording of zoomed-in and full-view footage with automatic object tracking.
The solution is part of its goal to create image sensors that can imitate the clarity and details seen by human eyes. AI will play a crucial role in realizing this goal. In October, Samsung’s president of the System LSI Business, Park Yong-in, said that the company is working on proactive AI technologies for cameras for futuristic applications. It may debut an image sensor with on-device AI capabilities in the coming years.
Samsung is taking the help of AI to close the gap with Sony
Samsung is the world’s second-largest maker of image sensors. However, its market share of 29 percent is paltry in front of the industry leader Sony, which captured 54 percent of the market last year. The Korean firm is rushing to bring AI to its solutions ahead of its arch-rival so it could close that gap. SK Hynix likely has similar ambitions. It barely made it into the top five last year, accounting for five percent of the global image sensor market.