OPPO RGBW Sensor, Continues Zoom, Motion Stabilization, and Under-screen Camera technology
In today’s afternoon, OPPO held a conference titled “The Future of Imaging, Today.” At this conference, OPPO officially announced four cutting-edge imaging technology. It’s through the underlying innovation in the sensor, module, algorithm three dimensions, to improve the overall cell phone image hard strength.
The new imaging technologies released by OPPO include RGBW light-catching sensor, continuous optical zoom, five-axis motion stabilization technology, and OPPO’s next-generation under-screen camera solution equipped with intelligent AI imaging algorithm set, from four experience levels of light-sensitive capability, zoom capability, stabilization capability, and future terminal form, Separately, as follows:
The Industry’s first RGBW light-capturing sensor that hardwareizes algorithms
At the sensor level, OPPO released a new generation of RGBW light-catching sensors. The new RGBW sensor is a new generation of the OPPO RGBW sensor, which not only introduces white sub-pixel (W) to significantly improve the sensor’s light sensitivity but also integrates OPPO’s self-developed 4-in-1 pixel algorithm with DTI pixel isolation technology, which further improves the light intake by 60% compared to its predecessor and reduces noise by up to 35%, supporting clearer and brighter photos in a dark environment.
The newest addition to the OPPO RGBW sensor is a more advanced process that can run more complex algorithm models locally to maximize the value of light data from W pixels. At the same time, OPPO’s pioneering self-developed image algorithm is written into the sensor hardware, allowing the algorithm to run and calculate in the sensor in advance, thus saving a lot of computing power for the processor side.
This effectively improves image processing efficiency and significantly reduces power consumption. In addition, the DTI pixel isolation technology reduces crosstalk between sensor sub-pixels at the micro-level, making the digital signal purer and the image performance significantly improved.
It is worth mentioning that this RGBW light-catching sensor not only brings enhancements to photo shooting in dark light conditions but also improves performance in portrait mode in terms of skin tones, details, light, and dark, allowing users to get better quality portrait shots, whether for photos or videos. The technology is expected to be commercially available in OPPO products in Q4 2021.
Continuous optical zoom module with zero crops and no loss of image quality
OPPO’s new continuous zoom technology is based on the redesign and transformation of the periscope structure: it adopts the G+P (2GM+5P) lens technology for the first time, the introduction of two aspherical molded glass significantly improves the light transmission performance, which helps filter out stray light and effectively reduce dispersion; the tunnel magnetoresistive sensor (TMR sensor) supports more stable and accurate control of the mirror movement; the new guiding axis structure greatly improves the dynamic tilt angle during the large travel movement of the mirror, which easily supports the continuous lossless optical zoom at high magnification.
The new technology supports a continuous optical zoom equivalent to 85mm-200mm focal length, enabling clear imaging of every zoom point from portrait to telephoto without a digital crop, providing a smooth, crop-free optical zoom experience and avoiding problems such as jumping, white balance shift, and color misalignment in traditional relay multi-shot zoom systems, allowing users to have better image quality.
The first hardware-level five-axis motion stabilization
The OPPO 5-Axis Motion Anti-shake technology is another innovation in the module, OPPO introduced hardware-level 5-axis anti-shake into the cell phone industry. OPPO’s 5-axis motion stabilization can achieve a maximum stabilization angle of ±3°, a 65% improvement over common lens OIS stabilization, and a 3.5x improvement in stabilization accuracy, resulting in a stabilization effect close to professional SLR 5-axis optical stabilization.
In special scenes such as night scenes or sports shots, OPPO’s 5-axis motion stabilization with its self-developed speedy capture algorithm can give full play to the maximum effectiveness of lens stabilization and sensor stabilization. In laboratory tests, OPPO’s five-axis motion stabilization improved the capture rate by 70% in dark light. The technology is expected to be commercially available in OPPO’s mass production products in Q1 2022.
Under-screen camera algorithm set that takes into an account screen display and image effects
OPPO submitted seven proposals for under-screen camera technology standards to the International Electrotechnical Commission. In the continuous pursuit of innovation and progress, through two core technologies of innovative screen pixel arrangement and intelligent AI image set, it realizes both screen display and under-screen imaging effect, with a more complete screen and more beautiful selfie.
The company has also been working with a database of tens of thousands of photos to continuously train the AI de-diffraction algorithm model to effectively control diffraction in the light source to achieve a clearer and more natural under-screen camera photo effect.
For the changing image technology needs of global users, OPPO said it will further strengthen the global R&D layout, focus on the implementation of self-research image technology, and continue to strengthen cooperation with industry chain partners to provide users with a more excellent future image experience. Although there are no related hardware products released, the technology is already in, the realization is only a matter of time, together with the expectation.