SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
LARGE FORMAT CAMERA ON A CHIP
Technical Abstract:
It is proposed to develop a large format (> 1K x 1K) camera-on-a-chip for
electronic still photography applications. The large format
camera-on-a-chip will use the emerging JPL/NASA-developed active pixel
sensor (APS) imaging technology to achieve a highly integrated image sensor.
The camera-on-a-chip will consist of an APS imaging detector array,
on-chip timing and control electronics, signal chain electronics, and analog
to digital converter (ADC). The camera-on-a-chip acts like a digital chip
in that all input and output to the chip is digital. The X-Y addressable
nature of APS allows easy implementation of electronic panning, motion
stabilization, and electronic zoom. Very high dynamic range for high
contrast scenes is also easily obtainable.
The camera system is greatly simplified by the camera-on-a-chip technology
which results in a significant reduction in cost, mass, and volume. Such
a hand held camera system will be highly beneficial to NASA as it will
reduce the size of the system to that of an "instamatic" compact camera.
In Phase I, technical feasibility of developing the large format
camera-on-a-chip will be established and a design ready for fabrication
will be completed. In Phase II, the large format camera-on-a-chip will
be implemented and characterized, and a prototype camera demonstrated.
Potential Commercial Applications:
There is enormous commercial applications potential of the technology.
Electronic imaging is projected to be the fastest growing area of consumer
and commercial electronics over the next five years, according to the
Optoelectronics Industry Development Association.
The innovative large format camera-on-a-chip technology proposed in this
effort will be applicable to a broad spectrum of electronic imaging
products and applications, just as the CCD is ubiquitously used today.
A few of the major applications include electronic still photography for
the graphics arts, electronic motion picture cameras, home security,
personal computer visual communications, and remote traffic monitoring.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Photobit
5556 Pinecone Road
La Crescenta, CA 91214
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROJECT SUMMARY
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The SBIR/STTR EMS site is maintained by Steve
Hu, Hughes STX.
For comments and questions, contact
webmaster@sbir.hq.nasa.gov.
Updated: Feb. 7, 1996