The smartphone market trends shaping the video stabilization of tomorrow
Packing large camera power into small phones
First a single camera lens was added to mobile phones to create the camera phone. These cameras were generally weaker than system cameras because you couldn’t fit as big a lens in. However, as technology and processing power progressed, we entered the era of computational photography. This enabled small smartphone cameras to hold their own against large system cameras in quality by packing much stronger processors, multiple lenses and several sensors all into one small device.
For instance, you could combine a wide-angle lens with a zoom lens and use special algorithms to seamlessly switch between them. Further advances in processing power, sensor fusion and are continuing to drive the multi-lens camera system trend.
Half of all smartphones sold globally will have three or more rear cameras by the end of 2021 – Counterpoint forecast
Edge AI is driving even more powerful processors
With an estimate of 5.8 billion IoT endpoints in use by the end of 2020 constantly generating enormous amounts of data, it is increasingly difficult to identify and analyze the data that has business value. This is where machine learning algorithms come in handy. AI capabilities are increasingly being advanced in the cloud and cloud computing capacity is expanding rapidly.
However, it is not always efficient to send so much data back and forth to the cloud from devices. This has led to the emergence of edge AI with greater processing power and AI capabilities built into camera chips.
Over 750 million edge AI chips will be sold in 2020, which is more than double the projected figure for 2017 – forecast by Deloitte
The AI era is opening up new applications
The combination of greater processing power and AI capabilities is supercharging multi-lens camera systems by allowing them to work in sync, far surpassing single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. Various sensors such as depth and 3D sensors can now be used to create artificial bokeh effects, unlock more accurate facial recognition and create the conditions for better video.
The 3D imaging and sensing capabilities of the latest sensor technology will open the door to a wide range of new virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications in the enterprise market. For instance, in retail, this technology is being used to let buyers see how clothes would fit on them or how furniture would look in their home. In field service, VR goggles enable technicians to see whatever instructions they need without having to carry around several heavy manuals.
The global 3D imaging and sensing market is projected to grow from USD 5.0 billion in 2019 to USD 15 billion in 2025 – Yole 3D Imaging & Sensing report