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This section provides an overview for camera modules as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 28 camera module manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked camera module companies as of December, 2024: 1.Bison Electronics Inc., 2.Mintron Enterprise Co., Ltd., 3.Leopard Imaging.
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Categories Related to Camera Modules
A camera module is an industrial device similar in structure to a consumer single-lens reflex camera.
A camera module can be divided into a lens and a camera. A part called a mount connects the lens to the camera, and the lens can be interchanged as long as the mounting standard is the same. There are two photographic elements in a camera: CMOS and CCD. There are also two image cropping methods: global shutter and rolling shutter.
Small camera modules are used as cameras in smartphones and PCs, ATMs, and for facial recognition in vending machines and ticket machines. Large cameras are used as security, in-vehicle, and industrial equipment for inspection and measurement purposes.
In-camera modules, light entering through the lens is formed into an image on the photographic element and converted into an electrical signal to acquire an image.
There are two main types of photographic elements: CMOS and CCD. CMOS can operate with low power consumption, while CCD has a global shutter, as described below. Both types of sensors convert light entering the photodiode into electrical signals, which are then converted into stable digital signals with noise suppressed by CDS, AGC, and ADS installed behind the photodiode. The digital signal is output as image data by the image processing engine.
The difference between a global shutter and a rolling shutter is explained below.
With a global shutter, light entering numerous photodiodes is converted into an electrical signal simultaneously. A rolling shutter converts light into electrical signals in a spiral-like sequence. In principle, a rolling shutter will take a distorted image of a subject tilted at an angle when capturing a subject that is moving quickly across the image. The images that can be acquired by the camera modules can be color or monochrome.
In a color sensor, photodiodes capable of discriminating a single color among the three colors blue, red, and green are arranged in a nested array called a Bayer sensor. A single photodiode can only obtain color information of a single color, but by obtaining information from surrounding photodiodes responsible for other colors, a single photodiode can pseudo-obtain information about all three colors.
The global camera modules market is strong as of 2020 and is expected to continue to grow at a high rate.
Cameras in smartphones and other mobile devices began to shift to multi-cameras around 2015, evolving from single to dual, triple, and quad cameras.
In addition to higher image quality, AF, zoom, and wide-angle functions, the use of sensor camera modules such as ToF and LiDAR is expected to expand further, including improved AF performance in dark areas, improved face recognition accuracy, and use in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) functions.
In the automotive market, the number of cameras installed per vehicle for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is rising.
In the consumer electronics and industrial fields, demand is also expected to increase for the installation of smart products, assistant robots, and drones to meet the needs for manpower saving, security, and remote control.
The evolution of the lenses that make up camera modules, the use of new materials, and the development of technologies such as MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) are increasing the value of camera modules.
Demand for automotive camera modules is rapidly shifting from a focus on monitoring applications for peripheral blind spots that replace conventional mirrors to sensing applications, driven by growing demand for advanced safety assist systems (ADAS) and automated driving.
Together with advanced optics, image processing, and communication technologies, they play a major role in realizing a "safe and secure" automotive society.
There are various types of in-vehicle camera modules, as follows:
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Unibrain is a manufacturer and supplier of FireWire/IEEE 1394 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 & 2 cables, which are used for high-speed data transfer and connectivity between devices such as cameras, computers, and audio equipment. The company's products are used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and robotics, as well as in research and development. One of Unibrain's products is the FireWire 800 camera. It's a digital camera that delivers high-resolution images with low noise and fast frame rates, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. In 2020, Unibrain received the Best of Show award at the Vision China Shanghai Exhibition.
Basler AG (Basler Group), founded in 1988 and a subsidiary of Basler Beteiligungs-GmbH & Co. KG, is a German manufacturer headquartered in Ahrensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, specializing in imaging components for computer vision applications. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes computer vision hardware, such as acquisition cards, cables, cameras, lighting tools, and lenses. It also offers network and peripheral devices, related accessories, and software solutions. The company supplies various digital industrial cameras, such as area scan, line scan, and network cameras, for applications in factory automation systems and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), as well as in sectors like life sciences, medical, and retail.
Shenzhen Haozhou Technology Co. Ltd, established in 2014 with its headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, is a supplier of industrial vision products. The company offers machine vision compenents, vision sensors, and other vision products to system intergrators, equipment manufacturers, and the end users. Its main products include HD webcams, endoscope cameras, face recognition cameras, and camera modules for use in various industries, such as electronics, pharmaceutical, automobile, education, and new energy, among others. The company also provides after-sale services, such as product inspection, product repair, and free technical support.
Bison Electronics Inc., established in 2003 with headquarters in Taipei City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of image processing and integration products widely used in imaging products, such as video camera modules for computers, industrial handheld display products, home care, and automotive imaging-related products. The company's main products include camera modules and computer peripheral imaging modules. The company also offers customized design, automated production equipment, and flexible manufacturing planning capabilities with service offices located in Taipei and Kunshan, China.
Phytec is both a supplier and manufacturer, global provider of embedded computing solutions and services that is based in Germany. Established in 1986, they specialize in the design and manufacturing of System on Modules (SOMs) and Single Board Computers (SBCs) that are used in a wide range of industrial applications. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of embedded solutions, including SOMs based on various processors such as NXP, Texas Instruments, and Xilinx. These SOMs provide a compact and modular approach to embedded system design, enabling faster time-to-market and scalability. Their product is the PhyCore SOM based on NXP's i.MX application processors.
Jenoptik was established in 1991 and is based in Jena, Germany, as a manufacturer of optical technologies with majority of their products and services being provided to the photonics market. The company's products portfolio includes imaging solutions and cameras, laser and laser technology, optics and optical systems, and LiDAR technologies, which are mainly used in industries such as, semiconductor and equipment manufacturing, automotive, medical technology, security and defense technology, and aviation.
Located in Austria and Germany, Ams-Osram is a sensor design and manufacturing company that specializes in compact form factors, low power, high sensitivity, and multi-sensor applications. They were established in 1981 and were formerly known as austriamicrosystems AG. In 2012 it changed its name to ams AG. They have a technology portfolio for sensing, lighting, and visualization, ranging from light emitters and optical components to micro-modules, integrated circuits, and related software. Their work develops technology for use in the consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive sectors.
Mintron, established in 1979, and based in Taiwan, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of CCD cameras. The product portfolio includes a diverse range of high-definition cameras, SD cameras, and modules. The company also offers in-house designs for the cameras with a series of professional cameras integrated with self-designed DSPs. The products are used in various industries which include security surveillance, automatic optical inspection, astrophotography, aerospace, medical research, and life sciences.
Parantek, established in 2010, and based in Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea, is a manufacturer and supplier of CCTV products. The product portfolio includes a diverse range of technologically advanced CCTVs, cameras, digital interfaces, CCD, CMOS sensors, and other associated products. The company offers a high-resolution product range with precision under the guidance of engineers. The products are used in various industries which include automobile sectors, housing and industrial inspection, military applications, and more.
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
NET is a German-based company and manufacturer that specializes in developing and manufacturing high-tech electronic systems and components. They provide technical support and consulting services to their clients. They work with a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, and medical, to provide cutting-edge solutions for their unique needs. One of NET's products is the VeroTrack system, which is used for real-time tracking of surgical instruments during medical procedures. This system uses high-frequency electromagnetic technology to precisely track the location of instruments and provide visual feedback to surgeons, improving the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.
Hino Engineering Inc., founded in 1978, is a Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Hachioji City, Tokyo, developing electronic devices and processed parts. The company, certified with ISO 9001:2000, offers development technology hardware and software for industrial embedded computers, central processing unit (CPU) boards, and cameras. It also provides electronic manufacturing services (EMS), managing the entire production process from material procurement to assembly and testing. The company further facilitates overseas procurement services for processed parts, including aluminum die-cast and extruded parts, molded jigs and tools, plastic molded parts, and more.
FLIR Systems, established in 1978 and headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, is a manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras and sensors. Its product range includes thermal cameras and sensors for security, robotics, and more. The company offers unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with thermal capabilities for search and rescue, along with software solutions for image processing, along with services such as training and maintenance complement their offerings. Its products are utilized in security, robotics, autonomous vehicles, medical devices, and firefighting, serving diverse industries.
Leopard Imaging Inc., established in 2008 and headquartered in Fremont, Silicon Valley, California, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of High Definition embedded cameras and related products used in 3D stereos, augmented reality, smart robotics, and IOT applications. The company manufactures HD embedded cameras used as drone cameras, robotic cameras, 3D depth cameras, 360 cameras, and scientific & machine vision cameras. The company also offers Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) services, including design, manufacturing, driver development, and image tuning services upon customers' request.
Raptor Photonics, Ltd, established in 2006, is a Northern Ireland based ISO 9001:2015 certified designer and manufacturer of next generation low light level digital cameras designed for use in mission critical equipment, in both medical and surveillance applications. The company offers various products, including the Owl 1280 Vis-SWIR camera, which won the 2020 Laser Focus World Innovators Awards, X-ray cameras optimized for high-energy/X-ray detection, as well as custom OEM camera solutions for applications by instrumentation companies in aerospace, scientific, and industrial sectors.
E-con Systems Inc., based in Saint Louis, Missouri, has been a manufacturer of OEM cameras since 2003. The company's product range includes MIPI camera modules, GMSL cameras, USB 3.1 Gen 1 cameras, TOF cameras, and stereo cameras. These cameras offer features such as low light performance, HDR, global shutter, and resolutions ranging from 2MP up to 18MP. They find applications in various fields, including autonomous mobile robots, smart agricultural devices, medical diagnostic systems, smart checkouts, carts, and sports broadcasting systems.
The Imaging Source (TIS) is a Bremen, Germany-based manufacturer of cameras and other imaging solutions for industrial, medical, and scientific applications. Established in 1988, the company develops and produces board cameras, stereo cameras, and microscope cameras, as well as their relevant accessories and optics. The company’s products are used in various tech-oriented sectors including quality assurance, production automation, private security, and logistics. With branches on three continents, TIS also offers technical support, consulting, and training services to client corporations like Toyota, NASA, and Intel.
SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS, established in 1973 and based in Suwon, South Korea, is a manufacturer and supplier of MLCCs (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors). The company's product portfolio includes chip resistors, camera modules, and MLCCs with high bending strength. These products are used in various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications. The company is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certified for its quality, safety, and environmental management, with a global network in various countries including the United States, Singapore, and India.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bison Electronics Inc. |
6.9%
|
| 2 | Leopard Imaging |
6.7%
|
| 3 | ams-OSRAM AG |
6.4%
|
| 4 | Mintron Enterprise Co., Ltd. |
6.1%
|
| 5 | e-con Systems Inc |
5.2%
|
| 6 | JENOPTIK AG |
5.2%
|
| 7 | Unibrain, Inc. |
4.9%
|
| 8 | Ijuru Co., Ltd. |
4.5%
|
| 9 | PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH |
4.5%
|
| 10 | LG Innotek |
4.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the camera module page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Japan
|
7 | 35.0% |
|
Germany
|
4 | 20.0% |
|
Republic of Korea
|
2 | 10.0% |
|
United States of America
|
1 | 5.0% |
|
China
|
1 | 5.0% |
|
Taiwan
|
1 | 5.0% |
|
Austria
|
1 | 5.0% |
| NewTaipei City | 1 | 5.0% |
France
|
1 | 5.0% |
Switzerland
|
1 | 5.0% |
374 products found - Page 8
374 products - Page 8
Aprolink Co., Ltd.
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Standard Response
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