Optilux

Charging into 2012

joshuaw — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:45:12 +0000

2011 was a busy year for Optilux. The company incorporated, generated some good press coverage, settled into its new offices, hired key staff and was successful in raising capital. And now, only a few days into 2012, it looks like this year will shape up just as well.

While we are in the processes of talking with potential customers (many who are very excited for the benefits of liquid lenses) we have made an exciting hire.

Stein Kuiper, who is one of the worlds foremost experts in liquid lenses and electrowetting, has joined us from Phillips where he did research in this area for 11 years.

Stein is eager to have the opportunity to commercialize what he worked on for so many years.

We are thrilled to have him on board. Welcome Stein.

CNET News on Optilux

joshuaw — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:52:51 +0000

Rafe Needleman covered Optilux on CNET News’s Rafe’s Radar where he writes about the compnay, technology and timing. He also has a video where he interview Hamid Farzaneh and shows an Optilux demonstration system.

Optical-Image Stabilization

joshuaw — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:41:43 +0000

Optical-Image Stabilization (OIS) in miniature camera modules

This article is a good overview of how liquid-lens technology can be used to bring Optical-Image Stabilization (OIS) to miniature camera modules.

The article’s sub-head says it all when it says: “Liquid-lens technology offers a robust, silent, shock-resistant, and low-power solution for fast auto-focus and optical-image stabilization in miniature camera modules.”

What camera phones can and cannot do

joshuaw — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:01:27 +0000

Great NPD study says:

When surveyed about the most important features in their next photo capture device (regardless of the actual device used), those favored by more than half of respondents included:

Ease of use

Long battery life

Easy to carry

These three attributes are easily satisfied by today’s smart phones.

But other highly sought-after qualities are those for which a dedicated camera is best suited:

High quality photos in low light environments

Optical zoom capability

Fast response time between pushing the button and capturing the image

The camera with you

joshuaw — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:13 +0000

This great article brings to light that the popularity of the iPhone belies its quality:

The chances are very low that your cellphone is your best camera; it doesn’t zoom, can’t take pictures in low light, can’t freeze action and generally takes mediocre photos. But it’s the camera you have with you most often. No wonder cellphones have become the most popular cameras on earth.

iPhone popularity as camera

joshuaw — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:53:31 +0000

According to the graph in this article, a Nikon continues to be the top camera among Flickr users. “However, the iPhone 4 has been gaining ground quite steadily and could overtake… in short order”