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March 06, 2014

The Global Optical and Image Sensors Market Gets a Boost by the Smartphone and Tablet Boom

Thanks to a new report from Frost & Sullivan entitled “Strategic Analysis of the World Optical and Image Sensors Market,” we have information that suggests that there will be significant growth in the sensor markets. In particular, the research discusses the global optical and image sensors market.

Under the category of image sensors we have charge-coupled device (CCD) and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). Both the optical and CCD and CMOS image sensors market is forecast to register significant growth due to their use in smartphones and tablets.

Other factors that are paving the way for this expected growth are product and technology trends as well as declining prices. These are the type of factors that have enabled both optical and image sensors to find new applications in the medical, automotive and industrial fields.

According to Frost & Sullivan, the market earned revenues of $9.07 billion in 2013, moving ahead, the estimation is that this figure will reach the $15.12 billion mark by 2019. This represents an almost 75 percent revenue growth in the next five years.

I am one of those people that want to carry as little around with me as possible. Obviously, that cannot always be the case however I think that smartphones and tablets have made it a lot easier to accomplish this. The improvements that we have seen in mobile device cameras means that we no longer really need to carry a separate camera with us.

This can also be realized in the image sensor market. One of the projections that comes to us from a report entitled “Global Image Sensor Market (2013-2018)” is that this market alone will grow by 3.9 percent through 2018. The report estimates that this will result in revenue reaching $10.75 billion in 2018.

One of the largest contributors to this type of growth is the impact that cost effective CMOS sensors with respect to smartphone and tablet cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, CCTVs and surveillance cameras. CCD cameras are still used in many niche applications where higher performance is needed. I do know several people who would not give up their cameras no matter how much the quality of mobile device camera improves.

In addition to the type of mobile imaging mentioned above, global image sensors are also expected to see a major boost. This will come from the increasing need for image sensors in factory automation, automotive cameras, as well as medical imaging and security and surveillance applications. In addition to the continued growth in the use of image sensors, emerging technologies and applications are also identified as key drivers of demand.

Some of the questions that Frost & Sullivan’s report attempts to answer are:

  • How long will the optical and image sensors market continue to grow, and at what rate?
  • What are the key growth drivers and restraints for the market?
  • What is the competitive landscape of the market?
  • What are the key product and technological trends in the optical and image sensors markets?
  • What are the key applications for optical and image sensors that are growing, maturing, and declining?

One of the key areas that the report feels needs attention is maintaining a balance between high image quality, technology and price. To accomplish this is seen as the biggest challenge for optical and image sensor suppliers. Adding to the challenge is the fact that we have established large OEMs and a growing number of smaller manufactures.

One of the problems that these smaller companies face is that the only real way for them to differentiate products is by price. Another is the fact that they are going up against the strong image brand and customer loyalty that the established companies already have.

In reference to this, Frost & Sullivan measurement and instrumentation senior industry analyst, Sankara Narayanan said "A successful product differentiation strategy can move a product from competing purely on price to other non-price factors. Shortening the development time for optical and image sensors too is important because they are primarily targeted at the consumer market where product life cycles are short."

Narayanan also added, "For entry into automotive markets, sensor manufacturers need to work with large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop the next generation of automotive vision systems. For the medical segment, attaining complexity of design and adhering to strict safety standards will be crucial."

As you can see, the various fields have opportunities. Markets such as the automotive and medical fields are large and these emerging companies can find themselves a slot, especially if they produce an affordable high quality product. In addition, there is the ability to possibly find a niche market.

As all these markets move forward, we will definitely see the optical and image sensor market grow. People are using their smartphones and tablets for almost everything. There are constantly new sensors installed in cars and trucks designed to improve safety and the medical field will most definitely benefits from these sensors. 




Edited by Cassandra Tucker


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