"LinX Imaging, a start-up company developing multi aperture camera technology, launches its website and demonstrates its Virtual Aperture App called "VApp" that allows post-capture focus manipulations.
The company was founded in 2009 in Israel by two engineers and since then has been developing revolutionary photography technology using multi-aperture cameras.
The company's main focus is on 2x2 and 2x3 arrays for high megapixel camera phones which boost low light performance by factors greater than x10, add true HDR functionality in still and video modes and significantly improve color performance.
The following image crops were captured in 1 LUX. Both images were taken using the same generation pixel and with similar exposure time of 80 milliseconds:
The camera modules for any given resolution are 55% shorter and 30% smaller in footprint when compared to a conventional camera having similar resolution.
LinX Imaging uses a unique method for reconstruction of a high resolution image which consist of two dimensional color information and a depth map which is later used to create amazing apps and enable new features.
To stimulate app developers to create apps that use the depth information, LinX Imaging will conduct seminars that will focus on uses of the depth map created by the LinX cameras. Developers will also receive an SDK that supports multiple platforms and operating systems. The first seminar for Android OS will be held later this year.
A good example of the use of the depth map is the VApp which allows users to choose their favorite focus in an image by simply touching the screen of their phone or tablet. Creating a shallow depth of field is a great advantage in mobile photography as it creates a three dimensional feeling to the image and isolates the important object in an image as in the following example:
The following video shows the VApp running on an Android tablet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctlKKFq46vk
LinX Imaging is working with leading sensor makers and lens manufacturers to bring its first products to the market during next year. SDK and seminar information will be published on the company's website: www.linximaging.com"
Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Linx Imaging in any way.
