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February 20, 2007 - VICTOR, NY - New Scale
Technologies’ partner Tamron Co. Ltd. demonstrated an ultra-compact
auto focus / 3x optical zoom lens module for phone cameras at the
3GSM conference in Barcelona last week. The new AF 3X zoom module,
driven by New Scale’s patented piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors,
measures only 10.8 mm x 18.2 mm x 16.3 mm. It offers:
- Compatibility with 3MP and 5MP image sensors in 1/3.2”
format
- Focal lengths from 3.63 mm to 10.89 mm
- F-Numbers from 3.2 to 6.0
- Shutter speed of 1/3000
Tamron, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of precision
optics, says the new module will offer tremendous flexibility and
versatility in layout for handset manufacturers. (See
Tamron’s announcement.)
The world market for mobile phones cameras is forecast to be
nearly one billion by 2009. Handset makers are moving to incorporate
high-end 3MP and 5MP image sensors in phone cameras, in order to
produce image quality that rivals stand-alone digital cameras.
However, achieving that image quality also requires high-end
precision optics and both auto focus and optical zoom capabilities,
to project a sharp and clear image onto the sensors.
“Until now, no one has delivered a combination AF 3X zoom
lens in a module this small,” said David Henderson, president and
chief technology officer of New Scale. “The miniature SQUIGGLE motor
has enabled Tamron to deliver high quality optics in the tiny form
factor that mobile handset designers demand.”
The SQUIGGLE motor’s technical advantages over other focus and
zoom technologies include small size, robustness, and low battery
power consumption. Tamron’s advantages include a reputation for
precision optics and established sales relationships with the
world’s leading handset manufacturers. New Scale expects the
SQUIGGLE motor to be found in a significant share of next-generation
handsets as part of the Tamron AF 3X zoom module.
“The engineering teams in Japan and New York worked together
closely to ensure high performance of the integrated motor and
precision lens assembly,” Henderson said. “We’re very pleased to be
working with Tamron in this exciting new market for high-resolution
phone cameras.”
About Tamron Co. Ltd.
Tamron Co., Ltd. (profile)
is a leading provider of photographic lenses, optical components,
and commercial / industrial use optics. With headquarters in
Saitama, Japan, it has 5,000 employees and offices in Japan, the
USA, Germany, France, Hong Kong and Shanghai. It is listed on the
Tokyo Stock Exchange.
About New Scale Technologies, Inc.
New Scale Technologies, Inc. (www.newscaletech.com)
makes miniature ceramic motors that enable our customers to create
smaller products and research tools. Our patented piezoelectric
SQUIGGLE motors are half the size of competing micromotors and offer
ten times better position resolution and push force. With only seven
parts and no gears, SQUIGGLE motors are more efficient and precise
than conventional electromagnetic motors. These ultrasonic motors
are compatible with extreme environments including vacuum, very low
(sub-Kelvin) temperatures, and high magnetic fields including MRI
chambers. SQUIGGLE motors are used in microelectronics, optics,
lasers, biotechnology, medical devices, aerospace and defense, fluid
control, nanotechnology research, and office/consumer products
including mobile phone cameras.
SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark of New Scale Technologies, Inc.
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