Liquid lens for mobile phone cameras will soon become a reality from the concept stage. Seiko Instruments Inc. of Japan and Varioptic of Lyon, France have come together to manufacture liquid lens for Cell Phones. The liquid lens products are targeted at the emerging markets for camera cell phones, barcodes and webcams. The agreement between the two companies would see production of Arctic 314 and Arctic 416 liquid lenses designed for 5-megapixel, 1/3-inch and quarter inch format camera modules. The liquid lens has many advantages over competing technologies in terms of cost, size, robustness, power consumption, silent operation and speed. It is particularly advantageous for the camcorder phone market where continuous auto-focus is a pertinent requirement.
Source: Engadget Mobile