Adding a Tiny Position Sensor to Existing Digital Still Cameras Reduces Power Use, Improves Autofocus and Zoom Performance

New Scale Technologies has released a new application note describing how lens systems in digital still cameras and video cameras can be improved with the addition of a tiny new position sensor. The company's TRACKER position sensors are small enough to fit into existing camera designs. The sensors can be used to either upgrade existing open-loop stepper motor systems, or to replace existing optical encoders with a smaller, more precise sensor. In either case, the precise position feedback enables faster, more precise focus and/or zoom. The resulting lens system will use less power and cut the "wait time" for taking a photo. The increased precision will also allow designers to use smaller optics in their next product iterations.