The White-light Pixel Will Reduce Flash In Smartphones by Sony Technology

Sample pictures suggest that images taken with the new technology (right)

The Japanese Company who has wrapped the new technology in a variety of patents believes that the new technology will deliver improved low-light photography from its new Smartphones which will be launched at the World Mobile Congress next month.

The white-light pixel technology adds the white-light detectors to the red, green and blue (RGB)-sensing pixels already included in its existing devices. Although white-light sensing pixels cannot distinguish colour, they have a higher sensitivity to light across the entire visible spectrum thanks in part to the fact they do not have a colour filter covering them. Software is then used to combine this information with the detail recorded by the RGB pixels to provide a better shot.

The new technology will improve battery life as users will not have to switch on a flash to get a low light photograph. Only a limited number have flashlight capability, which can be taxing on battery life and produce washed-out pictures.


Several camera makers are pursuing new ways of improving low-light performance.The most common method is to use another technique pioneered by Sony: "back-lit" sensors. The method involves shifting the circuit wiring that supports the pixels from the top of the sensor to its underside, allowing the pixels to be larger and so capture more light. Sony's new "RGBW" sensors also use this feature.