While much has been revealed of Surface Duo, the foldable Android device from Microsoft, we have yet to hear anything significant about how the camera is shaping up. But if we check two recent job listings by Microsoft it seems the commpany is planning to load a “high perofrmance camera” on the Surface Duo and many be on Surface Neo too.
One of the listing reveals that the camera hardware may have CMOS multi-sensor module with RGB, IR and 3D systems. One also sees mention of OIS as an actuator.
Applicants should have knowledge of RGB, IR, 3D and multi sensor camera systems and leadership skills to work with product teams to develop innovative camera solutions meeting ID and ME constraints as well as EMI, thermal and reliability requirements.
Responsibilities
The position requires expert knowledge of CMOS camera development including: advanced packaging technologies (cavity substrate, RFPC, ceramics, ACF, etc.); knowledge of camera actuators (AF, OIS); packaging and technologies); and DfM rules for camera module assembly.
Another job listing confirms that Microsoft is looking at computational photography for mobile platforms which may very well mean Surface Duo and Neo. One can again see mention of multi-sensor camera system with RGB and IR sensors.
The ideal camera systems engineering candidate has formal training in image processing and experience delivering competitive camera solutions on PC/Windows or mobile platforms using AI and ML methods for computational photography solutions.
Responsibilities include:
Own delivery of camera features – Evaluate and develop ISP algorithms for single and multi-camera systems using RGB and IR sensors; define and deliver new camera features based on the abilities of the HW/SW ISP and SW stack; work with internal and external partners to develop and deliver computational photography features using AI and ML methods
So, connecting the dots brings us to a powerful camera module for Surface Duo with multi-camera setup. It may have RGB, IR and 3D sensors along with computational photographt algorthims to get the best out of image processing.
