LG Innotek Unveils World's First Camera Module Without 'Katuktu' Protrusion at CES

US Qualcomm and Software Optimization... Joint Promotion

An LG Innotek employee is showcasing a 'high-magnification optical continuous zoom camera module.' When applied to smartphones, this module allows seamless switching between 4x to 9x zoom ranges, enabling clear and sharp photos and videos with a single module. (Photo by LG Innotek)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] LG Innotek announced on the 22nd that it will unveil the world's first high-magnification optical continuous zoom camera module at 'CES 2023,' the world's largest electronics exhibition. This ultra-compact component enables the telephoto camera function, which was mainly applied to professional cameras such as DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, to be used in smartphones. Minimizing the module thickness to completely eliminate the 'katukttwi' (camera bump) is also an attractive point.

When this module is applied to smartphones, optical zoom shooting is possible in the high magnification range of 4 to 9 times. Zoom methods are broadly divided into optical zoom and digital zoom. Optical zoom maintains image quality by directly moving the lens to enlarge the subject. This module allows free optical zoom shooting within the 4 to 9 times magnification range with a single module. Reducing the number of modules is advantageous for securing internal phone space and improving battery efficiency. This is a welcome point from the perspective of smartphone manufacturers. An LG Innotek official explained the company's technological capabilities, saying, "We recently received the 'CES Innovation Award (CES 2023 Innovation Awards)' for our optical continuous zoom module, recognizing our technology."

The company stated that the module incorporates LG Innotek's optical technology accumulated over nearly 20 years. To achieve clear and sharp image quality across all ranges between 4 and 9 times magnification, they independently developed a zoom actuator. A zoom actuator is a component that moves the lens to change the focal length or focus. The newly applied OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) design minimizes blurring caused by shaking and enhances sharpness.

The elimination of the inconvenient 'katukttwi' is also notable. By minimizing the module thickness, they completely removed this variable. Generally, optical zoom modules become thicker as the focal length increases with higher magnification. LG Innotek solved the katukttwi issue by innovating lens design and module structure.

With the module unveiled this time, LG Innotek plans to firmly establish its position as the world's number one smartphone camera module supplier. As global customers' demand for optical zoom increases, they intend to accelerate market dominance. According to TSR, a global market research firm, the demand for optical zoom camera modules worldwide is expected to rapidly increase from 19.7 million units in 2021 to 90.5 million units in 2025.

Currently, LG Innotek is optimizing software for optical continuous zoom to be installed on Qualcomm's new premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform in the United States. The two companies plan to accelerate joint promotions targeting global smartphone manufacturers, starting with the product unveiling at CES 2023.

Jung Cheol-dong, CEO of LG Innotek, said, "Smartphone cameras will evolve to enhance optical zoom performance, especially in premium phones," adding, "As a leading company in smartphone camera modules, we will continue to innovate customer value by introducing innovative products ahead of others."