Written on August 7, 2008 – 9:17 am | by Bogdan Alex |
Scientists calculated that the human eye can produce images that would have to be captured by 576 megapixel sensor in order to reproduce the exact detail. Later on, scientists deduced that the human eye has a light sensibility close to the ISO 800 standard in digital cameras. Traditional image sensors are flat and this (let alone the smaller pixel count) makes them less efficient then our rounded retina. Recently, the quality gap between human vision and digital sensors seems to have been reduced when researchers at Northwestern and U. Chicago have found a way to create a traditional photo sensor that flexes without breaking.

According to Gizmodo, the new optic system works by linking the individual pixels of the sensor with flexible wires, which allow the sensor itself to adjust its shape according to the available light. This will result in more efficient and compact lenses for endoscopes but it can also be used in prosthetic eyes. The scientist only built a 256 pixels prototype to test the efficiency, but apparently the manufacturing process is similar to current sensors so the researchers are confident they can scale it up quickly.

Will they be testing these with cats again? Don’t know why, but I have a strange feeling we’ll be invaded by cyborg cats soon.