CMOS image sensors for Ambient Intelligence

Ambient Intelligence (AmI) hinges on three key technologies: ubiquitous computing, ubiquitous communication, and intelligent user-friendly interfaces. For intelligence and communication to be of relevance to people, sensor inputs are essential. One of the most versatile and, in our estimation, crucial of all possible inputs is the image sensor. To fulfill the dream of AmI and to assure widespread adoption of the image sensor, one must address the following criteria: cost, power, versatility, and adaptability. We will present an overview of the current state of the image sensor and indicate some of the ways in which hardware designers might meet the challenge of addressing these criteria.