Can your camera see the whole shelf but still miss the details your application needs? For new refrigerator projects, we can evaluate a PS5268-based 2MP direction, help assess whether the existing 1MP module is sufficient, and discuss a housing approach from samples to production. The PS5268 refrigerator version remains subject to development evaluation.
Start with What Your Camera Needs to See
Viewing Contents or Distinguishing Individual Items
For a general view of stored contents, the existing 1MP refrigerator module may be sufficient. If your software needs to distinguish similar containers or inspect part of a shelf, additional image information becomes more relevant.
The useful question is: what is the smallest object or feature that must remain visible at the farthest shelf position? Sample images of your actual contents will help define that requirement more clearly than a resolution label alone.
Will the Image Remain Useful Inside the Refrigerator
Customers need usable images under their appliance's actual lighting and condensation conditions. Evaluation should include loaded shelves, darker corners and door-opening conditions, alongside installation fit.
Our existing 1MP design specifies a heating wire and PCB conformal coating. This provides a refrigerator-specific design reference. A new 2MP version still needs its own heating, enclosure and environmental assessment.
What Could a New 2MP Design Improve
More Detail Than the Existing 1MP Option
The current 1MP-category module outputs 1280 × 720. The PS5268-series reference includes 1920 × 1080: 2.25 times the pixel count, with 1.5 times as many pixels in each image dimension.
At the same scene coverage, this gives a potential 2MP design more sampling points on each item and more room to crop a shelf region. That is useful when a full-cabinet overview leaves the target too small in the image. The final improvement must be checked with the selected lens, lighting and sample images; it does not establish a 2.25-fold increase in resolved detail.
A New Project Direction Beyond IMX307
We no longer recommend IMX307 refrigerator modules for new projects. Our technical team has proposed PS5268 as a candidate for evaluating a new 2MP design.
For customers previously considering IMX307, this is a different development path within the same 2MP class. It does not establish higher resolution or better low-light performance. Supply planning, host compatibility and the final configuration still need confirmation before committing to the design.
Housing Considered Alongside the Camera
A camera that meets the imaging requirement must also fit the appliance. Evaluating the lens opening, mounting position and cable exit alongside the module helps identify integration changes while the design is still being refined.
Our suggested approach is to use a 3D-printed housing for sample evaluation, then consider a custom molded housing after the assembly requirements are agreed.
Existing and Proposed Options What Changes for the Customer
|
Customer consideration |
Existing 1MP refrigerator module |
Previous IMX307 2MP direction |
Proposed PS5268 2MP refrigerator design |
|
Image detail |
Consider when 1280 × 720 meets the viewing requirement. |
Already in the 2MP class; the supplied reference is 1920 × 1080. |
Evaluate for additional detail over 1MP; no resolution increase over the supplied IMX307 reference. |
|
Refrigerator integration |
Heating wire and coating specified in the existing drawing. |
Confirm the exact refrigerator assembly used in the project. |
Heating, optics, housing and environmental suitability need assessment. |
|
New project selection |
An existing option if its imaging capability is sufficient. |
No longer recommended for new projects. |
A candidate for development evaluation; final specifications and sample timing require confirmation. |
How We Can Help Move Your Project Forward
1 Evaluate the Camera Around Your Target
Share an interior photo or drawing, camera position, working distances and the details you need to see. We can review whether the existing 1MP option meets the need or whether a new 2MP design should be evaluated. If AR0234 was specified for a particular shutter mode or interface, include that requirement in the assessment.
2 Check the Complete Assembly at the Sample Stage
Use a 3D-printed housing to check mounting, viewing clearance, cable routing and assembly access. Evaluate the image in the intended appliance as well as the mechanical fit before finalizing the enclosure.
3 Plan the Molded Housing Around Production Volume
For volume production, we can develop tooling and supply custom molded housings with a 10,000-unit MOQ. Share the expected quantity early. Housing material, sealing requirements, tooling cost and lead time are agreed for the specific project.
FAQ
Should Every Refrigerator Project Upgrade to 2MP
No. Keep the existing 1MP option in consideration if it captures the detail your application needs. Evaluate 2MP when the target remains too small or unclear in representative sample images.
Does 2MP Guarantee Better Item Recognition
No. Assess the complete imaging and software system using the actual contents, camera position and lighting. Resolution provides additional image information, while the sample results determine whether it is useful.
Can I Order the New PS5268 Refrigerator Module Now
The refrigerator version is a development candidate. Confirm feasibility, final specifications and sample timing with us before planning around it.
What If My Quantity Is Below 10000 Units
Tell us your sample and production quantities so we can discuss the housing approach. The stated MOQ applies to the custom molded housing option; lower-volume production terms require separate confirmation.
Tell Us What Your Current Camera Cannot Do
Share a sample image and explain what is missing: useful detail, shelf coverage or a suitable mounting arrangement. Include your host platform, operating conditions and expected volume. We can use these needs to assess the camera direction and housing path for your project.
News List Teaser
Can your refrigerator camera see the shelf but miss the detail you need? Explore when a 2MP design is worth evaluating, how it compares with existing options, and how to plan a housing from samples to production.
