Core Viewpoint - Canon has developed a new type of image sensor called "SPAD" (Single Photon Avalanche Diode), which excels in low-light conditions and reduces power consumption, targeting the automotive sensor market as a new growth area [1][3]. Group 1: Product Development - Canon's SPAD sensor is designed to perform well in dark environments, capable of detecting pedestrians from 120 meters away even in conditions darker than moonlight [5]. - The new sensor improves upon earlier prototypes by reducing power consumption to one-fourth of the 2022 trial product, aiming for practical applications and competitive pricing with CMOS sensors [5]. - Canon plans to start mass production of the SPAD sensor by 2031, marking its entry into the automotive market [3]. Group 2: Market Potential - The automotive sensor market is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating a market size of 3.6929 trillion yen by 2030, which is 2.3 times larger than in 2024 [5]. - Canon aims for its camera segment to capture 50% of the overall automotive sensor market by 2030 [5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The automotive sensor market is currently dominated by major players such as ON Semiconductor, OmniVision, and Sony Semiconductor Solutions, with Sony planning to increase its market share from 32% in FY2023 to 43% in FY2026 [6]. - Sony is also developing its own SPAD sensors for high-performance LiDAR applications, which will begin mass production in the fall of 2025, enhancing detection capabilities [7]. - The competition in the automotive sensor market is intensifying, with various manufacturers adopting different strategies regarding the use of cameras and LiDAR for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving [7].

Core Viewpoint - Sony's 2024 fiscal year performance report indicates that due to lower-than-expected sales from major clients and intensified competition from Chinese high-end CIS manufacturers, its market share in the CIS sector remains flat compared to the previous year, delaying its goal of achieving a 60% market share by 2025 [1][9]. Industry Overview - The current dynamics in the CIS market reflect a significant shift from a Japan-Korea dominated landscape to a more competitive environment with the rise of Chinese companies like Weier Technology, SmartSens, and Gekewei, which are transitioning from followers to competitors [2][8]. - Historically, the CIS market has seen various phases, starting from the commercialization of CCD technology in the 1970s to the emergence of CMOS technology in the 1990s, which laid the groundwork for the industry's growth [4][5]. Market Dynamics - The smartphone boom has driven explosive growth in the CIS market, with global sales increasing threefold from 2010 to 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing semiconductor categories [5][6]. - Sony and Samsung emerged as market leaders, with Sony capturing over 70% of the high-end mobile CIS market by 2022, while Samsung held a 19% market share [7][8]. Competitive Landscape - Chinese manufacturers have gained significant ground, with domestic CIS market share rising from 8% in 2018 to 25% in 2023, driven by advancements in technology and increased demand in sectors like security and automotive [9][10]. - The competition is intensifying, with Sony facing pressure from Chinese firms that are leveraging cost advantages and improving technology to penetrate high-end markets [9][10]. Future Outlook - Sony anticipates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9% for its CIS business from 2024 to 2030, despite the postponement of its market share target [15][18]. - The company is focusing on enhancing product performance across five key areas: sensitivity/noise, dynamic range, resolution, read speed, and power consumption, while also investing in new manufacturing processes [15][22]. Strategic Initiatives - Sony is expanding its production capacity in Thailand and collaborating with TSMC in Japan to strengthen its manufacturing base [14][15]. - The company is positioning its automotive camera business as a strategic focus area, aiming for a 43% market share by 2026, up from 37% in 2024 [36][38]. Technological Innovations - Sony is investing in advanced manufacturing techniques, including multi-layer technology and new process nodes, to enhance sensor performance and meet evolving market demands [27][30]. - Canon is also making strides in sensor development, focusing on high dynamic range SPAD sensors and maintaining its commitment to in-house sensor R&D [48][55]. Conclusion - The CIS market is undergoing a transformation characterized by technological innovation and increased competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. Companies like Sony and Canon are actively adapting their strategies to maintain leadership in this evolving landscape [72].