Shikino

Compact Camera Modules and IP Cores for Imaging

Founded in 1975, Shikino High-Tech Co., Ltd. is a Japanese specialist in imaging technologies. Based in Uozu (Toyama Prefecture), the company operates through three main divisions: Product Development (camera modules and imaging equipment), System Electronics (semiconductor inspection equipment), and Microelectronics (LSI design and IP Core development).

Shikino develops proprietary IP Cores for image processing and video compression, as well as ultra-compact camera modules available in various formats and interfaces. Its solutions are designed for imaging systems in numerous applications, including security (ATMs, payment terminals), industry (optical inspection, surveillance cameras, analyzers), robotics, retail, and medical (X-ray equipment, care devices).

Technology and Ecosystem

Shikino’s strength lies in its ability to cover the entire imaging value chain—from the component to the complete system.

  • Flexible camera modules: Available with global or rolling shutter sensors, in 0.3 to 2.0 Megapixel resolutions, with a wide choice of optics (up to 9 field-of-view options). Supported interfaces include USB, LAN/PoE, MIPI, parallel, and analog (NTSC).

  • Smart Cameras: Integrating embedded image processing capabilities for functions such as distortion correction, object recognition, counting, alignment, or QR code reading, with an SDK available for custom application development.

  • Image processing IP Cores: Shikino offers its proprietary Shikino-LS technology, a high-performance lossless codec, as well as JPEG-compatible IP Cores with optimized variants (e.g., KJN-EX) capable of processing up to 32 samples per cycle, enabling very efficient FPGA implementation.

  • Custom solutions: Shikino excels in developing application-specific camera modules, leveraging over 20 years of experience in imaging hardware and algorithms.

Product Ranges

Shikino offers a range of products covering market needs, from individual cameras to integrated solutions.

1. Camera Modules

  • Standard Series: Compact modules with global or rolling shutter, available in various resolutions and with multiple optics options.

  • Smart Series: Modules integrating a processor for embedded image processing (recognition, counting, code reading) with an associated SDK.

2. IP Cores

  • Shikino-LS: High-performance lossless codec for FPGA/ASIC.

  • KJN-EX (JPEG) : JPEG compression IP Core optimized for high-speed processing (up to 96 frames/second at 8K).

  • Other IP Cores: Compression, image processing, high-speed interfaces.

Main Application Areas

Thanks to the versatility of its technologies, Shikino is deployed across a wide variety of demanding fields.

1. Infrastructure Equipment

  • Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals.

  • Security and surveillance equipment.

2. Industrial Automation

  • Optical inspection and quality control.

  • Robotics and vision systems for Industry 4.0.

3. Medical Devices

  • X-ray equipment and other diagnostic devices.

  • Health monitoring systems (C-Aid).

4. Mobility and Transportation

  • Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and embedded applications.

EMG2: Shikino’s Partner in France

At EMG2, we provide innovative technology building blocks and electronic solutions, particularly in the fields of industrial vision, embedded systems, and Edge AI. Shikino perfectly complements our offering by bringing compact camera modules, image processing IP Cores, and high-quality imaging solutions, ideal for industrial, medical, and infrastructure applications.

Our collaboration, which began in 2025, allows French customers to benefit from:

  • Local EMG2 support in France, for technical assistance and close consulting.

  • Simplified access to the full Shikino range, from camera modules to IP Cores and software solutions.

  • Complementary expertise to integrate these imaging solutions into complex systems (embedded systems, vision, networks, motion control, power management).

  • A tailored response for industrial, medical, security, and infrastructure projects requiring robust and compact imaging solutions.

We support our customers in the selection and integration of Shikino solutions, offering technical expertise for implementation and customization, thereby ensuring the success of their most innovative projects.

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