Technical Thresholds and Future Evolution of Camera Modules for Self-Service Terminals
November 11, 2025
From retail checkout to banking services, self-service terminals scattered everywhere are quietly transforming our lives—and the camera modules hidden inside them are the key to driving this transformation.
With the growing shortage of labor and rising demand for 24/7 services, self-service devices represented by STYL vending machines, payment terminals, and customized kiosks have become core carriers in fields such as retail and convenient services. As the "visual interaction core" of these devices, camera modules directly support critical functions including QR code payment, member authentication, inventory visualization, and remote monitoring. Their performance must be deeply aligned with the unmanned, all-weather, and multi-scenario adaptation characteristics of self-service devices. The previously focused FPC camera module with 3μm large pixels + OmniPixel®3‑GS technology is an efficient adaptation solution for such devices, as its parameter design is highly compatible with the core needs of self-service scenarios.
01 Industry Status Quo: Rapid Growth of the Self-Service Terminal Camera Market
Self-service terminals have penetrated various aspects of our lives, covering scenarios such as retail checkout, banking services, ticket purchasing, and information inquiry. These devices have become an indispensable part of modern service infrastructure.
According to data from market research firm QYResearch, the global self-service terminal camera industry is in a phase of rapid growth, and this trend is expected to continue until 2031. The market competition pattern is fragmented, with major manufacturers including professional companies such as e-con Systems, Creator (China) Tech, and Savance Workplace. Driven by technological progress and the expansion of application scenarios, the self-service terminal camera industry is ushering in a new cycle of innovation.
02 Technical Requirements: Core Demands of Self-Service Terminals for Camera Modules
The special working environment and usage scenarios of self-service terminals impose unique technical requirements on their built-in camera modules.
Imaging performance is critical. Self-service terminals require cameras to maintain excellent performance under complex lighting conditions. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) has become a standard feature, enabling cameras to output clear and usable images even in complex environments such as outdoor backlighting. High frame rate capture capability is also important—especially in face recognition and liveness detection scenarios, where devices need to quickly capture multiple frames for comparison and analysis. Global shutter technology eliminates the "jello effect" common in rolling shutters, ensuring image accuracy in fast-moving scenarios.
Environmental adaptability is another key consideration. Self-service terminals often need to operate 24/7 and are installed in public places, facing multiple challenges such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, and vibration. Camera modules must have wide-temperature operation capabilities, maintaining stable performance within a temperature range of -30°C to 75°C or even wider.
Physical size and integration level are equally crucial. The internal space of self-service terminals is compact, requiring camera modules to adopt miniaturized designs. The strip-shaped OV9782 module, with dimensions of only 7mm×7mm×5.12mm, can be flexibly integrated into various terminal devices.
Interface compatibility cannot be ignored. Self-service terminals use a variety of processor platforms, requiring camera modules to support multiple interface protocols. The design of dual-channel MIPI and DVP parallel output interfaces allows the same module to be adapted to different hardware platforms, significantly expanding the product’s scope of application.
03 Installation Specifications: User Experience as the Primary Consideration
The installation of cameras in self-service terminals is not arbitrary but follows strict scientific principles. The WeChat Pay Face-scanning Device Guidelines clearly specify the installation parameters for floor-standing devices: the camera height from the ground should preferably be around 1600mm, and the camera should be installed vertically.
This height is carefully calculated to accommodate the height range of most adult users, covering both shorter users (1480mm) and taller users (over 1850mm). When the device installation height is between 1650mm and 1850mm, the camera needs to be tilted downward by 5° to 15° to ensure the optimal shooting angle.
The horizontal distance between the camera and the user also needs careful control—the minimum distance should be within 0 to 600mm, ensuring that users can approach the device at a normal distance without obstacles blocking access.
These specifications may seem simple, but they are derived from extensive ergonomic data and practical scenario testing, directly affecting user experience and recognition efficiency. Failure to follow these specifications may force users to stand on tiptoes or move horizontally for recognition; such designs are clearly marked as "not suitable for mass production" in the guidelines.
04 Future Directions: Three Development Trends of Self-Service Terminal Cameras
Driven by technological progress and evolving market demands, camera modules for self-service terminals are moving toward greater intelligence, integration, and specialization.
AI empowerment is the primary trend. Future camera modules will integrate more intelligent functions to achieve local AI processing. In face recognition scenarios, terminal devices can complete liveness detection and identity verification directly on-site, without relying on cloud processing—this not only improves response speed but also enhances data security.
Multimodal fusion is another important direction. Single visible light imaging can no longer meet the needs of complex application scenarios. By integrating near-infrared imaging technology, cameras can still capture clear images in low-light or even no-light environments. Multi-spectral fusion technology further combines visible light, near-infrared, and thermal infrared to enable more complex material identification and temperature monitoring functions.
The trend of scenario customization is also becoming increasingly prominent. Camera modules are being optimized specifically for different application scenarios: financial ATMs focus on liveness detection to prevent fraud, while retail self-checkout emphasizes recognition speed and accuracy. Self-service terminals in industrial environments may require explosion-proof designs to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. These specialized customizations allow camera modules to better adapt to the needs of specific scenarios and provide more reliable performance.
05 Industry Chain: Broad Prospects for the Camera Module Industry
As the "visual core" of intelligent terminal devices, the camera module industry chain covers multiple core links including CMOS image sensors, optical lenses, and DSP chips. According to Yole’s forecast, the global camera module market is expected to grow from USD 36 billion in 2023 to USD 46 billion in 2029.
This growth is largely driven by the expansion of intelligent imaging devices, including self-service terminals, handheld intelligent imaging devices, and automotive intelligent driving systems. In the upstream sector, CMOS image sensor technology continues to advance, with manufacturers such as OmniVision Group, SmartSens, and GalaxyCore constantly innovating. The midstream camera module and lens market is dominated by enterprises such as Sunny Optical Technology, OFILM, and Q-Tech—these companies provide core imaging components for self-service terminals and drive the entire industry forward through continuous technological innovation.
With the further popularization of intelligent terminals, the camera module industry chain will embrace more development opportunities. From self-checkout in retail stores to intelligent terminals in bank branches, and to various vending machines on the street, camera modules—acting as the "eyes" of these devices—are becoming increasingly intelligent and efficient.
In the future, with the maturity of AI and multimodal sensing technology, self-service terminals may be able to recognize our gestures, understand our voice commands, and even infer emotional states by analyzing facial features to provide more personalized services. Camera modules will no longer be just simple image capture tools but will become an important bridge connecting the physical world and digital services.
