Embedded vision technology continues to illuminate the path toward a safer and smarter world. In this context, low-light cameras become an indispensable tool. They enable clear vision even in challenging low-light conditions which helps enhance efficiency across various domains.
One such application is smart surveillance systems. The low-light camera modules used in them enable accurate detection and identification of subjects, enhancing security monitoring capabilities both indoors and outdoors, day and night.
Similarly, low-light cameras play a crucial role in applications such as smart traffic management systems. Here, they facilitate accurate vehicle detection and license plate recognition even during the nighttime. This helps improve traffic flow and safety.
There are several other applications where low-light cameras shine, including robotics, wildlife monitoring, and industrial automation. Thus, the importance of low-light cameras can’t be overstated. But with so many options available on the market, choosing the right low light camera module for specific applications can be daunting.
This blog post discusses why TechNexion’s AR0522 FPD-Link III Camera is well-suited for low light embedded vision applications.
GMSL2 PCB Board Camera with onsemi AR0522 5MP Rolling Shutter with Onboard ISP + 85 Degree M12 Lens with IR-Cut Filter
UVLS-GM2-AR0522-SL
- onsemi AR0522 5MP Rolling Shutter Sensor
- Near Infra-Red Enhancement for Outdoor Applications
- Designed for Low Light Applications
- S-Mount for Interchangeable Lenses
- GMSL2™ (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link) interface
- FAKRA Z-Code Automotive Connector
- Plug & Play with Linux OS & Yocto
- VizionViewer™ configuration utility
- VizionSDK for custom development
What Are Low-Light Cameras?
We have covered the importance and capabilities of low-light cameras, but what exactly are they? Low-light cameras are sophisticated imaging devices designed to excel in environments with limited lighting.
While there is no standard definition for what a low light environment is, generally, any environment where the light intensity is under 1 lux can be said to be under low light. Low-light cameras are specifically designed to excel in such settings.
One of the key features of low-light cameras is high sensitivity. This allows the cameras to detect and amplify the available light. This, in turn, helps produce brighter images with less ambient illumination.
Additionally, low noise characteristics ensure that the captured images remain clear and sharp. This minimizes graininess and distortion even in low-light conditions.
Some low-light cameras also come with an enhanced dynamic range. This enables them to distinguish between different levels of light and shadow. This in turn results in detailed images with rich contrast, helping to identify objects and colors with high accuracy.
Low-light cameras find applications across various industries and scenarios where visibility is crucial – regardless of the lighting conditions. Some applications of low light cameras in embedded vision include:
- Smart surveillance systems: Low light cameras ensure uninterrupted operation under dim light and at night.
- Smart traffic management: Here, low light camera modules make sure that these new-age vision systems can capture license plates and vehicles effectively in low light.
- Industrial robotics: Low light cameras help robots to navigate and perform various industrial tasks.
- Remote wildlife monitoring: Ensures 24/7 wildlife monitoring, whether it’s a thick forest or an open land.
- Low-light medical imaging: Here, low light cameras are crucial in enabling accurate medical diagnosis for effective treatment processes.
These examples demonstrate the diverse range of embedded vision applications where low-light cameras play a critical role. Thus, they prove to be indispensable tools in addressing various challenges and advancing technological capabilities across different domains.
TechNexion’s AR0522-based FPD-Link III Camera for Low Light Applications
The AR0522 is a 1/2.5−inch CMOS digital image sensor with an active−pixel array of 2592 (H) x 1944 (V). It captures images in either linear or high dynamic range modes with a rolling−shutter readout, and includes sophisticated camera functions such as binning, windowing and both video and single frame modes.
Designed specifically for low-light applications, UVLS3-AR0522-SL (TechNexion’s AR0522-based FPD-Link III camera) utilizes high-end features of the AR0521 sensor to deliver exceptional performance in challenging lighting conditions.
Highlights of AR0522 FPD-Link III Camera
- Automotive Ready: It is an FPD-Link III camera with cables that are highly durable and temperature resistant, making it suitable for any kind of automotive application. It can also transmit data up to 15 meters from the camera. In addition, the FAKRA connector ensures that the connection remains sturdy even under shocks and vibrations.
- Rolling Shutter: Capable of capturing low ambient noise images and high frame rate videos with a rolling shutter sensor.
- Advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP): Built-in color correction, lens calibration, over-exposure management, and other features that ensure superior color reproduction.
- Rugged and Reliable: Built to operate in tough environments and conditions like extreme temperatures, strong vibrations, and wet conditions.
- Multi-platform Support: Supports multiple processing platforms to ensure ease of integration into a wide range of embedded vision systems.
- Quick Time-to-Market: Pre-calibrated lens and integrated software reduce the need for extensive setup and calibration procedures. This accelerates the time-to-market.
Block Diagram of UVLS3-AR0522-SL
Key Features of TechNexion’s AR0522-based FPD-Link III Camera
- Small optical format: The AR0522-based FPD-Link III camera features a compact 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor, which allows for a seamless integration into small form factor embedded vision systems.
- Active−pixel array of 2592 (H) x 1944 (V): The 5MP resolution enables the camera to capture intricate details and produce sharp, vivid images, enhancing overall visual performance.
- 5MP at 60 fps: This ensures smooth and fluid motion in video recordings, making it ideal for applications requiring high-quality video output.
- Line Interleaved T1/T2 Readout: This feature enables HDR processing directly within the ISP chip. This allows for preserving details in both bright and shadowy areas for enhanced image quality.
- Back Side Illuminated Pixel Technology: Utilizing advanced backside-illuminated pixel technology with a pixel size of 2.2 µm, the camera maximizes light sensitivity and minimizes noise, resulting in clear and crisp images even in low-light conditions.
- Integrated Color and Lens Shading Correction: This ensures that captured images maintain color fidelity and consistency, even under varying lighting conditions.
- Support for External Mechanical Shutter: This feature allows for precise exposure control and minimizes motion blur, particularly in fast-moving or dynamic scenes, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.
Why UVLS3-AR0522-SL is Best Suited for Low Light Applications
The UVLS3-AR0522-SL stands out as the premier choice for low-light applications due to its exceptional features tailored for challenging lighting conditions.
With a pixel size of 2.2 µm x 2.2 µm, the camera achieves high sensitivity, capturing clear and detailed images even in the darkest environments. Additionally, the camera is optimized for excellent near-infrared (IR) performance. This enables effective image capture during nighttime operations. This capability ensures reliable monitoring round the clock in applications such as remote surveillance and security.
Embedded Vision Applications of UVLS3-AR0522-SL
Some of the most popular embedded vision applications of UVLS3-AR0522-SL include:
Smart Surveillance Systems
In smart surveillance systems, the UVLS3-AR0522-SL plays a pivotal role in providing round-the-clock monitoring capabilities. Its high sensitivity and near-IR performance enable accurate detection and identification of subjects even in low-light environments. Whether it’s monitoring public spaces, critical infrastructure, or private properties, the camera ensures clear and detailed imaging for effective security and surveillance.
The UVLS3-AR0522-SL contributes to the effectiveness of smart traffic management systems by facilitating accurate vehicle detection and license plate recognition, even during nighttime.
This enables traffic authorities to monitor traffic flow, enforce regulations, and manage congestion efficiently. This ultimately improves road safety and optimizes traffic management strategies.
Smart Traffic Systems
A patrol robot
Patrol Robots
Patrol robots equipped with the UVLS3-AR0522-SL benefit from enhanced visibility and situational awareness, particularly in dimly lit environments. These robots can navigate and patrol effectively during nighttime operations, monitoring restricted areas, and responding to security threats with precision. The camera’s reliability and low-light performance make it an invaluable component for various settings, including industrial facilities, warehouses, hospitals, and outdoor environments.
Delivery Robots
Whether it’s delivering packages in urban environments or navigating through dimly lit streets, the UVLS3-AR0522-SL camera ensures reliable operation and accurate perception of the surroundings in delivery robots. This capability is essential for ensuring the timely and secure delivery of goods and services, particularly in urban areas where demand for nighttime delivery services is increasing.
A delivery robot
Wildlife Monitoring
The UVLS3-AR0522-SL, with its high sensitivity and near-IR performance, facilitates remote wildlife monitoring by capturing clear and detailed images of wildlife behavior in natural habitats, even during low-light conditions. Researchers and conservationists use the camera to study animal behavior, monitor endangered species, and assess the impact of environmental changes on wildlife populations.
In each of these embedded vision applications, the UVLS3-AR0522-SL’s superior low-light performance, advanced image processing capabilities, and rugged design make it the preferred choice for achieving reliable and high-quality imaging in challenging environments.
TechNexion – Low Light Cameras for Modern Embedded Vision Systems
TechNexion continues to lead the way in providing cutting-edge low-light cameras for modern embedded vision systems. With a diverse portfolio of products optimized for low light performance across MIPI-CSI2, USB C, and FPD-Link III interfaces, TechNexion delivers innovative solutions for a wide range of embedded vision applications.
Get in touch with our team today to explore the possibilities and take your vision projects to the next level with TechNexion’s low-light cameras.
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