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Near IR camera for outdoor embedded vision applications

Embedded cameras find applications in a wide variety of areas. From retail to industrial automation and medical devices, there is hardly any industry that has not been impacted by embedded vision. Camera requirements are different for different applications because of this diversity. While some will have high resolution as the most critical feature, systems for other applications will prioritize a camera that can operate efficiently in low light conditions.

In addition, the same camera system is required to operate in varying conditions (say day and night). Due to this complexity, product developers need to choose the camera module through considering multiple factors such as the level of details required, lighting conditions, distance to the target object, whether the object is in motion or not, etc.

In this blog post, we will cover outdoor embedded vision applications and discover why VLS3-AR0822-CB, TechNexion’s AR0822 Near IR camera, is a perfect fit for such applications. 

VLS3-AR0822-CB used for outdoor applications

The peculiarities of outdoor embedded vision applications

Outdoor embedded vision has a wide range of outdoor applications. They can be on robots, traffic poles, building walls, or even trees. The following are the characteristics that differentiate outdoor embedded vision systems from indoor applications:

  • They must operate in bright light conditions for most of the day.
  • Varied lighting with bright light during the day and low light at night.
  • Different color correction and enhancement required compared to indoor cameras.
  • Harsh weather conditions resistance such as rain, fog, and dust.
  • Unlike indoor settings, outdoor environments do not have a controlled temperature. Depending on the weather, temperatures can rise or decrease to extreme values.

Key features required for outdoor camera modules

While a camera can be suitable for multiple applications, often tweaks or customizations might be required to accommodate the needs of the vision system.

That said, let us look at some of the most important features an outdoor camera module should come with.

Near IR enhancement

One of the key challenges in outdoor vision systems is that there will not be any external lighting at night. This requires the camera to have the ability to capture images and videos even at 0 lux, which is made possible using NIR cameras.

NIR cameras are characterized by sensitivity in the Near InfraRed region. This means that when an external light source is not available and the surroundings are dark, the camera can rely on the NIR spectrum for imaging. A NIR camera is usually equipped with an IR light source (like an LED ring) to facilitate NIR imaging.

Related: NIR Cameras in Embedded Vision – Advantages and Applications

 

Resolution

Requirements vary depending on the application. While low-end devices will find a resolution like 2MP suitable, high-end applications might need a resolution of 8MP or more. The higher the level of details required, the higher the resolution to be chosen.

 

High dynamic range

Dynamic range refers to the ability of a camera module to capture images in a wide spectrum of light intensities. This is extremely useful in outdoor applications, especially during the day when the camera system must perform imaging in bright lighting conditions.

The high dynamic range feature ensures that parts of the output image are not washed out under bright light while the areas with low light in a scene are also properly captured. A dynamic range of more than 100 dB is considered high.

 

Effective color correction and enhancement

A major example of an ISP (Image Signal Processor) in a camera is to ensure that the output images produce the same colors as in the scene. Since outdoor applications operate under natural light, the ISP must be tuned differently to ensure the right colors are achieved.

 

IP-rated enclosure

Outdoor vision systems are often exposed to adverse weather conditions. Ordinary cameras might not be able to withstand rain, dust, fog, and snow for an extended period. This is why the camera needs to have an IP-rated enclosure. An enclosure with a rating of IP66 or above is recommended to ensure maximum protection. 

 

High temperature resistance

For regions with extreme temperatures – either on the lower side or the higher side. An operating temperature of -300C to +700C is recommended to make sure that the camera can function properly in any kind of temperature setting.

 

Long distance transmission

In many outdoor applications (like pole-mounted traffic cameras for example), the camera module might have to be placed 2 to 3 meters away from the host processor. In such a case, an interface like MIPI won’t work. Neither will USB be suitable since it is not reliable for such long distances. A SerDes interface like FPD-Link will be a great choice here. FPD-Link III cameras can transmit image and video data up to 15m.

 

Industrial-grade cables and connectors

Certain outdoor vision systems are subjected to disturbances such as shocks and vibrations. The camera system should have cables and connectors that will stay intact even during high amounts of vibrations to withstand this.

 

Choice of lens

The lens is a critical element in meeting the desired image quality in outdoor embedded vision systems. While the S mount offers the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of lenses available in the market, having an additional mount type like C mount also helps.

Related: How to Choose Camera Lens for Embedded Vision Applications

TechNexion’s Near IR camera for outdoor vision systems

TechNexion has focused its research and development activities heavily in the last few years on embedded vision. As a result, we have been able to design, develop, manufacture, and integrate camera solutions for a wide variety of applications. Today, we look at VLS3-AR0822-CB, TechNexion’s AR0822 Near IR camera, and why it is perfectly suited for most outdoor vision systems.

Here are the features that make the camera a game changer for outdoor environments:

  • Near IR enhancement: Ideal night vision camera that can help systems like smart traffic, patrol robots, delivery robots, etc., operate at night without fail.
  • High dynamic range: Suitable for outdoor vision systems that operate in a wide range of lighting conditions.
  • 4K resolution: High resolution enables vision systems to capture images and videos with high quality. This data can be used for manual or AI/ML-based analyses.
  • Large pixel size: VLS3-AR0822-CB has a pixel size of 2.0 μm x 2.0 μm, large enough to ensure that adequate photons are collected to produce a high-quality output in low light conditions.
  • The maximum SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) of 40.5 dB shows that the camera can deliver outputs with low noise.
  • A well-tuned ISP: The camera module is optimized with a well-tuned ISP that performs critical functions like lens shading correction, black level correction, denoising, etc.
  • VLS3-AR0822-CB comes with a C mount lens. However, TechNexion’s portfolio includes cameras with the same sensor that uses an S mount. This offers product developers the ability to choose from a wide selection of lenses.
  • Interface variants: TechNexion’s 4K HDR cameras based on the AR0822 sensor are available in the USB, MIPI, and FPD-Link III variants. You can choose the right interface based on the end application’s needs.
  • Industrial grade connectors: VLS3-AR0822-CB uses the FAKRA connector, which are capable of resisting shock and vibration, as well as having an ingress protection (IP) rating of IP68. This makes the camera suitable for use even in moving vision systems like robots and tractors, and when exposed to high levels of moisture.
  • Operating temperature: The operating temperature of VLS3-AR0822-CB is -30°C to +70℃. This feature ensures suitability for extreme weather conditions and that the vision system has a longer lifespan.
VLS3-AR0822-CB Kit

FPDLINK-III IP68 Camera with onsemi AR0822 8MP 4K Color Rolling Shutter with ISP + IR-Cut Filter with C Mount Body
In stock Out of stock On backorder

VLS3-AR0822-CB
  • onsemi AR0822 8MP Rolling Shutter Sensor
  • 4K HDR Imaging Capabilities
  • Near Infra-Red Enhancement for Outdoor Applications
  • Designed for Low Light Applications
  • C-Mount for Interchangeable Lenses
  • FAKRA Automotive Connector
  • Plug & Play with Linux OS & Yocto
  • Comes with VizionViewer™ Configuration Utility and VizionSDK
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Sensoronsemi AR0822
ShutterRolling
Megapixels8MP
ChromaticityColor, Monochrome
InterfaceFPD-Link III
View Product

Outdoor applications of TechNexion’s AR0822 4K HDR camera

An autonomous tractor

TechNexion’s 4K HDR cameras based on the AR0822 sensor are suited for almost any outdoor vision system. Here, let us look at some of the notable ones.

  • Patrol robots: Patrol robots are used to ensure security in warehouses, government buildings, mines, etc. They must operate 24/7, catching intrusions and the presence of unwanted objects and people. Delivery robots: Like patrol robots, delivery robots also operate outdoors. They must deliver packages during the day as well as at night. A 4K HDR camera with Near IR enhancement would be a great choice for delivery robots.
  • Autonomous tractors: Autonomous tractors help automate precision farming tasks such as plowing, bug & weed detection, spreading fertilizer, planting, and harvesting. Since they mostly operate during the day under sunlight, HDR is a must-have. Other features like high resolution, NIR enhancement, and IP-rated enclosure also come in handy.
  • Smart traffic poles: Cameras used in smart traffic poles help with vehicle counting, people counting, and number plate recognition. Specialized outdoor cameras are necessary in these next-gen traffic management devices.
  • Animal tracking cameras: Cameras placed in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to monitor and observe birds and animals need features like 4K resolution, HDR, Near IR enhancement, IP-rated enclosure, high temperature resistance, etc. VLS3-AR0822-CB will make a good choice here.

Wrapping up

TechNexion works closely with its customers to help them choose and integrate the right cameras into their devices. The AR0822-based 4K HDR cameras have been designed with outdoor vision applications in mind. Their features like high resolution, Near IR enhancement, high dynamic range, etc., make them a standout solution for systems like outdoor robots, tractors, smart traffic poles, and smart streetlights. We also have other cameras with comparable features in our portfolio. We recommend you check out our entire embedded vision portfolio here.

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