Tag Archives: Surveillance

Alice Camera and why the Future is Bright!

Alice Camera

The Alice Camera, launched to great success this month has to be the most hopeful product for the future of cameras that we have seen lately. It marries the Sony IMX294, a 10.7 megapixel 4/3 sensor with a custom chipset including the Edge TPU chip from Google for AI and an FPGA for calculations.  The result is a camera body with the same sensor as the GH5s which is a killer low light camera capable of excellent 4k footage and images with super low noise.

Then the camera back is attached to your Android or Apple smartphone to gain an interface and software to control it. The camera is capable of using the latest research for computational photography including HDR with multiple exposures merging, tracking, night mode, averaging of pixels, and as an open-source architecture, you can add features by other coders or your own to make the camera increase the feature set. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

4k Global Shutter Sensors From On Semiconductor!

4k Global Shutter Sensors From On Semiconductor

On Semiconductor has launched two new 4k ready CMOS global shutter sensors with new technology for reduced noise and improved image quality. The parts are geared to surveillance, automotive, consumer devices and industrial applications.  Both sensors are able to do high frame rates at 4k at full resolution.

The XGS 8000 is an 8.8 Mp (4096 x 2160) 4k / UHD resolution Global Shutter CMOS image sensor in 1/1.1 inch optical format capable of 120fps at full 8.8MP resolution. This first one geared for smaller devices. The XGS 12000 is a 12.6 Mp (4096 x 3072) CMOS image sensor in 1″ inch format, supporting up to 90 fps readout at full 12.6MP resolution. This sensor is better for higher resolution solutions.

XGS 8000: CMOS Image Sensor, Global Shutter, 8.8 Mp (4k / UHD resolution):

The XGS 8000 is a 8.8 Mp (4096 x 2160) 4k / UHD resolution Global Shutter CMOS image sensor in 1/1.1 inch optical format, supporting up to 120 frame per second readout at full resolution.

The device provides high resolution, global shutter imaging with high readout speed for industrial imaging customers. A compact package design and low power footprint make the device compatible with a 29 x 29 mm2 camera footprint. Two-speed grades are available to match device output to key computer interfaces and application requirements.

The XGS 8000 is a member of the X-Class image sensor platform, which allows one camera design to support not only multiple resolutions but also different pixel designs with only minor modifications, simplifying and speeding time to market for new camera designs.

The XGS 8000 is available in a 163-pin LGA package in both monochrome and Bayer color configurations.

Features Benefits
  • Member of X-Class platform
  • Allows one camera design to support multiple resolutions and multiple pixel designs
  • Advanced 3.2 µm global shutter pixel
  • High resolution with high image quality and uniformity
  • Energy efficient design
  • Reduced power and thermal footprints
  • Compact package
  • Compatible with 29 x 29 mm2 camera design
  • Available speed grades
  • Match to key computer interface and application requirements
Applications End Products
  • Image capture
  • Broadcast cameras
  • Industrial cameras and systems
  • Security cameras and systems
  • Inspection system (food, bottles, recycling labels, etc.)

XGS 12000: CMOS Image Sensor, Global Shutter, 12.6 Mp:

The XGS 12000 is a 12.6 Mp (4096 x 3072) CMOS image sensor in 1 inch optical format, supporting up to 90 frame per second readout at full resolution.

The device provides high resolution, global shutter imaging with high readout speed for industrial imaging customers. A compact package design and low power footprint make the device compatible with a 29 x 29 mm2 camera footprint. Two speed grades are available to match device output to key computer interfaces and application requirements.

The XGS 12000 is a member of the X-Class image sensor platform, which allows one camera design to support not only multiple resolutions but also different pixel designs with only minor modifications, simplifying and speeding time to market for new camera designs.

The XGS 12000 is available in a 163-pin LGA package in both monochrome and Bayer color configurations.

Features Benefits
  • Member of X-Class platform
  • Allows one camera design to support multiple resolutions and multiple pixel designs
  • Advanced 3.2 µm global shutter pixel
  • High resolution with high image quality and uniformity
  • Energy efficient design
  • Reduced power and thermal footprints
  • Compact package
  • Compatible with 29 x 29 mm2 camera design
  • Available speed grades
  • Match to key computer interface and application requirements
Applications End Products
  • Image capture
  • Industrial cameras and systems
  • Inspection system (food, bottles, recycling labels, etc.)
  • Security cameras and systems

HSC Take on these new sensors:

-1,061,683,200 pixels/second for the XGS 8000

  • 512fps @ 1080p bandwidth
  • 1,152fps @ 720p bandwidth

-1,132,462,080 pixels/second for the XGS 12000

  • 546fps @ 1080p bandwidth
  • 1,228fps @ 720p bandwidth

These sensors are geared to industrial applications and surveillance cameras. That doesn’t mean that slow-motion cameras are out of the running for using these parts.  There are however better options out there for higher frame rates as these sensors while fast offer pretty mediocre frame rates in windowed mode for 1080p and 720p recording. The 120fps 4k is nice on the XGS 8000 but as more cameras adopt the format it will be just within spec.  It seems these new sensors are better used in sorter machines and production lines.

The  3.2 µm pixel size on both of these is adequate but still small compared the sensor 10 µm in say an edgertronic SC2X camera which is excellent in low light levels and offers better frame rates.

We expect to see new sensors used in a variety of cameras at NAB 2018 in early April. Stay tuned. – HSC

More info on both sensors at the On Semiconductor website: http://www.onsemi.com/PowerSolutions/newsItem.do?article=4043

Canon Sensors at CES 2018 With Impressive Specs!

Canon Sensors

Canon at CES 2018 was showing three CMOS sensor products that can be used in a variety of devices like DSLRs, Mirrorless, Surveillance, Manufacturing and Scientific experimentation. These new parts feature massive improvements in resolution, class-leading low light ability and a Global Shutter in one instance.

While none of the sensors could be named a really slow motion capable part, the 5 Megapixel 2/3″ sensor can scan the full chip at 120fps which may mean higher frame rates if using windowed resolution.  The small size of the sensor also means it will need a lot of light to deliver a noise-free image.  This sensor also sports a global shutter design which is perfect for high-speed applications.

The 3 Canon Sensors Below:

-5 Megapixel 3U5MGXS Global Shutter CMOS Sensor:

The 3U5MGXS global shutter image sensor employs a new pixel design introducing new drive readout and light guiding technologies significantly expanding the full well capacity, reducing noise, and contributing to the remarkably wide dynamic range with a power consumption of 500mW.

Equipped with a global shutter and all pixel progressive reading at 120fps, the 2/3″ sensor size, and pixel size of 3.4μm with 5.33 million effective pixels (2592 x 2056) easily allow for applications in machine vision and other industrial environments where smaller size and high performance are required. It is available in RGB and Monochrome.

White Paper for the Sensor: http://downloads.canon.com/sensors/Canon-White-Paper-5MP-Global-Shutter-CMOS-Sensor.pdf

-19 μm 35MMFHDXS Low Light Full HD CMOS Sensor:

 

The 19 μm FHD CMOS Sensor features high-sensitivity and low-noise imaging performance for the capture of full HD video in exceptionally low light environments. The larger pixel size of 19 μm x 19 μm alongside proprietary device design technologies helps to achieve higher sensitivity and an increased well depth. This 35mm CMOS sensor provides the largest 16:9 imaging area possible when used with Canon EF lenses. This sensor has already been used in the: ME20F-SH Low Light EF Camera.

 AURORA skycam video: See the impossible with the new Canon ME20F-SH by AURORA skycam: → Continue Reading Full Post ←