New OmniVision image sensor supports on-camera facial recognition in darkness
OmniVision Technologies has launched of a new image sensor which combines ultra-low-light (ULL) technology with its Nyxel near-infrared (NIR) technology to work equally well in all lighting conditions, according to an announcement.
The OS02C10 is a 2.9-micron, 2-megapixel image sensor which the company says can produce precise color and monochrome images for security applications by detecting incident light in both visible and NIR wavelengths.
The Nyxel NIR technology gives the OS02C10 quantum efficiency of 60 percent at 850nm and 40 percent at 940nm, which OmniVision claims is two to four times better than competing devices, and enables the use of low-power IR illumination in total darkness, for a three times reduction in system-level power consumption. The capture of clear images at 940nm NIR light makes the sensor appropriate for indoor security cameras that do not disturb sleeping occupants and can be concealed from intruders, while 850nm light is ideal for outdoor security cameras.
“Surveillance cameras with AI functionality need the highest possible resolution in all lighting conditions for accurate facial recognition,” says OmniVision Business Development Director Brian Fang. “These next-generation, intelligent-sensing surveillance systems are being enabled by our new sensor’s top imaging performance, with industry-best detection capabilities under both extremely low visible light and infrared light in complete darkness.”
OmniVision says the OS02C10 also has a low-noise design, and a 3-frame staggered shutter to minimize motion artifacts and enable a 120dB high dynamic range (HDR). The technologies can work with 2k and 4k resolution as security systems are upgraded.
The company launched a 1.4-micron sensor supporting IR face recognition early this year.
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