The prototype of the high-resolution multi-spectral camera developed by a research team at the Chair of Multimedia Communications and Signal Processing at FAU: 5×5 cameras combine spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. (Image: FAU/Nils Genser)
FAU team develops cost-efficient and high-resolution multi-spectral camera
Intelligent cameras are the next milestone in image and video processing A team of researchers at the Chair of Multimedia Communications and Signal Processing at FAU has developed an intelligent camera that achieves not only high spatial and temporal but also spectral resolution. The camera has a wide range of applications that can improve environmental protection and resource conservation measures as well as autonomous driving or modern agriculture. The findings of the research have been published as an open access publication.
‘Research up to now has mainly focused on increasing spatial and temporal resolution, which means the number of megapixels or images per second,’ explains lecturer Dr. Jürgen Seiler. ‘Spectral resolution – the wavelength and thus the perception of colours – has largely been adjusted to match human sight during the development of cameras, which merely corresponds to measuring the colours red, green, and blue. However, much more information is hidden in the light spectrum that can be used for a wide range of tasks. For example, we know that some animals use additional light spectra for hunting and searching for food.’
Three resolutions in one camera
Seiler, who is an electrical engineer, has therefore developed a high-resolution multi-spectral camera that enhances human perception with his team at the Chair of Multimedia Communications and Signal Processing (LMS) led by Prof. Dr. Kaup at FAU. It combines all three resolutions – spatial, temporal and spectral – in a cost-efficient solution. ‘Up to now, there were only extremely expensive and complex methods for measuring the ultraviolet or infrared ranges of light or individual spectral bands for special industrial applications,’ says Seiler. ‘We looked for a cost-efficient model and we were able to develop a very cost-effective multi-spectral camera.’
The researchers connected several inexpensive standard cameras with various spectral filters to form a multi-spectral camera array. ‘We then calculated an image in order to combine the various spectral information from each sensor,’ explains Nils Genser, research associate at LMS. ‘This new concept enables us to precisely determine the materials of each object captured using just one single image.’
At the same time, the new camera is greatly superior to existing systems in terms of its spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. As the surroundings are recorded by several ‘eyes’ as is the case with human sight, the system also provides a precise indication of depth. This means that the system not only precisely determines the colour and certain material properties of objects it captures, but also the distance between them and the camera.
Ideal for autonomous driving and environmental technology
Autonomous driving is a potential application for these new intelligent cameras. ‘A whole range of solutions to various problems has now opened up thanks to our new technology,’ says Seiler. ‘In the infrared range, for example, we can differentiate between real people and signposts using the thermal signature. For night driving, we can detect animals crossing the road with sufficient warning.’
The high-resolution multi-spectral cameras could also be used for protecting the environment and conserving resources. ‘Several plastics differ significantly from each other in various ranges of the spectrum, which is something the new intelligent camera can reliably detect,’ Genser emphasises. ‘Large amounts of plastics are simply burned instead of separated for recycling as they have a similar appearance. We can now separate them reliably.’
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Intelligent cameras
- World’s Lightest Super Telephoto Camera the Excope DT1
The Excope DT1 is the world's lightest super telephoto camera say it's creators, combining innovative technology with incredible portability ...
- Body camera video gives insight into moments leading up to Atlanta airman's shooting death by Florida deputies
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla — Newly-released body camera video shows the moments leading up to a ... Fortson's family described him as a kind, intelligent, humble and passionate man who inspired them.
- Council wardens armed with new 'intelligent' cameras which will spot this driving offence
New specialist cameras are being used by a Midlands council in a bid to catch drivers committing a serious offence on the roads. The state-of-the-art technology is being rolled out to detect so-called ...
- SmallRig announces new high-performance rechargeable camera battery
Repeat" is the aim of the game as SmallRig announces a powerful new rechargeable camera battery with a sleek new look. SmallRig manufactures some of the best camera peripherals on the market, from ...
- Unlocking Opportunities: The Smart Camera Market
Introduction In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, the smart camera market stands at the forefront of innovation. These intelligent devices, equipped with advanced features ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Intelligent cameras
[google_news title=”” keyword=”intelligent cameras” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
High-resolution multi-spectral cameras
- My View: Arizona a gateway to space as more manufacturers enter our orbit
A day filled with talk about Arizona's space ecosystem definitely had our guest columnist taking stock in what is happening within our borders.
- Best camera phones in 2024
When we pick the best camera phones, we're looking at more than just hardware specs — how your shot ends up looking is just as important. And that means putting cameras to the test to see how ...
- Tiny, transparent chip could transform your smartphone into a professional-grade camera
Scientists built a "smart filter" that can work with a cheap smartphone camera to transform low-resolution photos into supersharp images without glare and other issues.
- The Best Mirrorless Cameras To Capture Images And Videos Forever
We focused on models that are priced under $3,000 for the camera body only, unless otherwise noted. (High-end professional mirrorless camera bodies can cost upward of $6,000.) Here are our top ...
- Best DSLR for professional photography: Top 8 high-end cameras to capture stunning pictures and videos
The Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-Point AF System ... ILCE-7RM4A Full-Frame 61.0MP Mirrorless Digital SLR Camera Body. Capture stunning, high-resolution images with ease and precision.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
High-resolution multi-spectral cameras
[google_news title=”” keyword=”high-resolution multi-spectral cameras” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]