With the advancement in technology, camera Image processing is getting progressively critical with the development and multiplication of imaging-empowered embedded devices. Image sensor integration and sensor algorithms can majorly be judged on their performance, adaptability, and sensible costs. Therefore, these can be utilized broadly in computer vision applications such as industrial, medical, multimedia, security and surveillance, automobiles, and much more.

Image Sensor Integration

With a wide range of applications for cameras in different industries, the selection of the right camera sensor has also become very critical and differs from product to product. Hence, beyond high pixel counts, qualities such as drive technology, quantum efficiency, and pixel structure, all impact imaging performance to varying degrees. Today, almost all sensors fall into one of two categories: Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) and Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) imagers.

Even with each unique combination of sensor, processor, and lens, the captured image may have some unnecessary components due to limited lighting and other natural conditions. Therefore, a lot of processing would be required on the raw image in order to get a high-quality image. 

Nowadays, the Image processing industry is one of the rapidly growing industries around the world and hence forms a core research area in the engineering domain. Image processing is done by ISP, which either is inbuilt in the video processor or is externally integrated.  An image signal processor (ISP) is a processor, which takes a raw image as an input from the image sensor and gives the output as a processed image (or some data associated with it). An ISP could perform many of the steps like black level reduction, noise reduction, AWB, tone mapping, color interpolation, autofocus, etc. to deliver a high-quality image for a particular camera sensor and use case.

However, getting the desired image or video quality for each use case is actually a very complex process. A lot of filtering and iterations are required to get a desirable result. To test the image quality and tuning of camera sensors and image resolution, various types of labs tools are required such as;

  • ISO Resolution Charts & Color Tests under controlled lighting
  • Test Charts – Lens Distortion, Lens Shading & AWB
  • Light Booth – to create different light conditions for sharpness & contrast
  • Chroma Meter & IR Source and IR Power Meter
  • Greyscale & Color Chart

After the testing environment is set up, a standard workflow or methodology is used for tuning the ISP and image sensor. Thereafter, the objectives of the Lab and KPIs are set to achieve the final goals. Not to mention, we have to consider whether the platform which we are using has the inbuilt ISP or we have to integrate it with the external ISP. The solvers are then employed to achieve the final KPI targets. Results are processed with multiple iterations based on the earlier identified optimal parameters, then the final results are presented after the iterations are complete.

Why is VVDN the right choice?

VVDN leverages its expertise in designing, engineering, and manufacturing next-gen Camera Solutions from concept to production with a shorter time to market. VVDN’s capability in camera sensors covers;

  • CCD and CMOS image sensor integration
  • Implementing interfaces like MIPI-CSI, LVDS, Parallel interface and Analog
  • Implementing coding standards
  • Image Signal Processing (ISP) image tuning and related software advancement

At VVDN, we comprehend the subtleties involved in Image Processing. Our in-house image tuning lab has all the state-of-the-art facilities required for advanced image quality tuning, camera calibration, best in class hardware and software tools to assist you with your camera needs to assure image quality. VVDN, along with its optics expertise, has used its Image Processing Algorithms on both single, dual and multi-camera integration setups and have executed on various processors Qualcomm, Ambarella, Nvidia, Intel, MediaTek, etc. for Android, Linux and RTOS platforms. Being in the industry for more than a decade, we are in partnership with one of the best silicon and sensor provider companies in the world and have delivered various camera solutions like Dashcams, Video Conferencing Solutions, Security and Surveillance Cameras, Industrial Cameras and Panoramic Surround View Solutions much more to the Tier-1 and Tier-2 OEMs.

Click here to read more about VVDN’s camera expertise or for any such requirement feel free to contact: info@vvdntech.com

Rishabh Arora

Author

Rishabh Arora

Executive - Marketing