Hybrid sensors combine full field and event-based imaging
AlpsenTek (Shenzhen, China) has launched the Alpix-Pilatus platform, which it claims is the first integrated event-based vision sensor that combines static and dynamic information.
Numerous companies are now offering event-based cameras for machine perception. These include Sony, Prophesee, SynSense and others. Event-based cameras optimized for machines to use rather than humans bring potential advantages of faster response, transmit less redundant data, lower power consumption, and higher dynamic range.
However, it can be advantageous to combine full-field image sensors with event-based sensors and doing that cross multiple die brings another set of challenges. Therefore, combining traditional image sensors with event cameras at the chip level has become the direction of AlpsenTek’s development.
Hybird
AlpsenTek’s ‘Hybird Vision’ integrates event-based and traditional image sensors on the same chip. AlpsenTek claims its Alpix-Pilatus is the first chip to combine traditional image sensor technology and bionic event camera technology in the same pixel.
In image mode, Alpix-P is a global shutter sensor with a maximum frame rate of 120 frames per second, fully compatible with both existing conventional image sensors and mature vision systems. In the event camera mode, Alpix-P has the characteristics of super-high frame rate, high effective information content in the data stream, and high dynamic range.
AlpsenTek has developed two additional sensors based on the Alpix-P. These are the Alpix-Titlis (Alpix-T) low-end sensor and the Alpix-Eiger (Alpix-E) high-end sensor.
Specifications
The Alpix-T has a video resolution of 1080p with both RGB imaging and biomimetic vision. The response time is less than 1 millisecond with dynamic range of 120dB and low light performance down to <0.05 lux. Signal frequency is 10Hz to 1kHz.
It is recommended for intelligent door locks, intelligent security, to maintain a continuous monitoring of the scene while reducing system power consumption. ALPIX-T’s event camera mode can filter out 80 percent of the redundant information with very low power consumption.
The Alpix-E has 8-megapixel resolution with simultaneous support of RGB and biomimetic vision data. The frame rate can be up to 20kframes per second. Dynamic range is 120dB and the low-light performance extends below 0.1 lux.
This high-end sensor is recommended for smartphones and security applications.
AlpsenTek can provide chips stand-alone or provide chips plus algorithm and software development support.
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Swiss event-based vision startup launches next-gen chip
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Prophesee, SynSense form vision computing partnership
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