Aptina Imaging, a division of Micron Technology, Inc., introduced its latest high-performance wide-VGA image sensor (product number MT9V033) for surveillance camera applications. The new sensor, available in both color and monochrome versions, features extremely high dynamic range (HDR), which is important for capturing clear images and video in high-contrast lighting conditions.
Often, security cameras are placed in uncompromising locations — such as ATMs, bank lobbies and parking facilities — that cast both dark shadows and bright sunlight, creating a difficult environment for clearly capturing an identified scene or target. Aptina’s new sensor featuring HDR allows a camera to capture crisp images and video by separating the bright background from the darker foreground through a controlled exposure method.
Because the sensor is a wide-VGA (720 by 480 pixels), it allows more details of a scene to be monitored and with its high-speed capabilities (capturing video at up to 60 frames per second at full resolution) the video rendered delivers crisp detail for careful analysis. Equally important for producing clear video is the sensor’s state-of-the-art shutter control, established using Aptina’s proprietary TrueSNAP (Shutter Node Active Pixel) technology, which reduces image smearing or tearing when capturing fast-moving objects. The sensor has a 1/3-inch form factor that easily fits into the popular optical format for video surveillance applications. Also packed into the sensor is a context switching feature, allowing two applications with separate imaging needs to run effectively from a single source. Additionally, the sensor features enhanced near-infra-red (NIR) capability, especially important when there is insufficient light to see, such as at night.
“CMOS is revolutionizing the way people think about surveillance, delivering a whole new set of capabilities to the surveillance market while keeping costs down and quality up,” said Curtis Stith, Director of New Markets for Aptina. “Our portfolio of security image sensors captures great images and video, closely resembling that of what is seen by the human eye. For example, the high dynamic range feature of our new sensor, allows users to clearly see what’s happening in a scene should it suddenly become brighter or darker, or if the scene includes both bright and dark areas.”
Aptina has a broad portfolio of high performance image sensors for the consumer and commercial security camera markets, providing manufacturers with the option to choose the best sensor that matches their design needs. Ranging in resolution from VGA to 5-megapixel, Aptina’s portfolio of security image sensors provide a range of benefits that are important for capturing clear, real-time video.
Aptina will be showcasing the new security image sensor at the International Security Conference (ISC) West April 2 - 4th in Las Vegas (booth number 39008). Additional information on the new sensor, Aptina’s broader surveillance portfolio, and an overview of Aptina’s partnerships in this market can be found at www.aptina.com/solutions/surveillance.jsp#overview.
