I Have Seen the Light

Computer vision applications, which use artificial intelligence to analyze and interpret images and videos, have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these applications often struggle to perform accurately in low light conditions, leading to a number of problems.

One of the main issues with computer vision in low light is a reduction in image quality. Without sufficient lighting, images can become blurry or distorted, making it difficult for the computer vision algorithm to accurately identify and analyze objects. This can lead to incorrect results or even complete failure of the application.

Another problem is a decrease in the contrast of objects in low light conditions. This can make it harder for the algorithm to distinguish between different objects, leading to misclassification or identification errors.

This is a challenging problem to solve because computationally intensive algorithms are needed to preprocess captured images before any downstream processing can take place. Many applications, like self-driving cars or autonomous drones, require real-time processing, which means that this processing must take place on-device.

At present, due to the aforementioned factors, the best and most useful digital light enhancement techniques rely on advanced and highly costly sensors. Unfortunately, that places this important technology out of the reach of many applications. This may all soon begin to change, however, as a result of a new chip developed in a partnership between Inuitive and Visidon. Their low light enhancing vision chip was demonstrated at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Inuitive, a vision-on-chip processor manufacturer, teamed up with Visidon, known for their AI-based image and video enhancement software, to make this new vision chip a reality. The new chip pairs Inuitive's all-in-one NU4100 vision-on-chip processor with Visidon's low light enhancement technology. By merging the technologies together, they were able to provide the high quality AI-powered image processing and depth sensing that Inuitive is known for under virtually any conditions, be it low light, severe weather, or other unfavorable environmental conditions.

This high efficiency, low power solution promises to provide highly accurate results for real-time image processing applications like drones and other robots that operate in the dark. While pricing information was not provided as of this writing, Inuitive notes that their chip will be cost efficient.

Inuitive and Visidon are currently looking to expand their partnership, so more advancements that serve to democratize computer vision and light enhancement technologies may be on the way in the near future. Representatives of both companies will be on hand at CES in Las Vegas for those that are interested in learning more about their unique solutions.