It is no longer a novelty that there are cameras capable of capturing color images even at night, or that they feature high-sensitivity image sensors. This technology is not new. Sony's Exmor chip was perhaps the first widely adopted high-sensitivity sensor, which was later followed by several other manufacturers. Today, high-sensitivity imaging systems can be found in cameras, and even in smartphones. Among Techson's IP cameras, the TCIMH1E104WADM-2.8 is not the first device that can record color images in low-light conditions. However, the technology used in the MH1 E104 stands out, as the results are far from ordinary!
Before we talk about the new technology, let's first review what the ISP does in cameras. The ISP (Image Signal Processor) processes and optimizes the raw image sensor data to create a high-quality final image. The ISP first applies a demosaicing process to convert the raw data into an RGB image, then adjusts the white balance and color correction for natural colors. It improves the image details with noise reduction and sharpening algorithms, and finally, it applies gamma correction and contrast adjustments to optimize the dynamic range. The processed image is then compressed and saved or transmitted in the desired format.
In the early stages of ISP development, image processing relied on hardware components and pre-determined algorithms to carry out the processes. Based on the above, this allowed for fast and real-time image processing. However, these systems had limitations, particularly in that the fixed algorithms could not always adequately cope with various environmental influences, such as changes in lighting conditions.
This inflexibility was addressed with the introduction of artificial intelligence in ISP technology. Thanks to the new iterative image reconstruction algorithms, AI-ISP significantly improves image quality, enabling better resolution, noise reduction, highlight softening, and color processing. Additionally, advanced algorithms such as edge detection and texture recognition are used to further enhance image quality. This allows for dynamic and precise adjustments to exposure and color balance, all made possible by the analysis of the image content.
In low-light conditions, the low sensitivity of average sensors leads to a rapid deterioration in the clarity of the color image. Traditional ISPs, therefore, cannot maintain the balance between image details and color reproduction. Increasing brightness often results in higher noise on the image. However, AI-ISP achieves a better balance between color and clarity in night images. It does this by effectively reducing noise, thereby improving brightness and delivering excellent video quality.
The Techson MH1 E104 camera boasts impressive sensitivity, requiring just 3x10-4 (0.0003) lux of light to produce an image. This is just slightly more than the amount of light provided by a cloudy, starless night and much less than what is visible under a moonless, clear, starry sky. As a point of interest: for the human eye to detect colors, it needs ten thousand times more illumination, as the lower limit for color vision is 3 lux.
All this, however, would not be extraordinary on its own, as other manufacturers’ image sensors can also reach this level. The Techson MH1 series, however, doesn’t settle for just seeing in pitch darkness; it calls upon built-in artificial intelligence for color imaging.
Image optimization based on shape recognition and deep learning methods is not unfamiliar to users of photo editing software. However, many may not know that some smartphone cameras also use AI to make photos more vibrant and enjoyable. The Techson MH1 E104 employs a similar method. With AI-ISP technology, it corrects deficiencies and compensates for poorly displayed colors. The result speaks for itself!
The image shown here was taken late at night, yet the MH1 camera still produces strong contrast, vivid colors, and recognizable shapes. In comparison, other cameras use infrared illumination and are only capable of displaying in black and white.
The Techson TCI MH1 E104 IP camera utilizes an ultra-sensitive image sensor and artificial intelligence to correct image flaws. It understands color relationships, enabling it to create vibrant colors from inadequate color information, where other cameras would only produce grayscale images. It detects edges, improves contours, and enhances image contrast. By filtering and refining edges, the camera sharpens images and increases contrast, making them much clearer.
The intelligent analysis not only reveals colors in the dark but also enhances object filtering, which distinguishes humans from vehicles. This device is equipped with additional features to improve the quality of information gathered about vehicles and individuals. Instead of simply knowing that a person or vehicle has crossed a protected area, it provides detailed descriptions of the intruder, including their age, gender, clothing, and hairstyle characteristics.
It is capable of detecting around 13 human and 5 vehicle characteristics, and it can also distinguish between electric two-wheeled vehicles and others. The data stored in this way can be accessed on both the recorder and the camera itself, which significantly reduces search time during an incident.
Of course, all the functions that are now considered standard are available on the camera, such as line crossing, intrusion detection, person and vehicle counting, crowd density, statistics, and heat maps. Instead of classifying and collecting object features, it is also capable of facial recognition.
The Techson MH1 camera series sets a high standard for nighttime color recordings. It provides quality that cannot be overlooked. Where there’s a need for detailed, colorful footage in low-light conditions, the MH1 camera is the perfect choice.
