JVC Professional's SuperLolux technology, to be tested

The development of the new Super Lolux CMOS sensors incorporated in JVC Professional IP cameras has had significant challenges, which the engineering department of this company analyzes in detail in this article.

The video surveillance sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, as a result of rapid advances in CCTV cameras for IP networks, whose performance, efficiency and performance have been continuously improved. But, No doubt, One of the lines of development of these devices has been to maximize their capacity and functional spectrum.

This last aspect has always been a major challenge, taking into account that it is the evolution of classic cameras from CCD sensors and that, until just a few years ago, engineers were pursuing the goal of designing an H264-encoded IP camera with D1 or 720p resolution. Currently, CCTV cameras have become compact and highly efficient devices, that combine in one system the capacity for "intelligence" (video analysis) and autonomous operation. In addition, These devices already incorporate video management capabilities (VMS system), via memories with SDHC cards, that assumes the role of system server.

When a professional tries to define in a general way what a CCTV camera should have, The main elements are good performance, Ability to capture and reproduce quality images, both day and night, y que los usuarios valoran un tipo de cámara que funcione de forma totalmente independiente a las “tareas de servidor”; a trend that is precisely the one that marks the roadmap of the all-in-one integrated camera concept.

Problem: Poor images in low light conditions

However, It is important to reconsider the pros and cons of such technological developments in order to make the corresponding corrections and lay the foundations for further advances. The key issue for a brand like JVC ProfessionaHe is: "What are the features that an ideal camera should have?"

When asking users and analyzing their demands on CCTV cameras, a clear orientation for a "universal" device is observed, with the ability to capture crisp, bright images in any situation, with results in perfect alignment with the built-in VMS system; without forgetting that it works for day/night, in fog or in difficult environmental conditions (Rain, Snow). In short: A camera model that adapts to every situation.

Most of today's 1080p cameras are capable of providing detailed and bright images, but night images are, often, of poor quality and, therefore, make VMS system analysis difficult. This is a consequence of the interdependence between the two most important parameters of the device: sensitivity and resolution, that affect each other.

With image sensors of the same size, A chip with a higher number of pixels is capable of delivering a higher resolution. However, light sensitivity is lower, since each pixel absorbs a smaller amount of light energy. So, a chip with a smaller number of pixels (larger) Work at a lower resolution, but it improves sensitivity as each pixel absorbs more light. Assuming a scene is sufficiently lit, The above plays only a minor role and, therefore, A poorly lit scene will pose a great problem for the same reason.

A good approach would be to strike a compromise between resolution and sensitivity, especially when you consider that the amplification of a poor signal, although with high resolution, will cause an inevitable increase in noise. Since a resolution of 1080p is already demanded by the market, The decision to improve the lighting or the sensitivity parameter seems to be the trend to follow.

Improved lighting

In order to "bring some light into the darkness", the use of IR infrared spotlights in the installations or IR diodes directly integrated into the cameras has been a good solution. While many experts consider that using quality IR spotlights is the only solution to capture night images, other users opt for 1080p cameras with built-in IR LEDs, that not only provide easier installation but also less expensive.

However, there are also disadvantages, such as those on short-distance exposures (For example, Close-ups of people's faces); A relatively short range; Side effects that appear in rainy situations; Insect attacks, Etc. Despite so-called "smart" IR diodes, capable of reducing these unwanted effects to a certain extent, it can be concluded that despite its relative improvements, both solutions based on IR lighting have disadvantages in cost and energy consumption.

Improved sensitivity

Although infrared technology still has a long way to go, JVC Professional has developed a new concept that makes it possible to avoid the problem of having to work in poor lighting. For the reasons mentioned above, In recent years, significant investments have been made in the development of complex "one-size-fits-all" camera systems, and it is precisely this that has motivated the JVC engineers to re-analyse the fundamental parameters, that are crucial to making a good camera.

It is about emphasizing the improvement of sensitivity to light. In this way, the focus is once again on the camera as a whole, concentrating on the element of "light sensitivity". The core of the matter lies in image sensor technology, I mean, in the development of an extremely light-sensitive chip that should also give excellent results, Even in foggy conditions.

By having the necessary means, JVC engineers have focused their efforts on the design of a camera with integrated IR illumination, but who only needs their support in "real" situations of 0,0 Lux, in which the use of flash would be necessary. Laboratory analysis and multi-chamber tests led to the conclusion that no product exists yet, and even no known development, that can meet these requirements.

The Super LoLux CMOS sensor

Since conventional video sensors have not been able to produce the results that were required, The design of a new sensor was an option supported by several specialists in this industry. With the socket structure of the new Superlolux CMOS sensors, JVC has managed to combine the best of two worlds: the advantages of the grid base of a classic CCD sensor with the socket structure of an advanced CMOS sensor.

The concept of plinth arrangement of elements brings with it a significant increase in size of the usable pixel area (positively affecting sensitivity), while it is no longer necessary to reduce the number of pixels due to the typical grid arrangement of classic sensors. The result of all this is the Super LoLux CMOS sensor. Another advantage of the new sensor is its horizontal and vertical pivoting axis, that allows the optimization of optical enhancement (Rear focus/distance to flank) and that does not imply any loss of enhancement caused by mechanical misalignments.

However, the sensor is just one component of a high-performance 1080p camera and JVC has made significant investments in the design of a new encoder adapted to the demands of Super LoLux CMOS sensors; in the development of new noise reduction technologies, and in the implementation of CLVI technology (Clear Logic Video Intelligence), An innovative breakthrough that improves light utilization and detail enhancement in foggy and foggy conditions by up to a 40%, which on many occasions could establish the distinction between a useless work system and another with a "perfect vision" .

The results obtained are more than convincing: Super LoLux CMOS sensors, combined with the technologies described above, make it possible for JVC's range of Super LoLux HD IP cameras to reproduce color image and usable B/W photos obtained at just 0,3 Lux with 1080p resolution.

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