There is a critical need for robust video security solutions that perform impeccably under challenging lighting conditions. Hikvision is addressing this issue with its latest AI-ISP (Artificial Intelligence - Image Signal Processor) technology, offering systems integrators and their customers a solution that leverages the power of advanced algorithms.
Security threats have no fixed hours, which means your security solutions cannot afford to take a break. This might sound obvious, but ensuring it is easier said than done. Round-the-clock protection in any vertical requires overcoming several challenges.
A primary concern is low-light video security. As threats get sophisticated, there is a critical need for robust video security solutions that perform impeccably under challenging lighting conditions.
Hikvision is addressing this issue with its latest AI-ISP (Artificial Intelligence - Image Signal Processor) technology, offering systems integrators and their customers a solution that leverages the power of advanced algorithms.
The evolution of low-light imaging: AI-ISP technology
AI-ISP augments video imaging and provides high-quality visuals through intelligent noise reduction. This enables clearer images with wide dynamic range and sharp detail even in low-light environments, reducing the need for additional lighting.
“AI-ISP technology significantly enhances video processing by improving clarity, contrast, and color accuracy, especially in low-light conditions,” said Max Fang, Product Director at Hikvision. “By simulating human vision, it performs tasks such as auto-focusing, exposure control, and white balance adjustment in real-time. This technology excels in noise reduction and enhancing details, making images more lifelike and visually appealing.”
Key features of AI-ISP include:
AI 3D LUT Color correction: Utilizing a full 3D color space, this feature ensures precise color calibration and detailed color mapping, resulting in more accurate and vibrant images.
AI noise reduction: Leveraging data from low-light scenes, the AI constructs intelligent noise reduction algorithms that distinguish between useful signals and noise, enhancing the visual quality of the image.
AI motion blur reduction: Smart algorithms address motion blur in low-light environments, ensuring clearer and sharper images even when subjects are moving.
Enhanced Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): Intelligent algorithms combine multiple image exposures to boost the dynamic range, balancing bright and dark areas to create a natural-looking image.
Object recognition: Specialized processing enhances the clarity of critical targets such as vehicles and license plates, making them more distinguishable.
Integration with ColorVu and Darkfighter 2.0 technologies
Hikvision has enabled the integration of AI-ISP into its ColorVu and Darkfighter 2.0 technologies, maximizing their performance in challenging lighting conditions.
"Cameras with Darkfighter 2.0 technologies are enhanced with features like SharpMotion, which is rooted in computational video noise analysis using deep learning to effectively separate noise from useful information, improving clarity even in low light,” Fang said.
The ShotN and Auto WDR technologies enable the cameras to capture clear images of moving targets at night by blending multiple image exposures, thus enhancing the dynamic range, and preventing overexposure. “The high frame rate capability of the cameras also ensures that even fast-moving targets are captured with exceptional clarity,” Fang said.
“Meanwhile, with ColorVu, Hikvision has implemented AI 3D LUT Color Grading and AI Noise Reduction - technologies that leverage extensive data to significantly reduce noise and enhance image quality, ensuring that every detail is captured with precision, regardless of the lighting conditions.”
Impact and implementation across industries
AI-ISP technology is already enhancing surveillance across various settings. For instance, Hikvision’s panoramic cameras with ColorVu enable security personnel to monitor wide areas with fewer cameras, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
“The primary target markets for AI-ISP technology are diverse, encompassing various sectors where enhanced security and detailed imaging are critical,” said Fang. “For instance, our ColorVu technology, when combined with other advanced Hikvision technologies, is particularly suited to residential areas, office buildings, and parking lots.”
The DarkFighter technology is designed for a wide range of security scenarios that demand high-definition, colorful images around the clock.
“This includes streets, railways, ports, squares, and parks, where continuous, reliable video security is essential for public safety and security,” Fang added.
Innovations on the horizon
AI is revolutionizing the security industry by enhancing the perceptual capabilities of machines through the integration of technologies such as visible light, audio, X-rays, infrared light, radar, and more.
According to Fang, Hikvision is poised take advantage of the next wave of AI to significantly transform the field of video imaging, with several promising developments on the horizon.
"With the application of real-time high-definition enhancement using super-resolution technology, our AI can upscale low-resolution videos to high-definition instantly. This ensures that even cameras with lower resolutions or those positioned at long distances can produce clear, detailed images," Fang explained.
Fang also anticipates that multi-camera collaboration will facilitate seamless tracking of moving objects across different viewpoints for comprehensive panoramic video security images. Integration of information from multiple sensors via multi-perception fusion processing may also improve image quality and perceptual effects, thereby enhancing the robustness of video imaging.