Embedded AI in Image Sensors
SI Sensors reports progress on designing a next generation image sensor that enables high-speed artificial intelligence (AI) processing within the sensor unit, on top of image processing.
Traditionally image sensor design has primarily focused on capturing high-quality images and transmitting raw data to central processing units for analysis. However, the advent of embedded AI on image sensors offers a transforming way of capturing and processing visual data.
By incorporating AI directly into the sensor, these devices can now perform complex data processing tasks on chip - reducing both latency and power consumption while enhancing performance. In high-speed imaging applications, embedded AI can be used to process data and significantly reduce the output from image sensors. This has been shown to alleviate the transmission bottleneck and enable higher frame rate and dynamic range. By processing most data locally, the necessity to transmit sensitive information externally is minimised. This is especially valuable in fields like health and security, where data protection is paramount.
