These cameras sense visible and invisible light, reducing the need for bright flashes and improving image quality through deep learning algorithms.
Hikvision India has introduced traffic cameras featuring DarkFighterX to address urban light pollution. These cameras employ the company’s ultra-low-light video imaging technology, which effectively combines several approaches to combat light pollution. They sense both visible and invisible light, reducing the need for bright flashes. This allows for fewer LEDs in the flash—only four LED beads are needed where many were once required. Additionally, incorporating an LED lattice significantly diminishes stray light, eliminating the intensity that escapes beyond the camera’s focus.
This technology includes deep learning algorithms to enhance image quality. These algorithms address issues such as color bias and headlight halo effects, resulting in improved color reproduction and more accurate, realistic images. This enhancement not only improves traffic violation enforcement efficiency but also reduces the camera’s reliance on high ambient light levels for quality imaging in urban environments.
Managing the urban environment involves progressing and addressing new challenges, including the glare from traffic cameras. While these cameras help detect violations and ensure road safety, their bright flashes can pose risks to drivers and disrupt the quality of life for city residents. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), glare contributed to approximately 2.8% of road accidents in 2020. Intense, sudden light bursts can obstruct drivers’ vision, especially at night on complex urban roads. Additionally, intrusive flashes entering homes can disrupt sleep patterns and affect wildlife behaviour, with artificial skyglow increasing at a rate of 2.2% per year, according to a study in Science Advances.
For traffic cameras, engineers and urban designers are developing solutions like shielding and directed lighting, invisible light sensors, and AI-ISP techniques. Shielding focuses light where needed, while invisible light sensors and AI-ISP algorithms reduce reliance on bright flashes, capturing clear images with minimal environmental impact.
