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Imagine capturing perfectly sharp photos of a race car speeding by or a hummingbird hovering in mid-air without fancy gear and with no effort. That dream could soon be a reality thanks to a groundbreaking new camera system inspired by the human eye.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed the Artificial Microsaccade-Enhanced Event Camera (AMI-EV), which mimics microsaccades, the tiny involuntary movements our eyes make to maintain clear vision.
How does it work?
“Event cameras are a relatively new technology better at tracking moving objects than traditional cameras,” Said Lead author of the research paper Botao He, a computer science PhD student at the University of Maryland. “But today’s event cameras struggle to capture sharp, blur-free images when there’s a lot of motion involved.”
“It’s a big problem because robots and many other technologies – such as self-driving cars – rely on accurate and timely images to react correctly to a changing environment. So, we asked ourselves: how do humans and animals make sure their vision stays focused on a moving object?”
The AMI-EV tackles this problem by incorporating a rotating prism that mimics the eye’s microsaccades. These rapid movements allow the camera to continuously adjust its focus, stabilizing the textures and details of a moving object.
Possible benefits
For photographers, AMI-EV technology could be a game-changer. Whether you’re capturing action sports, wildlife, or busy streets, this camera system promises blur-free images with exceptional clarity, even in fast-paced environments.
But the applications of AMI-EV extend far beyond photography. The researchers envision this technology being integrated into:
Smartphone cameras: Imagine capturing stunning slow-motion videos or crystal-clear images of your kids playing without worrying about motion blur.
Robotics: Robots equipped with AMI-EV cameras would have a significant advantage in terms of object recognition and manipulation.
Self-driving cars: With sharper, more accurate visuals, self-driving cars could navigate complex environments with greater precision and safety.
Virtual reality: AMI-EV’s low latency and power efficiency make it ideal for VR applications, creating a more seamless and immersive experience.
While still in its early stages, AMI-EV technology holds immense potential for revolutionizing the way we capture and interact with the world around us. The paper on AMI-EV is published in Science Robotics and you can read it here.
[via Digital Camera World]
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