Project description
Extremely low-light image sensor moves closer to commercialisation
Electronic photosensors have replaced films in digital cameras. Despite their wide use for decades, their ability to retain a satisfying image quality at low light levels is poor. Finland-based company Pixpolar Oy has developed and patented a new type of image sensor called modified internal gate (MIG), which delivers enhanced image quality in low-light conditions compared to existing image sensor technologies. Cameras equipped with MIG image sensors extend the maximum detection range 1.6 times and are immune to electromagnetic interference. The EU-funded MIGOSA project aims to further test these low-light MIG image sensors and move them closer to commercialisation. The sensors could be used in security/surveillance and night vision cameras in numerous industries.
Objective
Challenge: One of the biggest global challenges in the low-light camera applications e.g. in the video
surveillance is the need to significantly improve image quality and identification in low light. Even software
enhanced low light images remain blurred and are unsuited to automated image-recognition demonstrating
the need to develop more efficient image sensors.
Solution: Cameras with Pixpolar’s low light image sensor (MIG technology) capture both visible light and
Near Infra-Red (NIR) light that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Cameras equipped with MIG image sensors extend 1.6 times the maximum detection range compared to existing technology. It allows superior identification of objects, and is immune to interference. It also allows a 80% reduction in illumination cost or 60% reduction in the number of cameras required for area surveillance at cost lower than the cost of present technology. A prototype MIG pixel has been made, tested and validated.
Business opportunity: MIG image sensor is a game changing technology. The advantages of the MIG
technology enables Pixpolar to enter the large global image sensor market (USD 15.2B by 2020). The MIG
technology was demonstrated in Horizon 2020 Phase 1 to many camera producers and camera end
users. They all saw great market opportunity in embedding MIG image sensors in their cameras. A solid
business case can be secured by targeting first 5-10 camera manufacturers, from which further business
expansion can be nurtured. In February 2018 the business case was also endorsed by an investment of 2 million EUR from an international investor consortium.
The purpose of the MIGOSA project: To accomplish test production of low light MIG image sensors and to start the commercialization of the image sensors. This will open the large business potential in the fields of Security and Surveillance (S&S), night vision, maritime and scientific markets as well as later in the automotive, aviation, drone, industrial, and medical markets.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftware
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensors
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringroboticsautonomous robotsdrones
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
02150 ESPOO
Finland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.