SAN FRANCISCO & NEUCHATEL, Switzerland /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- The Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), a leading electronics research and development center, introduced a wireless version of its innovative miniature ViSe vision sensor system.
ViSeLink vision sensor technology, which provides real-time recognition of still and moving objects in any light conditions, is designed to send image analyses, security alerts, and responses at low-data rates between a moveable camera and a PC or network gateway, without a broadband connection. The current version uses Bluetooth wireless technology and makes switching camera placement within a site very simple.
Mobile Security for Consumer and Corporate Sites
The low-cost ViSeLink system allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop application-specific image-analysis and -response systems for stand-alone or embedded products in security and surveillance, home medical care, building and home automation, and industrial markets. The ability to rapidly identify visual data and to transmit results and responses via Bluetooth to a base station, laptop, or nearby cell phone extends the application of the system to a broad range of markets not previously using vision technology.
"ViSeLink is a good example of how companies are creatively combining CMOS image sensors with other technologies, such as wireless, to develop exciting new products," said Chris Crotty, Senior Analyst at market research firm iSuppli. "CSEM has positioned ViSeLink effectively to fill the fast growing demand for low-cost imaging in security and other applications."
"The challenge with vision sensing historically has been identification and timely transmission of different types of key data," said Dr. Christian Enz, Vice President of the Microelectronics Division, CSEM. "The ViSeLink system offers OEMs a unique, easy-to-adopt, and interactive vision-sensing platform that can increase safety and productivity by communicating standard and emergency data from a variety of locations in a site without the need for a broadband connection or cables."
ViSeLink System Description
The ViSeLink system is composed of the ViSe camera vision sensor and digital signal-processing chip (DSP) that runs identification algorithms. The system speeds throughput of visual data by enabling the vision-sensor chip itself to extract key image features needed for interpretation, prior to sending it for software processing on the DSP. The Bluetooth transmitter in the system housing communicates with other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Using recognition of moving forms, the system can distinguish between human versus animal intruders, spot elderly citizens falling, distinguish people carrying unconcealed weapons, and identify small children, roadway markings, and other shapes. These capabilities make the system ideal for applications including elder care, swimming pool monitoring, corporate and home security, fire and smoke detection, or automated building lighting.
"Our customers expressed a strong interest in this technology before we added the wireless capability," said Jacques Wynn, Managing Partner for the Adelsa Group and CSEM's representative in North American. "The addition of Bluetooth-based notification and control makes this ViSe system even more attractive to manufacturers and developers who are designing time- and location-sensitive consumer and industrial products with vision control."
Availability and Pricing
A ViSeLink evaluation kit, consisting of a small camera, software, and documentation, is available now, and the technology is available for licensing and transfer. CSEM will develop customized software and algorithms for specific applications upon request. Technology licensing fees depend on application-specific criteria. An evaluation kit is available to qualified customers. For more information and for sales inquiries, please visit the center's Web site.
About CSEM
CSEM SA, the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, is a privately held company carrying out applied research work, product development, and prototyping and low-volume production. The company focuses primarily on the fields of micro/nanotechnology, microelectronics, systems engineering, and information and communication technologies. More information is available on the center's Web site.