In the last three decades, we have seen countless innovations in camera technology. It is almost at the center of a remarkable evolution from its early-stage pinhole camera to its modernized digital camera and imaging. The present era is far beyond the mere megapixel count; it is about augmented and virtual reality enablement, AI-powered cameras, digital image capture and processing techniques, 3D pictures, and more. The 360-degree camera and cutting-edge technologies in unmanned drones are now reaching new heights of advancement in capturing and processing images. 

With the rapid advancement of sensors and automation technology, the machine vision industry has undergone significant transformation. This has resulted in other sectors like autonomous vehicles, healthcare, robotics, and manufacturing enabling the significant role of vision software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and hardware architecture. 

Leading trends in camera technology 

• AI-powered camera 

An AI-powered camera uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities to enhance its performance and functionality. It uses computer vision and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to interpret visual data like automatic scene detection, facial and objection recognition, real-time analysis, and image processing. 

• Drone camera 

The drone camera is mounted on a drone with advanced features like high-resolution sensors, an advanced stabilization system, and remote control. It is utilized for capturing premium aerial photos and videos. It is also widely used in security and surveillance, infrastructure construction, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and delivery items. 

• 360-degree camera 

This camera captures a full spherical view of its surroundings as well as records sound. It consists of a spherical lens arrangement to cover the entire view. This type of camera is used in virtual tours, surveillance, and Virtual Reality (VR) content creation. 

• 3D image formation 

A 3D image is a computer-generated image that appears more likely than realistic objects compared to a 2D image. 3D imaging is used in entertainment, medical imaging, education, and architectural engineering.  

• Augmented or virtual reality 

Virtual reality is an advanced technology that enables users to engage with a digitally created environment, offering immersive and interactive experiences. Advanced sensors detect user movement and adjust the displayed visuals and audio. This is broadly used in gaming, training and simulation, and healthcare. 

• Smart camera 

Unlike traditional cameras, smart cameras have the capability to process images and interact with the device through wireless communication. Key features include: 

• Integrated processing 

The smart camera is equipped with an onboard processor and allows real-time image and video analysis without having an external processor. 

• Connectivity 

Bluetooth variations, including the latest Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi, enable seamless wireless control and data sharing in the smart camera. 

• Automation 

This camera works on automation, like detecting objects, tracking moving items, and triggering and adjusting settings with the environment. 

Applications areas 

AI Camera Applications Across Industries 

• Consumer Electronics 

AI camera-featured consumer devices are capable of functionalities like facial recognition in laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other smart home devices. The combination of AI and personal devices improves the overall user experience. 

• Autonomous mobile robots 

Implementation of integrated Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM) using a set of sensors and AI at the network edge. 

• Automotive 

AI-powered cameras help in autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems with features such as in-cabin monitoring, object detection, lane and traffic sign detection, and other AI-driven safety features for enhancing the intelligent driving experience. 

• Manufacturing 

AI-driven computer vision, predictive maintenance, and robotics participation optimize operations such as fault detection, quality control, and real-time monitoring in manufacturing. 

• Video collaboration 

Leveraging video and audio AI, offering top-tier meeting experiences, multiple high-resolution cameras, and ample computer and GPU power. 

• Healthcare 

In healthcare, AI-based smart healthcare facilities, surgeries, and telemedicine applications enhance patient care and service efficiency. It helps with diagnostic images and monitoring. 

• Retail 

AI-driven retail analytics, inventory management, enhanced efficiency, and customer satisfaction in the shopping experience become flawless due to smart analytics, cashless checkouts, and footfall monitoring. 

• Sports 

AI-powered cameras can capture the player’s movement and analyze it, enabling performance analysis and accident prevention. This results in AI-powered player tracking, sports broadcasting, and the integration of augmented reality for the viewing experience.  

Qualcomm Technology has been working under the vision of an intelligent platform and has introduced the QCS8550 System-on-Chip (SOC) to bring revolutionary innovation to the IoT solution. It helps enable edge artificial intelligence processing with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and robust video and graphics processing to support a wide range of application scenarios in drones, robotics, and video collaboration.  

The QCS8550 platform, with its multiple features, brings a highly integrated solution to IoT-based devices. The new platform is built with an upgraded Qualcomm® Kryo™ CPU, Qualcomm® Adreno 740 GPU, and Qualcomm® Hexagon V73M 2Cluster–4 Thread DSP and includes a Qualcomm® 8th generation AI engine designed to offer 10x performance compared to previous generations. 

The QCS8550 processors are designed to handle enterprise application demand. They are particularly suited for compute-intensive processing, edge AI, and smart retail applications. QCS8550 offers a single, flagship processor that provides next-generation features and top-of-the-line performance in compute processing, connectivity, AI, camera, audio, and security. The optimized AI architecture meets high processing and computing demand for IoT applications including industrial drones, cameras, autonomous mobile robots, video collaboration and transcoding, edge AI, and cloud gaming. 

As a technology partner with Qualcomm Technology, eInfochips has complete access to Qualcomm platforms. Leveraging this partnership, eInfochips has created the development kit and SoM Aikri-85X-50AD-8 and Aikri-85X-50AS-8 based on QCS8550 processors to strengthen connected IoT solutions and digital transformation. eInfochips has successfully delivered connected camera solutions based on QCS8550. eInfochips has experience in developing various products based on Qualcomm’s platforms. For more details about our services, please reach out to our specialists.