spot hazards in challenging imaging conditions tagged posts

Diagrammatic comparison of our bioinspired high-dynamic-range polarization camera with its biological counterpart, the mantis shrimp ommatidium.

New camera mimics mantis shrimp vision to significantly improve dynamic range and add polarization information. Inspired by the visual system of the mantis shrimp – among the most complex found in nature – researchers have created a new type of camera that could greatly improve the ability of cars to spot hazards in challenging imaging conditions.

The new camera accomplishes this feat by detecting a property of light known as polarization and featuring a dynamic range about 10,000 times higher than today’s commercial cameras. Dynamic range is a measure of the brightest and darkest areas a camera can capture simultaneously...