Sony IMX415 STARVIS Sensor (4K UHD / 8.46MP): This is the core of its imaging prowess. As a STARVIS (STAR Visibility) sensor, the IMX415 is designed for exceptional performance in low-light conditions. It uses back-illuminated pixel technology to achieve high sensitivity and reduced noise, even in dimly lit environments. The 4K (3840x2160) resolution ensures a high level of detail.

 

Key Advantages (USP)

4K Ultra HD Resolution: Crisp 3840×2160 imaging.

STARVIS Night Vision: Exceptional low-light sensitivity (0.001 lux).

Dual Interfaces: USB 3.0 + HDMI for flexible integration.

EFL 3.5mm Lens: Wide coverage, distortion-free clarity.

Plug & Play: Compatible with Windows, Linux, and embedded boards.

Customizable Options: Lens, housing, and cable length tailored for OEM/ODM projects.

 

Use Scenarios

• Industrial Inspection & Monitoring: High-resolution defect detection.

• Robotics & Automation: Object recognition in low-light conditions.

• Smart Surveillance Systems: Ultra-clear night-time monitoring.

• Drones & UAVs: Lightweight, high-resolution imaging for day/night missions.

• Medical & Research Equipment: Precision imaging for analysis

 

Solves: Poor image quality, high noise, and lack of detail in low-light or nighttime settings. It overcomes the limitations of standard cameras in capturing usable footage without ample lighting, and the 4K resolution provides the clarity needed for granular analysis.

Meets Demand: True 24/7 surveillance and monitoring; capturing forensic-level detail in challenging light; high-resolution input for advanced video analytics; reducing or eliminating the need for expensive supplementary lighting

 

Use Cases & Application Scenarios

See the Unseen: Ideal for Mission-Critical Applications

• Industrial & Machine Vision:
  • Automated Inspection: Precise 4K resolution detects minute defects on a production line.
  • Robotics & AGVs: Low-light capability enables 24/7 autonomous navigation in warehouses and factories.
  • Quality Control: High-resolution images for accurate object recognition and sorting.
• Security & Surveillance:
  • AI-Powered Monitoring: Facial recognition and license plate reading, day or night.
  • Perimeter Security: Wide-angle view and superior night vision for comprehensive outdoor monitoring.
• AI & Embedded Systems:
  • Drone Vision: High-quality, low-light imaging for autonomous flight and object tracking in challenging conditions.
  • Smart Retail: Captures detailed analytics and customer behavior even in dimly lit spaces.
  • Medical Imaging: High-definition video for diagnostic equipment and microscopy.
• Broadcasting & Live Streaming:
  • Conferencing Systems: Crystal-clear 4K video output via HDMI for professional-grade setups.
  • Live Events: Reliable, high-quality video feed for live production in low-light venues.

 

what difficulty or troubling problems it can solve in industrial application? 

Problems Solved:

1. High-Detail, 24/7 Monitoring in Large or Low-Light Industrial Areas:
   • Problem: Monitoring critical industrial processes, large machinery, or expansive production floors continuously, especially during nighttime, power outages, or in dimly lit zones where traditional cameras fail to provide usable images. There's also a need for high detail to identify specific components or fine anomalies.
   • Solution: The IMX415 STARVIS sensor ensures clear, often color, 4K video feeds even in near-total darkness, allowing for constant oversight of operations, security, or safety protocols. The 3.5mm wide-angle lens captures an extensive area, reducing the number of cameras needed, while the 4K resolution provides the necessary detail for precise analysis (e.g., detecting small cracks, loose parts, or precise alignment issues).
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2. Quality Control and Defect Inspection (High Resolution, Low Light):
   • Problem: Conducting visual inspections for tiny defects, alignment issues, or missing components on a production line where lighting may be inconsistent or low, or where external lighting is undesirable. High resolution is critical for identifying subtle flaws.
   • Solution: The 4K resolution allows for highly detailed inspection of products or processes, even in challenging light. The USB and HDMI outputs enable flexible integration into inspection systems, allowing for direct monitor viewing or PC-based image processing for automated quality checks.
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3. Safety and Security in Sprawling or Challenging Industrial Zones:
   • Problem: Identifying unauthorized access, monitoring hazardous areas, or ensuring worker safety in large industrial sites (e.g., large construction zones, chemical plants, remote utility stations) that may have minimal or no lighting at night. A broad view is needed to cover extensive areas.
   • Solution: Provides high-resolution, wide-angle night vision for detection, identification, and evidence collection across a broad field. The STARVIS capability ensures visibility where conventional cameras would be blind, significantly enhancing site security and safety compliance.
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4. Robotics & Automated Systems (High-Resolution Situational Awareness):
   • Problem: Equipping industrial robots or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) with vision for broad situational awareness, high-precision navigation, or object avoidance in large, potentially dim, or complex industrial facilities.
   • Solution: Delivers high-resolution, wide-angle, low-light capable visual input for AI/ML algorithms, enabling robots to perceive their surroundings more effectively, improving autonomy, safety, and operational efficiency in varied lighting conditions.
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5. Remote Monitoring & Machine Vision Integration:
   • Problem: Needing to monitor machinery remotely or integrate vision capabilities into existing control systems, requiring both a direct live feed for operators and a digital stream for analysis.
   • Solution: The USB output facilitates integration with industrial PCs for advanced machine vision applications (e.g., automated inspection, process control), while the HDMI output allows for a separate, direct live feed to a control room monitor for immediate human oversight.

Industrial low light camera USB with sony starvis imx415 CMOS sensor

Special Demands Met:

• Uncompromising Low-Light 4K Vision: Delivers crystal-clear 4K detail even in near-darkness, minimizing or eliminating the need for costly external illumination.
• Broad Area Coverage with High Detail: Reduces infrastructure costs by covering more ground with fewer cameras while maintaining high resolution for granular analysis.
• Flexible Integration & Display: USB and HDMI outputs offer versatile options for both PC-based processing and direct live viewing, adapting to various industrial setups.
• Reliability: STARVIS technology is built for stable performance in challenging conditions.

 

Main Technical Specification

Sensor vs Module Output
Sensor capability (MIPI): up to 4K at high frame rates. 
Module over USB 3.0: up to 4K@30 (MJPEG), 1080p@60. 
YUYV frame rates vary by resolution. 
HDMI: real-time display output. 
Test conditions and bandwidth may affect results.
 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What resolutions does the IMX415 module support?
Up to 4K (3840×2160) ultra-high-definition.

Q2: Can this module be customized?
Yes – lens, housing, and cable can be customized for OEM/ODM requirements.

Q3: What makes STARVIS different?
Sony STARVIS offers superior night vision, enabling high-quality imaging at ultra-low light (0.001 lux).

Q4: What is the difference between USB and HDMI output on this module?
A: HDMI provides a real-time, uncompressed video feed for direct display, while USB sends a compressed stream to a computer for processing and software integration.

Q5: Is the camera module compatible with Raspberry Pi and NVIDIA Jetson?
A: Yes, our UVC-compliant USB interface ensures seamless, driver-free integration with a wide range of embedded platforms, including Raspberry Pi and NVIDIA Jetson.

Q6: Does the 3.5mm EFL lens support autofocus?
A: (Answer based on your product's actual specs). If it's fixed focus, explain why that's an advantage for machine vision (e.g., no moving parts, stability).

Q7: How does STARVIS technology improve night vision?
A: STARVIS is Sony's back-illuminated pixel technology that allows the sensor to capture significantly more light, resulting in high-quality, low-noise images even in extremely dark conditions.
 

Success Stories

1. Texas Smart Factory: Integrated into machine vision system → improved defect detection accuracy by 32%.

2. California Robotics Startup: Used in cobots → increased object recognition speed by 28% under dim light.

3. German Security Integrator: Replaced legacy cameras → reduced false alarms by 40% in night-time monitoring.

 

Customer Feedback
We integrated the IMX415 USB+HDMI camera into our robotics project, and the results were outstanding—clear, distortion-free imaging in both day and night.” – Engineer, USA

“The dual interface and compact design made deployment fast and reliable. Night vision performance was way ahead of competitors.” – Product Manager, Germany

"Our robotics team was looking for a single camera solution for both navigation and high-res object detection. The dual USB/HDMI output on this module was a game-changer. The low-light performance is simply unmatched." - Lead Engineer at Robotics Company 

 

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