Using Rockchip RK3588 SBC (Single Board Computer) to Develop AI Cameras

This article delves deep into the RK3588 SBC, exploring how it empowers AI camera development and its potential applications in this ever-growing field.
ai camera embedded mainboard solution rk3588
Table of Contents

Dusun IoT leverages Rockchip’s flagship SoC, the RK3588, to create a cutting-edge Single Board Computer (SBC) specifically designed for AI camera development. This high-performance SoC boasts an octa-core processor, featuring a combination of four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores and four energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores, providing exceptional processing power for real-time analysis and handling of high-resolution video streams,which is a critical aspect for applications demanding high frame rates and video processing capabilities, such as smart security system and smart traffic management.

rk3588 ai camera board solution

Also read: Dusun IoT releases RK3588 system on module

Why Dusun IoT’s RK3588 SBC is the Best Option for Developing AI-based Cameras

Powerful 8-core ARM core to process computing-intensive tasks while keep low-powered

RK3588 SoC at the heart of Dusun IoT’s SBC utilizes an advanced 8nm manufacturing process and boasts a powerful octa-core ARM processor. This processor configuration features four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at up to 2.4 GHz. These cores excel at handling computationally intensive tasks like complex data processing and graphics rendering, ensuring smooth and efficient system operation for AI cameras. Striking a balance between power and efficiency, it also integrates four energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. These cores are ideal for everyday applications and lighter workloads, significantly extending the device’s battery life.

6 TOPs NPU enable AI cameras for efficient intelligent analysis

The ability of AI cameras to perform functions like temperature detection, license plate recognition, and facial recognition relies heavily on powerful AI processing capabilities. Behind these functionalities lies the processing of complex algorithms and vast amounts of data.

RK3588 SoC, with its built-in tri-core NPU, works collaboratively or independently to allocate processing power based on different tasks. This ensures efficient resource utilization and avoids unnecessary resource allocation, boosting overall system efficiency.

rk3588 6tops npu

6 TOPS of processing power provides the muscle needed for AI cameras. RK3588 can efficiently run a variety of AI algorithms, including facial recognition, object detection, and behavior analysis. This enables fast and accurate intelligent analysis, ideal for applications requiring real-time processing.

RK3588 also supports mixed-precision computation with INT4/INT8/INT16/FP16. This allows it to adapt to AI models with various accuracy requirements, meeting the needs of complex AI computations like high-precision model inference and efficient video stream analysis.

On the other hand, RK3588 supports mainstream deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow, MXNet, PyTorch, and Caffe. This allows developers to easily deploy their trained models on the RK3588, lowering the development barrier and accelerating product launch times.

Outstanding video encoding, decoding and image processing capability

RK3588 excels at handling demanding multimedia tasks. It boasts impressive video encoding and decoding capabilities, supporting 8K@60fps for H.265/VP9 decoding and 8K@30fps for H.265/H.264 encoding. Additionally, it supports simultaneous encoding and decoding, allowing for efficient processing of high-definition video content. With its ability to decode up to 32 channels of 1080P@30fps and encode 16 channels of 1080P@30fps concurrently, the RK3588 seamlessly handles high-resolution video workflows.

RK3588’s integrated VPU (Video Processing Unit) enables efficient video compression and decompression, significantly reducing storage and bandwidth requirements. This translates to faster video processing and a more streamlined workflow.

Also, RK3588’s powerful ARM Mali-G610 GPU supports OpenGLES3.2/OpenCL 2.2/Vulkan 1.1 APIs, delivering a processing power of 450 GFLOPS. This means exceptional image processing capabilities, perfectly suited for demanding tasks like graphics rendering and advanced image manipulation.

Rich interfaces to support various industrial, commercial and residential cameras

RK3588 single board computer offers a rich array of camera interfaces along with complete drivers. The on-board MIPI CAMERA interface supports high-resolution cameras and high frame rate real-time image and video processing, reducing data latency and improving responsiveness. Additionally, other interfaces such as USB and Ethernet provide developers with the flexibility to configure the camera’s hardware environment according to specific application requirements, enabling integration with other sensors or peripheral devices.

rk3588's MIPI camera interface

Onboard Infrared night vision illuminator connector to resist darkness or harsh weather

RK3588 single board computer boasts a dedicated connector for an infrared (IR) night vision illuminator. This allows you to connect an external IR light source, ensuring powerful illumination even in complete darkness or challenging weather conditions. With the IR illuminator, your surveillance footage remains clear, minimizing blur and noise for optimal image quality.

rk3588 infrared night vision

High-Speed network connectivity for reliable data transmission

Considering the demanding data transmission requirements of AI cameras, the RK3588 single board computer is equipped with a comprehensive suite of network interfaces to ensure efficient and reliable data transfer.

  • Gigabit Ethernet Interface: Provides a high-speed, stable wired network connection, ideal for fixed deployments.
  • LTE CAT4 Module Support: Supports 4G network connectivity, catering to mobile applications and real-time data transmission needs.
  • eSIM, GPS Antenna, and SIM Card Slot: Supports multiple network connection methods, allowing users to select the most suitable network based on their specific requirements. The GPS function provides accurate device location for enhanced application precision.

Low-power design and lithium battery connector for long-lasting AI camera operation

RK3588 SoC prioritizes power efficiency in its design. Despite its robust processing capabilities, it maintains low power consumption. This is a critical factor for AI cameras that require continuous operation for extended periods. The low-power feature effectively extends battery life, reduces energy consumption, and lowers maintenance costs.

Furthermore, RK3588 single board computer boasts an onboard lithium battery connector, further enhancing the device’s reliability. In the event of a sudden external power outage, the built-in lithium battery can take over, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the AI camera. This prevents data loss or equipment damage due to power cuts, making it particularly valuable for security surveillance applications that demand exceptional stability and reliability.

Rigorously tested reliability and stability

Designed specifically for embedded systems, RK3588 SBC (Single Board Computer) boasts proven reliability and stability. Rigorously tested and optimized, it thrives in harsh environments, ensuring the stable operation of your AI camera system.

RK3588 SBC’s Block Diagram for AI Camera

rk3588 ai camera board sol

About AI Camera

AI camera, what is it ? AI cameras are devices that use AI hardware and software to help take better photos, intelligently identifying people or objects and optimizing the output based on the scene. They combine high-end hardware with cutting-edge algorithms to enhance the features and output provided by the camera.

AI cameras can intelligently identify various scenes like portraits, landscapes, or food. They then automatically adjust camera settings for optimal capture. These cameras can also accurately identify objects within the image and track them in real-time, ensuring focus remains on moving subjects. AI algorithms inside cameras enhance images, boosting clarity, contrast, and color saturation.

AI Camera vs Normal Camera, What’s the Differences?

Hardware Differences

  • AI Camera: Equipped with an AI-enabled SoC or relying on cloud computing platforms for robust processing power. This allows for real-time image data processing and analysis. AI cameras also possess the ability to self-learn, continuously optimizing their performance and algorithms throughout usage.
  • Normal Camera: Primarily relies on image sensor chips for capturing images, lacking the capability for real-time image processing and analysis.

Functional Differences

AI Camera:

  • Facial Recognition: Accurately identifies and tracks faces.
  • Object Recognition: Distinguishes various objects like vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.
  • Behavior Analysis: Analyzes human actions such as falls or running.
  • Smart Tracking: Automatically follows moving objects.
  • Self-Learning: Continuously improves recognition accuracy and adaptability through learning.
  • Remote Control: Allows for remote camera control via network connections.
  • Voice Recognition: Some AI cameras even incorporate voice recognition capabilities.

Normal Camera:

Offers relatively basic functionality, primarily focused on image capturing. Extracting useful information typically requires post-processing and analysis with external devices or software.

What are Uses of AI Cameras?

Uses of AI cameras have extended to a wide range of scenarios making them incredibly versatile tools. Here’s a breakdown of the applications and examples:

Security and Surveillance

  • Home Security: AI home cameras provide enhanced home security by offering features like facial recognition, intruder detection, and real-time alerts.
  • Retail Security: AI can identify suspicious behavior, track shoplifters, and analyze customer traffic patterns in retail stores.
  • Public Safety: In public spaces, AI cameras can be used for crowd monitoring, license plate recognition, and anomaly detection for improved public safety.

Traffic Management

  • Smart Traffic Management: AI traffic cameras can analyze traffic flow, detect congestion, and optimize traffic light patterns for improved efficiency and reduced commute times.
  • Parking Management: AI cameras can automate parking lot management by assisting in vacant space detection and identifying vehicles entering and exiting.

Object and Human Tracking

  • AI Human Tracking Camera: These cameras can track people’s movements for various applications, such as monitoring patient behavior in hospitals or analyzing customer behavior in stores.
  • Inventory Management: AI cameras can track inventory movement in warehouses and stores, facilitating real-time stock control and preventing theft.
  • Wildlife Monitoring: AI cameras can be used for remote wildlife monitoring, aiding in conservation efforts by tracking animal movements and behavior patterns.

FAQs of Cameras with AI Technology

What are frequently-used AI camera technology?

AI cameras boast a plethora of intelligent functionalities, and this wouldn’t be possible without the support of several core technologies:
 
1. Computer Vision
Image Recognition: Computer vision empowers AI cameras to identify objects, faces, text, and more within images.
Object Tracking: This technology allows continuous monitoring of specific targets by tracking their movement paths in video frames.
Scene Understanding: AI cameras can grasp the context of a scene, differentiating between indoor, outdoor, urban, natural environments, and adapting their processing accordingly.
 
2. Deep Learning
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs): Widely used in deep learning, CNNs excel at processing image data. In AI cameras, CNNs perform tasks like image classification, object detection, and semantic segmentation.
Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs): RNNs are adept at handling sequence data, playing a crucial role in video analysis and behavior recognition tasks.
 
3. AI Chips
Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs): These chips are specifically designed for AI algorithms, offering high performance and low power consumption.
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs): These versatile chips can be reprogrammed to accommodate different AI algorithms.
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs): Equipped with parallel processing capabilities, GPUs accelerate the training and inference of deep learning models.
 
4. Sensor Technology
Image Sensors: High-resolution CMOS or CCD sensors capture clear images and videos.
Depth Sensors: Measure the distance between objects and the camera, capturing depth information for 3D reconstruction and object identification.
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Compensates for camera shake, enhancing image quality.

What is RK3588 SBC?

RK3588 SBC, or Single Board Computer, is a powerhouse built around the Rockchip RK3588 SoC (System-on-Chip). This SoC is specifically designed for embedded systems, making it ideal for applications that require a balance of performance, efficiency, and size.

Can you give more use examples of AI cameras?

Manufacturing and Quality Control: AI cameras can detect product defects in real-time, improving production efficiency and ensuring quality control.
Agriculture: AI can analyze crop health, detect pests, and optimize irrigation systems in agricultural settings.
Retail Analytics: AI cameras can analyze customer behavior in stores to optimize product placement and marketing strategies.
Healthcare: AI cameras can be used for patient monitoring, remote consultations, and even surgery assistance.
Education: AI cameras can track student attention in classrooms and personalize learning experiences.

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