OmniVision and GEO Semi Launch Automotive Industry’s First Viewing Camera Solution to Simultaneously Provide 140dB HDR and Highest LED Flicker Mitigation
Joint Solution Provides Camera Designers Unprecedented Ability to Process Images Captured by Two OmniVision Sensors with Full HDR and LFM, Using a Single GEO Camera Video Processor
Technologies, Inc. announced a joint solution that is optimized to provide the industry’s highest quality images for rear-view cameras (RVCs), surround-view systems (SVS), and e-mirrors. This solution includes OmniVision’s OX03C10, which is the world’s only automotive image sensor that combines a large 3.0-micron pixel, high dynamic range (HDR) of 140dB for minimized motion artifacts, and the highest LED flicker mitigation (LFM) performance. This image sensor takes full advantage of the GEO GW5 CVP family’s ability to process 140dB HDR images with full LFM at 60 frames per second (fps). Conversely, the GW5 family’s advanced local tone mapping enables it to make optimal use of the OX03C10’s industry-leading HDR and LFM image captures, providing a more pleasing image for drivers.
“We have partnered with OmniVision for more than five years because of its leading pixel technologies and strong track record in working with automotive tier-ones around the globe,” said John Casey, VP, and GM for automotive at GEO. “This latest joint solution provides an exciting opportunity, leveraging the GW5’s ability to process the captures from two image sensors simultaneously while providing the automotive industry’s highest HDR and LFM at 60 fps using OmniVision’s new OX03C10. This allows SVS camera designers to get the highest possible image quality without the added system bill-of-materials cost, complexity, and power consumption of two CVPs.”
“GEO is a longtime partner and brings industry-leading image signal processing performance, including the ability to process 140dB captures, along with the in-depth knowledge of customer pain points that comes from being an approved vendor with a proven product,” said Andy Hanvey, director of automotive marketing at OmniVision. “With the recent launch of our OX03C10 image sensor, we recognized that GEO and OmniVision could once again collaborate and make it easier for automotive designers to create the highest quality viewing cameras, across all lighting conditions, and in the presence of flickering LEDs from headlights, road signs and traffic signals.”
This sensor’s integration of OmniVision’s industry-leading HALE (HDR and LFM engine) combination algorithm uniquely provides the highest HDR and LFM performance simultaneously, while it’s Deep Well™ dual conversion gain technology significantly reduces motion artifacts. Additionally, OmniVision’s split-pixel LFM technology with four captures provides the best performance over the entire automotive temperature range. The OX03C10 is also the first viewing image sensor with HDR and LFM that can deliver 1920x1280p resolution at a frame rate of 60 fps, enabling greater design flexibility and faster camera-view switching for drivers. With the lowest power consumption of any 2.5MP LFM image sensor—25% lower than the nearest competitor—along with the industry’s smallest package size, enabling the placement of cameras that continuously run at 60 fps in even the tightest spaces, the OX03C10 takes a market-leading position in automotive imaging applications.