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19 Nov 2024
Next-generation version of the Japanese auto maker’s 'EyeSight' stereo camera to benefit from up to 150 dB of dynamic range.
Cars from the Japanese auto firm Subaru are set to feature an improved forward-looking vision system, thanks to the extension of an existing collaboration with image sensor manufacturer onsemi.
Arizona-headquartered onsemi says that it will be the primary supplier of advanced sensors for the next-generation “EyeSight” stereo camera sensing system in future vehicles.
The selection is no surprise, with the two companies continuing a long-standing collaboration aimed at improving safety - with the ultimate goal to achieve zero fatal road accidents in 2030.
Dynamic range
Subaru, which introduced EyeSight in Japan in 2008, says that the technology is superior to traditional camera and sensor features, because it uses images from both cameras to precisely determine shape, speed, and distance.
That means detecting other road users, including motorbikes and bicycles, as well as pedestrians. The system is used to power features including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic braking for collision avoidance, and emergency steering.
The car maker has since launched several new versions of the technology, with future iterations set to deploy onsemi as the primary supplier of image sensors that represent the eyes of the system with its “Hyperlux AR0823AT” devices.
According to onsemi, the CMOS sensors offer several advantages, not least a high dynamic range of up to 150 dB without the need for auto exposure adjustment, enabling the capture of both brightly lit and shadowed areas of a scene in detail.
“The AR0823AT is able to capture both low light and extremely bright illumination in every frame with a 2.1 µm super-exposure pixel,” says the chip maker. "This significantly reduces latency in scene dependent critical automotive systems, enabling faster and safer data gathering and decision-making.
“A dual output data path can be used to send both 8 megapixel and scaled or windowed images simultaneously for both ADAS systems and viewing applications, removing the need for two cameras.”
Whole pixel design
In a release announcing the collaboration, onsemi CEO Hassane El-Khoury added: “Capturing precise and reliable visual data is paramount to the success of AI-enabled driver assistance systems and significantly improves overall vehicle safety.
“The combination of high-performance imaging and compliance with key safety standards in onsemi’s Hyperlux image sensors will ensure Subaru’s next-generation system can interpret the driving environment and make accurate driving decisions.”
Aside from the high dynamic range, the new sensors feature a whole pixel design, meaning that clear images can be captured regardless of lighting conditions, and ensuring that the two sensors used by the EyeSight stereo camera collect images simultaneously.
“This is essential for stereo vision systems that mimic human vision and enables the system to discern depth as well as the relative size and distance of objects in the vehicle’s path,” explains the firm.
Eiji Shibata, Subaru’s “chief digital car officer” said that the car company regarded onsemi as a partner that shared its vision and pursuit of safety, commenting:
“To realize our vision, we will continue to enhance the performance of our next-generation AI-integrated EyeSight through the use of advanced image sensors such as the AR0823AT.”
Another feature of the device is active monitoring of sensor functionality, so that if an issue capable of compromising the system's accuracy is detected, actions such as resetting the camera or alerting the driver can be enabled.
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