OmniVision Technologies and GEO launch human eye vision cameras to make cars see more clearly

     OmniVision Technologies and GEO Semiconductor Inc., the market leader in video processors for automotive cameras (CVP), have announced a joint solution that has been optimized to reduce the cost of the product. Provides high quality images for rearview cameras (RVC), circumnavigation systems (SVS), and electronic rearview mirrors. The solution includes Howe Technologies' OX03C10, the world's only automotive image sensor that combines large 3.0 micron pixels, 140dB high dynamic range (HDR) with significantly reduced motion artifacts, and excellent LED flicker suppression (LFM) performance. The image sensor takes full advantage of the GEO GW5 CVP family and is capable of processing 140dB HDR images with full LFM functionality at 60 frames per second. On the other hand, the GW5 series' advanced local tone mapping enables it to take full advantage of the OX03C10's industry-leading HDR and LFM image capture capabilities to provide drivers with more satisfying images.

     "We have been working with OmniVision Technologies for more than five years because of OmniVision Technologies' leading pixel technology and strong partnerships with global automotive tier 1 suppliers." Said John Casey, vice president and general manager of GEO's automotive business. "Our new joint solution offers an exciting opportunity to leverage the GW5's power to simultaneously process data captured by two image sensors and deliver excellent HDR and LFM performance at 60 frames per second using Howe Technologies' new OX03C10." This helps SVS camera designers achieve high image quality with reduced system material cost, complexity and power consumption compared to using two CVPS."

     "As a long-term partner, GEO has industry-leading image signal processing capabilities, including the ability to process 140dB capture data, as well as a deep understanding of customer pain points because GEO is a recognized provider of proven products," "Said Andy Hanvey, marketing director for automotive applications at OmniVision Technologies. "With the recent launch of the OX03C10 image sensor, we recognized that GEO and Howe Technologies could work together again to help automotive designers more easily create high-quality viewing cameras that can respond to a variety of lighting conditions and interference caused by leds flashing from headlights, road signs and traffic lights."

     The sensor integrates OmniVision Technologies' industry-leading HALE (HDR and LFM engine) combination algorithms to deliver both HDR and LFM performance, while its Deep Well™ dual conversion gain technology significantly reduces motion artifacts. In addition, OmniVision Technologies' four-way capture LFM technology, based on separated pixels, delivers high performance across the vehicle's entire temperature range. The OX03C10 is also the first HDR and LFM human vision image sensor to deliver 1920 x 1280p resolution at 60 frames per second, helping to provide greater design flexibility and enabling drivers to switch camera perspectives more quickly. Among all 2.5MP LFM image sensors, the OX03C10 consumes very little power (25% less than its closest competitor), and the package size is so small that it can easily accommodate cameras running continuously at 60 frames per second even in a tight space, leading the market in automotive imaging applications.

     Thanks to OmniVision Technologies' PureCel®Plus-S stacked pixel architecture, the OX03C10 has better pixel performance than non-stacked products, in addition to a smaller chip size and lower power consumption. For example, 3D stacking enabled Howe to improve pixel and dark current performance, resulting in a 20% improvement in signal-to-noise ratio compared to the previous generation of 2.5MP automotive observation sensors.

     The GW5 CVP series integrates an innovative HDR image signal processor (ISP) that supports 140dB HDR as well as the OX03C10's high-performance LFM output to deliver rich image detail in light and dark scenes. In addition, the GW5 includes GEO's fifth-generation eWARP® geometry processor for deformation correction of fisheye lenses with a wide viewing Angle of more than 180 degrees. The GW5 eliminates the need for external DDR memory and supports dual sensor inputs to process data captured by two OX03C10 sensors simultaneously, reducing system complexity and cost.