Automobile camera monitoring systems are ready for a more enhanced field of view.
Advancements in auto camera monitoring systems, such as backup cameras, blind-spot detection systems and lane-change alert sensors, have been a boon to roadway safety. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that technological advancements in vehicle safety have helped increase the annual number of lives saved from 115 in 1960 to 27,621 in 2012. The agency estimates that the upgrades have saved more than 600,000 lives between 1960 and 2012. Because of this, rearview video systems have been required for all new cars in the U.S. since May 2018.
Yet, driving can still be a risky activity despite these improvements, especially at night when visibility plummets. Samsung’s new ISOCELL Auto 4AC sensor was designed to target this issue.
“The new ISOCELL Auto 4AC combines Samsung’s innovative and market-proven image sensor technologies with a unique CornerPixel solution for advanced HDR and LFM capabilities, offering exceptional viewing experiences regardless of lighting conditions,” said Duckhyun Chang, executive vice president of sensor business at Samsung Electronics. “Starting with the ISOCELL Auto 4AC, we plan to expand our automotive sensor lineup to areas such as camera monitor systems (CMS), autonomous driving and in-cabin monitoring.”
The ISOCELL Auto 4AC offers a 120-decibel high dynamic range and LED flicker mitigation that can enhance surround-view monitors and front-view and rear-view cameras operating in Samsung’s first automotive sensor in high-definition resolution.
Most drivers have experienced nighttime scenarios where rapidly changing lighting conditions created by streetlights, approaching vehicles, and reflective road signs can be momentarily overwhelming until eyesight adjusts. However, such brief intervals on the roadway can mean the difference between being involved in an accident or averting one. The ISOCELL Auto 4AC is designed to equip camera monitoring systems with the ability to deliver clear images regardless of light pollution or headlamps with flickering LED lights.
The ISOCELL Auto 4AC features CornerPixel technology, which has a specialized pixel structure to mitigate LED light flickering over 90Hz. A single-pixel area has two embedded photodiodes—one 3.0µm pixel for viewing low-light images and a 1.0µm pixel placed at the corner of the big pixel for brighter environments. These two photodiodes work in tandem to capture images in different exposures simultaneously. The sensor also offers up to 120dB HDR with minimal motion blur to allow for smoother transitions between dark and bright areas while providing drivers with clear, detailed images of the road.
By extending the exposure time of the smaller photodiode, LED flickering is minimized, which stops LED light from causing flickering on camera screens. This ensures that drivers can rely on images with greater accuracy and fewer distractions.
The ISOCELL Auto 4AC is in a 1/3.7-inch optical format with 1.2 million 3.0µm pixels. To enable streamlined client system installations, an image signal processor is embedded in the sensor. The sensor can operate at between −40 degrees and 125 degrees Celsius and is currently in mass production.
In April, Samsung introduced PixCell LED, another innovation aimed at increasing driver visibility. ABD headlamps powered by PixCell LEDs are designed to enhance visibility at night or during inclement weather conditions by allowing headlight beam patterns to adjust when nearby objects are detected to prevent glare. This is accomplished by monolithically integrating more than 100 ultrasmall segments into a single LED chip for a smaller light-emitting area. In addition, each LED component is separated by a silicon wall so that light distribution is controlled and the headlights only illuminate the exact location where light is needed.
“Much more than a simple automotive lighting source, Samsung’s PixCell LED is based on new lighting technology designed to improve road safety and driving convenience,” said Un Soo Kim, senior vice president of the LED Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “Beginning with PixCell LED, we will introduce tailored lighting solutions well-suited for future automobiles, including electric and autonomous vehicles.”
