Automatic Extended High Dynamic Range Image Sensor From Melexis Focuses on Driver Assistance and Night Vision Systems
By Melexis Nv, PRNEMonday, June 20, 2011
YPRES, Belgium, June 21, 2011 -
On-chip Automatic HDR Control Function
Simplifies Camera Design
Melexis announces the launch of a new image sensor in the
“Avocet” series, the MLX75412 extended HDR Image Sensor. The
MLX75412 includes two on-chip functions: a high performing fully
automatic Extended HDR and exposure control function named
“Autobrite®” and an adaptive histogram remapping function named
“Autoview™”. With these functions, a full feature set is offered
which greatly simplifies building HDR cameras.
Focus applications include automotive driver assistance and
night vision applications, security/surveillance applications,
fleet safety cameras, truck blind spot cameras,
transportation/heavy vehicle cameras, and other outdoor and all
weather cameras.
The Avocet series are wide-VGA image sensors with a 1024×512
pixels resolution. They feature an extended high dynamic range
(Extended HDR) up to 154dB in every single frame with a full
resolution frame rate up to 60fps. Sensitivity in terms of SNR10 is
25nW/cm2 @ 25degC @ 535nm.
This low light performance combined with the extended HDR offers
excellent picture quality during day and night time and thus
enhances safety for driver assistance systems.
Lane Departure Warning and Forward
Collision Warning
In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) has changed New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) requirements
for the 2011 model year. The familiar five-star crash test ratings
score shown on the window sticker will also designate the presence
of camera based Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision
Warning (FCW) features.
Cliff De Locht, Product Line Manager at Melexis comments: “In
side by side tests with other automotive imagers, we have seen
situations where - depending on the position of the sun - the
Avocet imager was able to distinguish faded lane markings where
other image sensors failed.”
“Technically speaking, because the Extended HDR technology is
based on 6 partial pixel resets within an exposure period, the
Avocet allows tight control of the response curve to maximize
picture details at all light intensities. Fully automatic Autobrite
uses this capability at maximum to dynamically and automatically
optimize the image sensor response on a frame-by-frame basis.”
“The bottom line is that Autobrite is able to swiftly and
automatically adapt to any lighting condition, including extreme
light conditions like when you are driving towards the sun. This
results in improved detection performance for lanes, vehicles and
pedestrians.”
Night Vision
Dynamic range at dawn or at night is most important. During
daytime, the brightest lights, like an approaching car’s
headlights, come close to sunlight intensities while the dark areas
go much lower in light intensity The result is a stretching of the
dynamic range of low light scenes to 120dB and higher.
The MLX75412 Avocet with Autobrite function is perfectly fit to
cope with these extended HDR requirements. On top of that, the
Avocet features enhanced responsivity for near infrared light
(800-1000nm). Last but not least, an anti-reflective coating on the
Glass-BGA is specially designed for night vision, featuring minimal
light reflectivity in the range 400-1000nm, to minimize stray light
for visible and for near-infrared light.
Cliff De Locht, Product Line Manager at Melexis comments: “We
did extensive night drive testing with the MLX75412 and are
thrilled with the (monochrome) night sensitivity and behavior of
the Autobrite Extended HDR function. We are confident this offer
gives an adequate response to the many low light and HDR
requirements out there.”
Samples
The MLX75412 “Avocet” image sensor is available in 4
versions: monochrome, RCCC, color RGBG and color RGBi.
Product info:
2
Samples:
Contact: Rik Moens, rmo at melexis.com, +3213670780
Tags: belgium, June 21, Melexis Nv, Ypres
