OmniVision image sensor offers wide-angle field of view

July 8, 2009 — OmniVision Technologies has introduced a 1-megapixel image sensor specifically tailored for advanced automotive imaging applications. The AutoVision OV9715 camera features a zero degree micro lens shift and 1280 x 800 pixel array for advanced forward-looking and extreme wide angle field of view vision applications such as 360 degree bird’s eye view and parking assistance systems. The OV9715 is also optimized for use in automotive vision and sensing system combinations, such as rear view and trajectory based lane departure warning systems.

“Megapixel resolution is critical for multi-camera systems with extreme wide angle (>160°) lenses where distortion correction and image stitching are required,” said Inayat Khajasha, senior automotive product marketing manager at OmniVision. “Lower resolution camera systems cannot handle electronic distortion correction without a considerable loss of image resolution, which can seriously compromise driver and passenger safety.”

Based on OmniPixel3-HS™ architecture, the 1/4 inch OV9715 delivers best-in-class low light performance at 3300 mV/(lux-sec), enabling high quality images in virtually any lighting condition. The OV9715 provides full-frame, sub-sampled or windowed 8-bit/10-bit images in raw RGB format via the digital video port. The sensor delivers full-frame HD video at 30 frames per second (fps) and VGA resolution at 60 fps with complete user control over image quality, formatting and output data transfer. The OV9715 incorporates image processing functions, including exposure and gain control, white balance, lens correction and defective pixel correction. The OV9715 comes in a lead-free 48-pin quad flat pack (QFP) package with an operating temperature range of -40° to +85°C, optimized to meet the stringent specifications of the Automotive Electronics Council.

Firm sees rising demand for Driver Assistance Applications

Through improvements in the quality and reliability of electronic components, safety-related imaging applications are becoming mainstream in today’s vehicles. According to third-party market research firm Techno Systems Research (TSR), the percentage of new vehicles with integrated cameras is projected to increase from approximately 20% in 2008 to nearly 70% in 2012.

For more information on OmniVision automotive imaging solutions, visit www.ovt.com/automotive. The OV9715 is currently sampling with volume production slated for the second half of calendar 2009. AEC-Q100 qualification and PPAP are expected to be completed by Q3’09.

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