Embedded Vision Insights: November 27, 2012 Edition

Dear Colleague,

The next Embedded Vision Alliance Member Summit is exactly two weeks away as I write these words, and as such you can imagine that I'm neck-deep in numerous associated projects' final preparations. Among other things, BDTI's Eric Gregori and I will be co-delivering (along with Rony Greenberg of eyeSight Mobile Technologies) the technology trends presentation this time, on the topic of embedded vision for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Embedded vision development on consumer electronics products such as these is a subject that I regularly revisit in content published on the Embedded Vision Alliance website.

As I wrote in the introduction to the November 15, 2011 Embedded Vision Insights newsletter edition, "Cellular handsets and tablet computers are compelling platform for implementing embedded vision, by virtue of the prevelence of both front- and rear-mounted image sensors of sufficient resolution, the substantial available memory and processing resources, the systems' application-enabling portability, and (perhaps most importantly) the often-subsidized prices at which they're sold and their consequent large installed user base." Even though those image sensors primarily exist for photography and videoconferencing applications, they can also be leveraged for innumerable other compelling functions, some of which are discussed in the news writeups showcased in this newsletter edition. I look forward to discussing the subject with the Alliance membership in mid-December, and to sharing the resultant video with the rest of you afterward.

Considering the above-mentioned large installed user base, mobile electronics devices are forecasted to be one of the initial "boom" markets for embedded vision. Another likely early adopter is the vehicle, via another frequently discussed embedded vision application, ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). The Terminology page of the Alliance website defines ADAS as "an umbrella term used to describe various technologies used in assisting a driver in navigating a vehicle." Examples include:

• In-vehicle navigation with up-to-date traffic information
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane change assistance
• Collision avoidance
• Intelligent speed adaptation/advice
• Night vision
• Adaptive headlight control
• Pedestrian protection
• Automatic parking (or parking assistance)
• Traffic sign recognition
• Blind spot detection
• Driver drowsiness detection
• Inter-vehicular communications, and
• Hill descent control

And considering these applications' appeal to drivers and passengers, to vehicle manufacturers, to law enforcement agencies, and to insurance companies, it's no coincidence that both a highlighted article and video listed below cover ADAS in greater detail.

Thanks as always for your support of the Embedded Vision Alliance, and for your interest in and contributions to embedded vision technologies, products and applications. I always welcome your email feedback on how the Alliance can do a better job of servicing your needs.

Brian Dipert
Editor-In-Chief, Embedded Vision Alliance

Synopsys Conversation Central Interview With Jeff Bier, Embedded Vision Alliance Founder
Yvette Huygen, Synopsys' Director of Worldwide Press Relations and Communications, interviews Jeff Bier, Embedded Vision Alliance founder. Bier provides an overview of the embedded vision opportunity as well as discussing and demonstrating several application examples. Bier also explains the mission, history, status and plans of the Embedded Vision Alliance.

September 2012 Embedded Vision Summit Presentation: "Challenges and Techniques in Low-Cost, Low-Power, Small Form Factor Vision Applications," Simon Morris, CogniVue
Simon Morris, CEO at CogniVue, presents the "Challenges and Techniques in Low-Cost, Low-Power, Small Form Factor Vision Applications" tutorial within the "Using Tools, APIs and Design Techniques for Embedded Vision" technical session at the September 2012 Embedded Vision Summit. Morris discusses the multiple stages in the development of a smart rear-view camera application performing vision-based object detection and distance estimation. He covers the challenges and lessons learned  during algorithm, application and camera module development.

More Videos

Camera-Based ADAS for Mass Deployments
Car manufacturers (OEMs) and system suppliers (tier 1s) agree: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) will see steep growth in the years to come. One key factor is the increased safety awareness and the desire for more driving comfort on the customer side. But first and foremost, Euro NCAP's (the European New Car Assessment Program's) tightened safety requirements will boost installed ADAS equipment from single-digit uptake rates to nearly 100% over the next few years. Hence it's to no surprise that the call for commercially viable solutions is on, to satisfy deployments as high-volume standard equipment vs. the moderate customer option business as seen today. More

China's Video Surveillance Equipment Market Maintains Momentum
In its fifth edition report on the Chinese video surveillance market, IMS Research estimated that the market was worth $2.6 billion in 2011, an increase of more than 30 percent over 2010. A key driver of this growth was the network security camera market. City surveillance and transportation are the largest end-user industries in China. More

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