This blog post was originally published at e-con Systems’ website. It is reprinted here with the permission of e-con Systems.
Surround-view cameras provide a 360-degree view for vehicles to leverage parking assistance, enable blind-spot detection, maneuver in tight spaces, etc. However, selecting the right camera is a complex decision. Get expert insights on the role of multi-camera synchronization and discover the key camera features of surround-view systems.
Surround-view cameras enhance driver awareness of vehicles by providing a 360-degree view of the surroundings. It helps the vehicles perform important tasks by automating capabilities such as parking assistance, blind-spot detection, and maneuvering in tight spaces. Selecting the right surround-view camera system is no walk in the park, though. It is a complicated decision that requires a full understanding of what it takes to ensure optimal performance.
In this blog, you’ll learn how surround-view cameras are used in vehicles and why multi-camera synchronization is a moment of truth. Finally, you’ll get to know the key camera features of these systems – and what e-con System offers.
How Surround-View Cameras Work in Vehicles
Surround-view camera systems typically employ multiple cameras placed around the vehicle—commonly at the front, rear, and sides. These cameras capture individual images that are then stitched together to create a complete view of the vehicle’s environment.
The stitched image is displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard, giving the driver a real-time, bird’s-eye perspective that aids in avoiding obstacles and navigating through confined areas. The integration of these cameras into the vehicle’s systems must be carefully managed to ensure that they function cohesively, providing accurate imaging data.
Importance of Multi-Camera Synchronization
In a surround-view camera system, effective synchronization between multiple cameras helps create an accurate 360-degree view. Hardware-based multi-camera synchronization, especially at the frame level, makes sure that all cameras capture images simultaneously.
Each camera captures its field of view at the same moment, which ensures that the images can be stitched together without any misalignment. Â If not, the composite image could show inconsistencies like overlaps, gaps, or distorted perspectives.
These days, smooth synchronization can also be achieved with state-of-the-art algorithms and real-time processing. This manages the timing and coordination of image capture across all cameras. Each camera’s exposure settings, frame rates, and processing times are aligned – even under varying environmental conditions like changing light levels or motion of the vehicle.
The embedded vision system must also account for the inherent differences in each camera’s perspective, compensating for variations in angle and distance to provide a unified view. Also, the synchronization process must be able to handle high-speed driving conditions, where rapid changes in the vehicle’s surroundings occur. High-speed data interfaces and low-latency processing hardware are often required to achieve the right synchronization levels.
Key Features of Surround-View Cameras in Vehicles
Longer reliable cables
Surround view cameras must come equipped with long cabling options for easily transmitting high-definition video data over long distances with minimal signal degradation. These should support high bandwidth and low latency, making it perfect for surround-view environments where cameras are often positioned far from the central processing unit.
For example, Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL) interfaces ensure the transmission of power, control signals, and video data through a single lengthy cable, thereby reducing the complexity of the wiring harness. Alternatively, FPD-Link III interfaces can also be used for long-distance transmission. Like GMSL2, FPD-Link III cameras also offer a maximum data transmission distance of 15m. They use a single-ended automotive-grade coaxial or STP cable.
GMSL2 cameras vs. FPD-Link III cameras – a detailed study
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
High Dynamic Range (HDR) equips surround-view cameras to capture good-quality images in challenging lighting conditions, such as areas with strong contrasts between light and dark. HDR technology allows the camera to balance exposure across the image, reducing distortion and preventing motion blur.
The Image Signal Processor (ISP) in the surround-view camera helps convert the raw data captured by the camera sensors into high-quality images. A high-performance ISP can handle tasks such as noise reduction, color correction, and tone mapping so that the output meets the stringent requirements of surround-view applications.
Superior low-light performance
Low-light environments like tunnels or night driving require surround-view cameras to maintain image clarity. Optimized settings, such as noise reduction and white balance adjustments, work alongside anti-reflective coatings to minimize flare and enhance performance in dim conditions.
These improvements ensure that key details, like objects or surroundings, are captured clearly without needing external light sources.
Active alignment and extrinsic calibration
Active alignment is the exact positioning of camera lenses during assembly to optimize image quality across the entire field of view. Extrinsic calibration involves adjusting the cameras’ placement relative to each other to ensure accurate stitching of images in a surround-view system. These processes are important for achieving accurate image alignment and minimizing optical distortions.
Minimum glass-to-glass latency
Glass-to-glass latency refers to the total time it takes for light to travel from the camera lens to the display screen. Minimizing this latency ensures that the video feed displayed to the driver is as close to real-time as possible. This greatly lowers the risk of delays that could impact safety.
Compliance with automotive standards
Surround-view cameras must adhere to rigorous standards to ensure reliability and safety under various conditions. These standards encompass factors like shock resistance, vibration tolerance, and compliance with environmental specifications. For example, an IP67-rated enclosure protects cameras from dust and water ingress.
Other automotive standards and environmental regulations like AUTOSAR, ASPICE, RoHS 3, REACH, and AEC-Q100 Grade 2, as well as functional safety standards like ISO 26262 and ASIL-B (~SIL2).
e-con Systems Provides Surround-View Cameras for Vehicles
e-con Systems comes with 20+ years of experience in designing, developing, and manufacturing OEM cameras, including multi-camera solutions for surround-view systems.
Among its innovative offerings are:
- STURDeCAM34: A 3MP AR0341AT camera module with 140dB HDR.
- STURDeCAM84 (Upcoming): World’s Tiniest 8MP automotive camera.
- STURDeCAM31: A 3MP Sony ISX031 camera module with 120dB HDR.
All these cameras are equipped with GMSL2 technology, enabling them to be deployed at long distances while maintaining high-speed data transmission.
STURDeCAM31’s HDR feature empowers the surround-view system to maximize performance and reliability even in difficult lighting conditions. Furthermore, it is equipped with a cutting-edge LFM feature to deal with pulsed light sources like LEDs.
e-con Systems also offers 3D time-of-flight cameras and stereo cameras for vehicles to achieve the desired surround view.
See all our synchronized multi-camera solutions
Browse our Camera Selector Page to check out e-con Systems’ complete portfolio.
Please write to [email protected] if you need help integrating the ideal camera into your surround-view system.
Suresh Madhu
Product Marketing Manager, e-con Systems
