This innovation integrates two photodiodes per pixel– one 3.0 µm for low-light operation and one 1.0 µm one put in the corner (hence the name) that will be utilized for intense environments.
Today Samsung revealed the ISOCELL Automobile 4AC, its first image sensor that is tailor-made for cars. It is planned to be used as a reverse camera or (on advanced systems) to power surround view displays.
The ISOCELL Auto 4AC is a 1/3.7″ sensor with 1.3 MP resolution (1,280 x 960). There is an ISP embedded into the sensor. The sensing unit satisfies the AEC-Q100 Grade 2 requirements, which include running in an extremely broad temperature window of -40 ºC to 125ºC (thats -40 ºF to 257ºF ). Actually, it appears like it covers the stricter Grade 1 if were reading this PDF properly.
Theres more. While the KED report doesnt call names, there are reports swirling in the market that the Tesla/Samsung offer is to supply electronic cameras for the Cybertruck. Youll see that it does not have side mirrors when you get past its geometric design. Rather, it has actually video cameras embedded into the fenders and one under the front bumper. There are probably more cams dotted around the truck, but Tesla is being deceptive with the information for now.
The 4AC is currently in mass production. Keep in mind that it is not intended for autonomous driving applications or in-cabin usage (e.g. keeping track of the driver), Samsung plans to introduce more sensing units to cover such use-cases.
This setup enables the sensing unit to quickly get used to changes in the surrounding light, e.g. when exiting a tunnel. It likewise supplies a high vibrant variety with little motion blur and reduces the flicker of LED lights. Think about that many modern-day headlights on cars as well as street lights have transitioned to LEDs if youre questioning why that is essential. Anyhow, the flicker decrease is accomplished by extending the exposure time of the little photodiodes.
Why does any of this matter? Well, The Korea Economic Daily reports that Samsugn Electro-Mechanics has actually signed a $436 million handle the “leading United States EV maker”. Its not hard to think that this suggests Tesla.
This isnt about image quality and definitely not resolution– rather the focus is on useful things like a high dynamic range (120 dB) and LED flicker mitigation. Both are based on what Samsung calls CornerPixel.
With the 4AC being Samsungs first image sensing unit for automobile applications, the timing of the announcements is not coincidental. This relocation will put extra pressure on the current market leader in this sector, Sony.
Electronic cameras on a Tesla Cybertruck model
The unique-looking truck was announced in 2019 and Tesla is trying to bring it to market later on this year, though it could be delayed up until 2022.
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This setup permits the sensor to rapidly adjust to modifications in the surrounding light, e.g. when exiting a tunnel. The ISOCELL Auto 4AC is a 1/3.7″ sensor with 1.3 MP resolution (1,280 x 960). There is an ISP embedded into the sensor. While the KED report doesnt call names, there are rumors swirling in the industry that the Tesla/Samsung deal is to supply video cameras for the Cybertruck. Instead, it has video cameras embedded into the fenders and one under the front bumper.