Following the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has become the predominant mode of business operations. While home remains the preferred environment for remote work, personal vehicles are increasingly considered a viable alternative. The implementation of legislation mandating driver monitoring systems (DMS) has further accelerated the adoption of in-cabin camera applications.
However, the requirements for image sensors in sensing and viewing applications often do not align. Traditional ad-hoc designs utilize separate image sensors for viewing and sensing, resulting in suboptimal solutions in terms of cost and physical size. The emerging trend is to incorporate a specialized RGBIr color filter array that consolidates both sensing and viewing functionalities into a single image sensor.
Although this approach addresses the needs of both sensing and viewing applications, most System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms are not equipped to process RGBIr output. To support the deployment of RGBIr-based applications, OmniVision has committed significant R&D resources to develop a standalone Image Signal Processor (ISP), as well as a highly integrated, dedicated in-cabin ASIC processor. This ASIC combines ISP capabilities with DMS/OMS accelerators, video conferencing with Ethernet output, and edge AI.
OmniVision brings decades of expertise in RGBIr technology, initially developed for security applications to eliminate the need for mechanical IR cut filters and improve system reliability. The second-generation 4×4 RGBIr pattern, when paired with OmniVision’s ISP ASIC, has been widely adopted by leading security vendors around the world. It’s likely that the security cameras in your home feature OmniVision RGBIr sensors..
OmniVision is now bringing this proven technology to the automotive sector, specifically for a range of in-cabin camera applications.
