1-MP image sensor delivers driver monitoring to mainstream vehicles

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Delivering the right balance of cost, high-quality imaging, and features, OmniVision Technologies Inc. touts its new OV9284 1-megapixel (MP) global shutter image sensor that enables in-cabin camera modules in mainstream passenger vehicles, which will require smaller and lower-cost driver state monitoring (DSM) and passenger-monitoring cameras.

Although currently available only in high-end cars, DSM will move into the more cost-sensitive mainstream vehicle market over the next few years, according to OmniVision. In addition, DSM is being used in Level 3 semi-autonomous vehicles to help meet new safety regulations. It tracks the driver’s eye gaze and enables the vehicle to take control of the vehicle when the driver is drowsy or distracted.

The image sensor with OmniPixel3-GS technology is provided in an automotive chip-scale package, which measures 5,237 × 4,463 µm for smaller lens designs. The chip’s 27° chief ray angle with a low z height provides a wider viewing angle in a thinner package. This allows for greater flexibility with camera placement, said OmniVision.

The OV9284 consumes only 90 mW of power at 60 frames per second (fps), which is 30% lower than the nearest competitor, according to OmniVision, and provides a 1,280 × 800 resolution at video speeds of up to 120 fps.

OmniVision claims that the OV9284 offers the industry’s best near-infrared (NIR) quantum efficiency (QE) in a driver-monitoring image sensor — 12% at 940 nm — delivering the illumination required with fewer LEDs. The benefits include a reduction in the total system cost and lower power consumption.

Key features include:

• 3 × 3-µm pixel with OmniPixel 3-GS technology
• Automatic black level calibration (ABLC)
• Programmable controls for:

o   Frame rate

o   Mirror and flip

o   Cropping

o   Windowing

• Support output formats: 8-/10-bit RAW
• Fast mode switching
• Supports 2 × 2 monochrome binning
• Two-lane MIPI serial output interface
• DVP parallel output interface
• Supports horizontal and vertical 2:1 and 4:1 monochrome subsampling
• Support for image sizes:

o   1,280 × 800

o   1,280 × 720

o   640 × 480

o   640 × 400

• Embedded 256 bits of one-time programmable (OTP) memory for part identification
• Two on-chip phase lock loops (PLLs)
• LED PWM
• Built-in strobe control

The OV9284 image sensor is available now.