Vision sensors and the intelligent vehicle

Advancements in CMOS imaging sensors have enabled Delphi engineers to adapt low-cost, high-quality cameras for a variety of applications in integrated safety systems.

Technological advancement, vehicle manufacturers' market-share competition, government legislation, and consumer pull have contributed to a strong electronics presence in automobiles. Low-cost microprocessors are becoming abundant, and the idea of electronic control has migrated beyond the engine into other vehicle systems. These control functions are accomplished via a range of sensors, signal-processing electronics, algorithms, and actuators. Industry experts project that electronics content in cars will soon reach 10-15% of a car's value.

Several new major automotive systems are under development and are expected to be in use within the next decade or two. One such system is Delphi's integrated safety system (ISS), which could incorporate features such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), collision warning and avoidance, precrash sensing, advanced-safety interiors, pedestrian protection, rollover sensing, and driver monitoring. Sensor information is shared among the various subsystems, with the overall system having performance superior to those of individual systems. This systems approach is possible only through advanced electronics that increase the capability for sensing, computing, control, and communications. Vision sensing is one component of this enabling technology.