Image Sensor Designed to Improve Safety Camera Images

YPRES, BELGIUM - Melexis has launched the MLX75411 "Avocet" High Dynamic Range image sensor. Originally designed for automotive driver assistance and night vision applications, this camera sensor chip will also be beneficial for fleet safety cameras, the manufacturer said.

The Avocet image sensor is a wide-VGA sensor with a 1024x512 pixels resolution. It features an extended high dynamic range of up to 154dB in every frame at a full-frame speed of 60 frames per second. This offers picture-quality benefits during day time and night time, serving to enhance driver-assistance systems, according to Melexis.

"In specific daytime automotive conditions like when sunlight shines directly into the lens, or when driving in or out tunnels or garages, the Avocet image sensor is able to give a crisp picture with maximum picture details in the very bright areas of the frame and the dark areas of the frame simultaneously," explained Cliff De Locht, product line manager for Melexis.

Although the "Avocet" image sensor was originally designed for automotive front-view applications, the current demand for higher quality rear-view and surround-view systems will also benefit from this high dynamic range, the company said. Melexis cited the recently proposed NHTSA rule based on the "Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act." This rule mandates the timeline for adding rear-view cameras in automobiles sold in the U.S. beginning in 2012.

"We believe the Avocet HDR Image Sensor is best-in-class for high dynamic range and will be the best choice, for example, to detect children right behind the car when you are backing up from your garage," De Locht said. "During the night, the combined offer of high sensitivity and high dynamic range results in an excellent detection of pedestrians. High dynamic range is required especially when the pedestrians are located near the headlights of oncoming cars."

The MLX75411 Avocet image sensor is available in four versions: monochrome, color RGBG, color RGBi and RCCC.

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