Omron Introduces Advanced Electronic Camera for Auto Safety

DETROIT, March 8 -- Omron Automotive Electronics, Inc., today announced the introduction of a proprietary, advanced electronic miniature camera for automotive safety applications. The new High Dynamic Range CMOS (HDRC(R)) camera provides a dynamic range significantly higher than competing products in high- and low-light conditions, such as tunnels, in blinding sunlight and after dark.

"Advanced driver assist systems now under development will increase safety," said Jerry Bricker, vice president and general sales manager at Omron Automotive. "These systems provide increased visibility for blind spot detection, lane departure, collision warning, and other functions. This image sensor and camera will meet or exceed the needs for advanced driver assist systems."

The HDRC(R) camera was developed by IMS VISION, a joint venture between Omron Automotive's parent company, Omron Corporation-Japan, and the Institute for Microelectronics Stuttgart (IMS CHIPS). It represents the next generation High Dynamic Range CMOS (HDRC(R)) camera using conventional complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Omron Automotive retains the exclusive selling rights in the global automotive market.

"A ten-fold improvement in performance was achieved with significant innovation in HDRC(R) pixels and signal paths," said Bernd Hoefflinger, director of IMS CHIPS and chairman of the IMS VISION Advisory Board.

The advanced camera technology is available in automotive prototype form. It is expected to appear on cars and trucks by the latter part of the decade. "Our HDRC(R) camera provides vision that is superior to the human eye and senses images necessary to enhance the safety and convenience of those in and out of the vehicle," said Bricker.

The HDRC(R) camera produces clear electronic digital images that allow an advanced driver assistance system to function throughout a broad range of light levels. It detects light levels over an intensity range of 170 dB, a significant improvement compared to conventional CCD cameras. They typically have a limited dynamic range of 60dB. This makes the camera ideal for use in difficult viewing conditions. The HDRC camera does not require an F-stop or shutter control and no additional light source is needed. It also has superior near-infrared region sensitivity. It can detect images that are irradiated with near-infrared light outside the range of normal headlights.

About Omron

Omron Automotive Electronics, headquartered in Novi, Michigan, USA, is a division of Omron Automotive Electronic Components Company, Nagoya, Japan. Omron Automotive designs and manufactures a wide range of advanced electronic control units and sensors, including laser radar sensors, remote keyless entry systems and power window and sliding door anti-pinch controls. Other products include various ergonomic switch assemblies and PCB and plug-in relays. The division has 700 employees in North America with one manufacturing facility in the U.S. and two in Canada. Sales for the 2002 fiscal year were $200 million.

Omron Corporation was founded as a maker of relays for x-ray timers in 1933. In addition to automotive electronic components, the company's major markets include industrial automation, electronic and mechanical components for commercial and industrial uses, healthcare products, ATM machines, card readers and traffic control systems, plus new ventures into intelligent transportation systems, information technology and wireless communications. The corporation has more than 23,000 employees in 30 countries globally. Fiscal year 2002 sales exceeded $5 billion.

IMS VISION is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. IMS CHIPS is a German public foundation for contract research. It is ISO 9001 certified for the development and manufacturing of innovative CMOS systems. Since the formation of the joint venture with Omron Automotive, all HDRC technology and products developed by IMS CHIPS are exclusively licensed to IMS VISION.