Fujitsu Develops SmartCODEC(TM) Streamlined Image Compression Technology for Automotive Applications; Enables Transmission of Multiple Digital Images on In-Vehicle Networks
<http://www.japancorp.net/?page_num=1> JapanCorp: Fujitsu Develops SmartCODEC(TM) Streamlined Image Compression Technology for Automotive Applications; Enables Transmission of Multiple Digital Images on In-Vehicle Networks Kawasaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Laboratories Limited today announced that it has developed image compression technology for automotive use that complies with the IDB-1394(*1)(ITS Data Bus-1394) standard for in-vehicle digital imaging transmission system networks. The new technology, SmartCODEC, features a compression rate of one-third (1/3), and a fast compression-decompression time of just 2 to 3 milliseconds that enables compression and multiplex transmission of images to inside the vehicle, such as images from multiple automotive cameras located externally on the vehicle. In addition to assisting facilitation of safer driving through these functions, Fujitsu's new technology also makes it possible to reduce the amount of cable required within the vehicle to achieve fast and high-quality image transmission of multiple images. Details of the newly-developed technology will be presented at the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers (IEICE) conference being held in Kanazawa, Japan from September 19. There is an increasing need to use multiple video channels in automobiles, such as for video images from multiple surveillance cameras that the driver checks on the monitor, as well as navigation system images and DVDs for passengers watching on rear-seat monitors. Analog signals which have been used thus far required a separate cable to be wired for each channel, a process that has become complicated as the number of channels has increased. This has resulted in demand for a technology capable of multiplex transmission of images on a single in-vehicle LAN. Technological Challenges Even with the IDB-1394 image transmission standard (featuring transmission speeds of 400Mbps), bandwidth is insufficient for uncompressed transmission of multiple images, and therefore there is a need for image compression technology. Developing such technology for automotive use has entailed overcoming three challenges: making low-cost packaging for each compression and decompression channel; achieving a transmission delay time of less than 30 milliseconds for surveillance cameras used when the vehicle is being driven; and achieving clear reproduction of letters and lines on images transmitted for car navigation systems. In image compression methods used thus far, such as MPEG, external memory was required for compression-decompression of large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) thereby leading to higher cost, and in addition, the compression-decompression delay time of several hundred milliseconds had to be overcome. Furthermore, conventional methods mainly used natural images, and there were concerns about poor image quality for car navigation systems, such as broken or indistinct letters. Newly Developed Technology The newly-developed SmartCODEC is compression technology dedicated for in-vehicle image transmission. It offers as an industry's first, three features unavailable in conventional technology for in-vehicle image transmission: light weight, minimal delay time and high image quality. In order to lighten the circuitry, the compression ratio was limited to one-third (1/3), and a differential pulse code modulation (DPCM)(*2) scheme featuring simple structures was adopted. In addition, in order to clearly reproduce camera images and the edges of letters and lines on the navigation system, the modulation level is optimized at the pixel unit. By encoding pixels in groups of two, the processing speed was accelerated without increasing the basic clock speed, enabling minimal delay time. SmartCODEC Specifications Target images: Natural images, letter and line drawings, YUV 720 x 480 pixels; RGB 800 x 480 pixels, etc. Processing speed: Maximum: 60 frames/second; equivalent to RGB 800 x 480 pixels Minimal delay time: Compression-decompression time is 2 -3 milliseconds Design convenience (lightweight circuitry): Circuit can be enclosed in an IDB -1394 controller LSI; external memory not required Compression ratio: Fixed rate of 1/3; (YUV 720 x 480 pixels; transmission rate 55 Mbps for 30 frames/second) Results This technology is a lightweight circuit that can be enclosed in the IDB-1394 controller developed by Fujitsu, enabling a one-chip automotive image transmission network and compression-decompression solution. It makes possible low-cost multiplex transmission of images in automobiles with minimal delay time. Future Developments This technology is scheduled to be commercialized by Fujitsu Limited in early 2007. Glossary 1. IDB-1394 (ITS Data Bus-1394) A network protocol standard for high-speed in-vehicle multimedia applications, established by the automotive working group of the 1394 Trade Association. Currently, the practical transmission speed for such applications is up to 262 Mbps. 2. DPCM (Differential Pulse Code Modulation): The value of each pixel of an image generally is related to that of adjacent pixels and tends to have a value close to those adjoining it. In DPCM, taking advantage of this tendency, the values are estimated for pixels adjacent to those targeted for compression, and the degree of difference from the actual pixels is encoded. Since processing is done on the pixel level, it is easy to streamline. Related Websites Fujitsu Laboratories Limited: http://jp.fujitsu.com/group/labs/en About Fujitsu Limited Fujitsu Limited is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting device technologies, highly reliable computing and communications products, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts uniquely position Fujitsu to deliver comprehensive solutions that open up infinite possibilities for its customers' success. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited reported consolidated revenues of about 4.8 trillion yen (US$40.6 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. See http://www.fujitsu.com for further information. For further information, please visit the Fujitsu Limited home page at: www.fujitsu.com <http://www.fujitsu.com> About Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. Founded in 1968 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Limited is one of the premier research centers in the world. With a global network of laboratories in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, the organization conducts a wide range of basic and applied research in the areas of Multimedia, Personal Systems, Networks, Peripherals, Advanced Materials and Electronic Devices. For more information, please see: http://jp.fujitsu.com/labs/en/ For further information, please visit the Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. home page at: www.labs.fujitsu.com/en/ <http://www.labs.fujitsu.com/en/> Contact Public and Investor Relations Fujitsu Limited Inquiries: http://www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/ Technical Contact: ITS Research Center Fujitsu Laboratories Limited Tel: +81-44-754-2577 e-mail: smartcodec@ml.labs.fujitsu.com _____ Sept. 21, 2006, 11:16 (JST) Source: Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. Fujitsu Limited (U.S.: FJTSY) www.fujitsu.com <http://www.fujitsu.com> Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. www.labs.fujitsu.com/en/ <http://www.labs.fujitsu.com/en/> From the Japan Corporate News Network View <http://www.japancorp.net/company_show.asp?compid=2793> Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. 's Company Profile On JCN Network www.japancorp.net <http://www.japancorp.net> Topic: Press release summary Sectors: Telematics & Software, Electronics, Displays & Imaging Copyright © 2006 JCN Network <http://www.japancorp.net> . A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK. All rights reserved. If you believe you have received this news in error or would like to be removed from our mailing list please respond here <https://www.japancorp.net/unsubscribe.asp> (https://www.japancorp.net/unsubscribe.asp) and you will be removed from our mailing list. 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