Automotive Camera Classifications and Applications in Modern Vehicles

The automotive industry incorporates various camera classifications based on CMOS lenses and viewing angles, enhancing smart driving technology. Categorization involves monocular, binocular, wide-angle, and fisheye lenses, defining the field of view and placement.

Front view camera

Installation location: Typically positioned near the windshield or inside the rearview mirror.

The primary function of the front-view camera lies in driving assistance by identifying vehicles and pedestrians ahead. Equipped with a 45° viewing angle, it works in tandem with DSP-expanded dual-core MCUs, facilitating features like FAM, LDW, ACC, and emerging night vision capabilities.

Front-view cameras can be single/dual-eye systems, with dual-eye cameras providing better ranging but requiring more complex algorithms and being costlier. Some vehicles, like Tesla, feature three cameras, each with distinct monitoring distances.

Front view narrow field of view camera with a maximum monitoring distance of 250 meters;

Front-view main field-of-view camera, with a maximum monitoring distance of 150 meters;

Front view wide field of view camera, maximum monitoring distance of 60 meters.

The front view camera is the core camera of ADAS, covering distance measurement, object recognition, road marking, etc., so the algorithm is complex and the threshold is high.

Around View Camera

Installation location: Installed at the front and rear vehicle markings or integrated into left/right mirrors.

Surround-view camera, also known as panoramic image monitoring system, serves to identify the parking aisle markings, road conditions and the surrounding vehicle conditions, using multiple camera images for splicing, to offer a 360° view for the vehicle.

Because of the need to detect the situation around the sound of the car, generally installed in the front of the vehicle in the position of the markings or grille.

Side View Camera

Installation location: Positioned on left/right rearview mirrors or beneath the bodywork.

Side view camera is mainly used for blind spot monitoring BSD, according to the installation position can realize the role of front or rear view. Currently, most OEMs choose to install them on both sides of the car under the rearview mirrors. In the future, the traditional optical mirrors may be replaced by cameras to become electronic CMS cameras.

Rearview camera

Installation position: Typically mounted on the tailgate or rear windshield.

Rear view camera is mainly used in the process of reversing, which facilitates the driver to capture the image behind the rear of the car and realize the parking assistance function.

Built-in camera

Installation position: Varies - commonly in the steering wheel, above the inside rearview mirror, A-pillar, or integrated into the instrument display.

Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) incorporate AI recognition using near-infrared cameras, capturing complete driver facial information. Expanding from DMS to OMS (Occupant Monitoring System) ensures comprehensive safety measures, preventing incidents like leaving a child unattended inside the vehicle.

Moreover, modern ADAS sensors extend beyond cameras to include radar fusion technology, combining millimeter-wave, laser, and ultrasonic sensors. Such redundant sensor systems enhance safety measures, and future trends predict an increased incorporation of cameras alongside these technologies.