Evolution and Advancements in the 360° Surround View System

I. Development Landscape of the 360° Surround View System

Safety is a fundamental human pursuit, and with a certain economic foundation, individuals gradually seek higher-level and broader safety needs. The realm of automotive safety follows a similar trajectory, addressing various safety concerns, from driving safety to parking and overall vehicle security, after solving the initial challenge of vehicle ownership.

360° Surround View System

In 2008, only the overseas series of Honda Odyssey had configurations for the 360° Surround View System. By 2012, several high-end car brands had adopted this system. With the development of China's automotive industry and the maturation of the automotive navigation market, consumers increasingly prioritize safety, convenience, and practicality. In response to this trend, the majority of domestic car manufacturers plan to make the panoramic surround view system a standard configuration in luxury sedans. While the automotive industry's reporting and promotion of this feature have just begun, most car manufacturers have already listed it in their configuration options, making it an inevitable trend for many vehicles in the future.

II. Development Trajectory of the 360° Surround View System

The 360° Surround View System has evolved from split-screen displays to seamless stitching and, eventually, to a seamless panoramic view, progressively expanding the field of view and enhancing safety.

Sixth Generation: Split-Screen Display 360

This system involves installing 4 or 6 cameras at 90-degree angles in the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle. Without intricate technical processing, it simply splits and stitches images, displaying 2 or 4 images. However, real-time panoramic display is not achieved, providing a less intuitive experience. These products use standard rear-view cameras and civilian-grade security technology on the mainboard, significantly deviating from the performance required by automotive regulations. Despite being cost-effective, these sixth-generation products often include a less practical driving record function. Since it is not a genuine panoramic surround view system, no system adjustments are needed after installation. If described as panoramic, it is more of a pseudo-360, offering a divided view or a frequency splitter 360, usually chosen by owners of lower-end vehicles seeking affordability.

Seventh Generation: Seamless Stitching 360 Surround View System

The seamless stitching 360 surround view system initially emerged as a high-end configuration for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This product features four wide-angle cameras installed in the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle, with angles between 150 to 180 degrees. Image processing and display differ from simple overlaying, presenting a more intuitive experience. However, due to technical challenges, there are noticeable lines at the four image junctions—four diagonal lines. Some car manufacturers use black or gray lines to mask these technical flaws. This system is known as a seamless stitching 360-degree surround view system.

The concept garnered attention from numerous automotive manufacturers and related research institutions. Although six years have passed since its introduction, only a few manufacturers have developed mature products based on this concept. In 2007, Nissan released the first panoramic driving safety system, the "Around View Monitor (AVM)," followed by Honda introducing the Multi-View Camera System in 2008, Alpine launching the TOPVIEW system in 2009, Fujitsu developing the MultiAngle Vision system in 2010, and BMW independently developing a parking assistance system with left, right, and rear views, initially applied in the X6. The panoramic system on the BMW 7 Series is still provided by its supplier.

Eighth Generation: Seamless Stitching 360° Surround View

The eighth generation of the panoramic driving safety system is based on the seventh generation concept, optimizing it. Utilizing four wide-angle cameras with angles between 170 to 180 degrees, this system processes and seamlessly stitches images, eliminating stitching lines. This creates a complete panoramic view without blind spots, similar to an aerial photograph from a satellite. The vehicle is also displayed, presenting a perfect overall view. The eighth-generation system represents a further advancement, providing a flawless panoramic experience.

Currently, another innovative product, the three-dimensional (3D) panoramic surround view system jointly developed by Desay SV Automotive and Desay Microelectronics, has attracted attention. Most panoramic backup systems on the market are 2D, making Desay SV's 3D panoramic surround view system the first of its kind among domestic automotive electronic companies. In addition to offering a new perspective, this 3D system significantly enhances safety. In terms of visual range, it expands from the traditional 3 meters to an infinite distance, ensuring better safety for parking and driving in complex road conditions. It is anticipated to become the ninth generation of the 360° surround view system.