Dashcam

Overview

Applications

HDR imaging without overexposure under backlit conditions

High-contrast (wide dynamic range) scenes, such as looking toward the exit of a tunnel, often result in overexposure of the bright area so that – in this example – the oncoming vehicles are blown out. In a situation like this, what you need is an HDR feature. It can produce an image with details both in bright and dark areas by synthesizing two images, each adjusted to the bright and dark areas.

In general, HDR is realized by capturing a bright and dark image in succession and superimposing one over the other (known as DOL HDR). This method involves a slight time lapse between the two shots, and this can cause some artifacts, such as contour blur and chromatic aberration, if the target is in fast motion (See the image ‘DOL HDR’ below)

This problem is solved by Clear HDR. It can produce both bright and dark images in one shot, and this eliminates artifacts from targets in motion, resulting in a clear HDR image. This is an ideal feature for capturing images of vehicles in motion.

The image sensor with STARVIS 2 technology, equipped with Clear HDR function, is the one to go for if you want to have artifact-free images without overexposure under backlit conditions. (See the image ‘Clear HDR’ below)
 - Image sensors with STARVIS 2 technology:IMX585, IMX662, IMX664, IMX675, and IMX678

For more information on this feature to eliminate blowouts:STARVIS / STARVIS 2 technology

High-sensitivity clear imaging at nighttime

Most dashcams can only deliver obscure images of people and vehicles captured in dark places. However, clear images are possible with image sensors that are highly sensitive even to dim light.
An image sensor takes in light with an array of pixels. For example, a 4K image sensor has 8 million pixels. The size of each pixel is proportional to its light-receiving capacity. So, if we compare two pixels, one 1μm square and the other 3μm square, their respective surface areas are 1μm² and 9μm², which means that the difference in sensitivity is nine-fold.
If your requirements include clear images during nighttime recording, image sensors with larger pixels are the appropriate choice.
 - Image sensors with larger pixels:IMX464, IMX585, IMX662, IMX664, IMX675, and IMX678

For more information on this feature to deliver high sensitivity, please see STARVIS / STARVIS 2 technology

High-resolution imaging, clearly capturing characters on distant vehicle license plates

More pixels mean higher image resolution. Image sensors with a higher number of pixels can deliver clear images that capture important information with clarity, such as the letters and numbers on vehicle license plates. A full-HD image sensor can capture information at a resolution of approximately 2 megapixels, while a 4K image sensor can deliver it at approximately 8 megapixels. The more the information is divided, the clearer the image.
If you want to ensure clear images of distant vehicles, even capturing their license plate letters and numbers, 4K image sensors are the appropriate choice.
 - 4K image sensors:IMX585, IMX678, and IMX715

Image sensors suitable for dashcams

We offer a rich lineup of image sensors that meet your needs.

For information on other image sensors with STARVIS / STARVIS 2 technology, click here.