How do surround-view cameras improve driving and parking safety?

They give drivers a complete, real-time, 360-degree view of the vehicle, thereby improving situational awareness while simultaneously addressing the challenge of blind spots. For instance, when drivers are navigating tight spaces, surround-view cameras help them make informed decisions.

It has proven to be extremely advantageous in urban scenarios where parking tends to be restricted or in driving environments with frequent pedestrian traffic. Surround-view cameras vastly reduce the guesswork when backing out of tight spots or navigating smoothly, which ends up reducing the risk of accidental damage or collisions.

In this blog, you'll learn how surround-view cameras work and get to know the features they require to improve driving and parking safety.

Why surround-view cameras are required

Modern driving scenarios demand more than a rear-view mirror or backup camera can provide. The ability to assess surroundings from all angles has become critical, considering the rising traffic density, narrow parking spots, and increasing vehicle sizes. As vehicles increasingly rely on automation, the margin for error shrinks.

Surround-view cameras bridge the gap between limited human perception and complex real-world conditions. They eliminate reliance on multiple visual references by centralising the driver's view, which reduces hesitation, missed judgments, and blind turning points. So, these cameras can go a long way to strengthen the imaging baseline for these systems to function reliably even in unpredictable environments.

Key reasons for integrating surround-view cameras:

• Eliminate low-ground and side-obstacle blind zones that mirrors can’t capture
• Improve confidence in navigating through tight or obstructed spaces
• Reduce time and stress involved in parallel or reverse parking
• Enable automation systems to accurately interpret real-world layouts
• Support safer multi-point turning in confined or crowded environments

How do surround-view cameras work?

Typically, surround-view cameras are mounted on the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, offering full coverage of areas that may otherwise be difficult for drivers to see, such as blind spots. Each camera is positioned in such a way that it can capture a specific angle, ensuring there are no gaps in the field of view.

The imaging data is captured by synchronising the feeds from the cameras in real time and processed using algorithms to merge and stitch the individual video streams into a single image. The process takes place continuously as the vehicle moves so that the visual representation is always up-to-date and free of any lag.

It is important to have a high level of synchronisation between the multiple camera feeds. Each camera must be correctly aligned, and the data must be processed immediately to avoid any delays between real-world movement and what is displayed on the vehicle's dashboard. Such smooth, uninterrupted transitions between different angles give the driver a seamless visual experience.

For example, while parking, the driver can see all angles of the vehicle to avoid obstacles or fit into narrow spaces. When reversing, the cameras provide a clear view of any approaching hazards, giving the driver the necessary time to react.

Surround-view camera features that enhance driving and parking safety

High resolution and frame rate

As you can imagine, the quality of the image displayed to the driver is crucial. High-resolution cameras ensure that even the smallest details are visible so that the driver can detect obstacles or hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed. Surround-view cameras also require a high frame rate when the vehicle is moving, as it prevents lag or delays in the visual feedback. That's how the driver would be able to react rapidly to changing environments.

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

HDR ensures that the cameras can handle changing lighting conditions, from driving in low-light conditions and during nighttime to against bright, direct sunlight. This helps maintain a balanced image, which is a must-have feature for preventing overexposure or underexposure in challenging lighting environments.

GMSL or GigE interface

The speed at which the data is transmitted from the cameras to the processing unit is critical for real-time performance. High-speed interfaces like GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link) or GigE (Gigabit Ethernet) enable high-definition video to be transferred quickly without delays. It also makes sure the driver receives an up-to-date, continuous feed, which helps them make split-second decisions while manoeuvring the vehicle.

IP rating

Surround-view cameras must be capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. With high IP ratings, such as IP67 or IP69K, these cameras can resist water, dust, and other elements that may compromise their functionality. They also offer long-term durability, no matter the vehicle's operating environment (heavy rain, snow, etc.).

Platform support

Surround-view cameras have to be compatible with a wide range of automotive platforms. Only then would manufacturers be able to integrate the system into various vehicle models (from compact cars to large trucks) without needing major changes to the vehicle's architecture.

Compliance adherence

To be trusted, surround-view cameras must comply with stringent automotive safety and operational standards. These standards include ISO 11452, ISO 16750, ISO 13766, and ISO 14982, which govern various aspects, such as electromagnetic compatibility, environmental resilience, and operational safety.

e-con Systems’ surround-view cameras

Since 2003, e-con Systems has been designing, developing, and manufacturing high-performance OEM cameras. Its surround-view cameras come with features like high resolution, high frame rates, global shutter, IP67/IP69K rating, GMSL and GigE interfaces, and more. e-con Systems also has proven expertise in collaborating with platforms like NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Ambarella.

Its latest surround-view cameras include:

• STURDeCAM31
• STURDeCAM34
• STURDeCAM84
• STURDeCAM88
• RouteCAM_CU22

e-Con Systems’ expertise extends to advanced vision solutions, covering ISP tuning, optical integration, AI/ML development, and mechanical design. It also ensures adherence to ISO functional safety standards.