TRW envisions future safety with next-gen cameras

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp has announced its next-generation camera system – the S-Cam4 family – will have an expanded object detection range and field of view that will meet the increasingly stringent regulatory requirements for advanced driver assist system (DAS) technologies.  

The S-Cam4 family includes a single lens, mono-camera version based on a standard housing and mechanical package designed to help meet test protocols such as pedestrian triggered automatic emergency braking (AEB) and new potential requirements including a crossing bicycle AEB test. The innovative camera family also includes a premium three lens TriCam4 version to support advanced semi-automated driving functions.

Scheduled to launch in 2018, the next-generation single lens unit builds on the proven S-Cam3.x mono camera, while the three lens camera adds a telephoto lens for improved long distance sensing, and a fish-eye lens for improved short range sensing ideal for semi-automated driving functions such Highway Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The S-Cam4.x family will be equipped with Mobileye's Eye Q4 image processor and object recognition algorithms together with TRW's longitudinal and lateral control algorithms to further enhance performance in premium DAS and semi-automated applications.

World class packaging includes an integrated processor and imager in a size similar to a deck of playing cards. TRW also utilizes a magnesium housing that yields excellent thermal properties resulting in better heat dissipation.

"The S-Cam4 family represents another significant step forward in our roadmap to support advanced DAS and premium safety and comfort systems" said Peter Lake, TRW executive vice-president of sales and business development. "By offering the most advanced processing and algorithm developments the S-Cam4 mono camera will represent the best of both worlds for affordability and performance, while the TriCam will offer best-in-class camera performance for semi-automated driving functions."