Charng Lee, Director, Strategic PlanningProviding better intelligence through a camera requires a capable machine vision. However, machine vision still being at nascent stages is a significant roadblock for many manufacturers. Lee elaborates on three critical challenges under machine vision. First, there are no unified standards to transfer the captured image data from the camera to the electric control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, leading to the use of different standards to transfer. Second, the lack of edge intelligence in the camera modules that would enable pre-screening the information before the final image goes to ECU for processing, saving crucial time in case of collision detection where every nanosecond counts. Third, image processing working in conjunction with other sensors like LiDAR and ultrasonic, and the data generated from sensors becoming unified for better response time. iCatch Technology tackling challenges one at a time has successfully developed a series of automotive grade chip solutions, including CI1 for image signal processing (ISP) in camera module and CR1 for dashboard video recording. Both CI1 and CR1 have a flexible interface to handle different standards as well as if the client wants to port their algorithm, iCatch can assist them with their customization need as well. To tackle the edge intelligence problem, Lee mentions, “Our products leverage convolution neural network engine to provide intelligence at the edge and improve machine vision capabilities, enabling our customers to build better products for the end-users.”
iCatch Technology applying its years of experience in imaging to the automotive market, offers proprietary products—CI1 and CR1. CI1 is a 1080p automotive grade sensing camera module that can support up to two CMOS sensor having a high-performance image signal processor (ISP) that enables features such as high dynamic range (HDR), lens distortion correction (LDC), image dewarp and more. Additionally, having a neural processing unit (NPU) allows processing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) functions, such as pedestrian detection (PD) and Driver Monitoring System (DMS), directly in the camera module. Their second offering, CR1, is an automotive grade SoC that is AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified. It can support up to two CMOS sensors, while ADAS functions supported by CR1 include Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), PD, and DMS.
iCatch Technology also has started investing in new emerging technologies, such as 3D sensing and deep learning, for the next wave of opportunities in AIoT, industrial, and smart home. Additionally, with the commercialization of 5G in 2020, the communication infrastructure will be able to support new imaging applications, and the company will be prepared to become the pioneer of this revolution.
iCatch Technology applying its years of experience in imaging to the automotive market, offers proprietary products—CI1 and CR1. CI1 is a 1080p automotive grade sensing camera module that can support up to two CMOS sensor having a high-performance image signal processor (ISP) that enables features such as high dynamic range (HDR), lens distortion correction (LDC), image dewarp and more. Additionally, having a neural processing unit (NPU) allows processing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) functions, such as pedestrian detection (PD) and Driver Monitoring System (DMS), directly in the camera module. Their second offering, CR1, is an automotive grade SoC that is AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified. It can support up to two CMOS sensors, while ADAS functions supported by CR1 include Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), PD, and DMS.
iCatch Technology also has started investing in new emerging technologies, such as 3D sensing and deep learning, for the next wave of opportunities in AIoT, industrial, and smart home. Additionally, with the commercialization of 5G in 2020, the communication infrastructure will be able to support new imaging applications, and the company will be prepared to become the pioneer of this revolution.
iCatch Technology News
The collaboration entails the integration of OMNIVISION's OA07600 ultra-low-power, always-on video co-processor featuring a pre-roll recording buffer, along with iCatch Technology's Vi57 artificial intelligence (AI) imaging system-on-chip (SoC). This integration aims to enable continuous storage of pre-event color video footage. The combined chipset introduces an inventive solution for video doorbells, ensuring exceptional monitoring and clarity during any triggered event.
iCatch Technology's Vi57 stands as an imaging SoC characterized by its rapid capture and edge AI capabilities, which enhance the overall functionality of video doorbells. By incorporating the pre-roll footage from OMNIVISION's OA07600 co-processor, the Vi57 SoC seamlessly merges it with post-event footage, resulting in a cohesive video with minimal loss of data. Furthermore, thanks to advanced image processing, the Vi57 SoC can deliver high-quality full-color video, even in extremely low-light scenarios. This advancement allows the utilization of color data to offer users an improved comprehension and heightened traceability of the specific incident.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with OMNIVISION to integrate their advanced color pre-roll solution for the video doorbell market,” said Weber Hsu, CEO of iCatch Technology. “By combining OMNIVISION’s OA07600 video co-processor with our Vi57 AI imaging SoC, we are closing the gap of the user experience between wired and wireless home security cameras, offering both ease of installation and incident traceability at the same time.”
David Ho, Technical Director of Product Management at OMNIVISION, added, “The OA07600 is the industry’s first ultra-low-power, always-on video co-processor with pre-roll. Our unique low-power design of the OA07600 makes it possible for the first time to bring high-quality pre-roll video into battery-powered systems. We are excited to partner with iCatch Technology to integrate the OA07600 with their Vi57 SoC and bring a new level of performance to wireless home security camera OEMs.”
The partnership between iCatch Technology and OMNIVISION guarantees the provision of a battery-powered video doorbell featuring the innovative color pre-roll feature, thereby enhancing user experience and setting a new benchmark for video doorbell security standards. This joint effort between iCatch Technology and OMNIVISION has led to the development of a color pre-roll video doorbell solution that is presently in mass production, and it is readily accessible for customer involvement. To obtain further details, interested parties can get in touch with iCatch through their official website.