e-con Systems has launched a new camera to the automotive camera lineup – STURDeCAM34. This camera hosts advanced features, primarily targeting applications in automotive, autonomous vehicles, delivery robots, agricultural vehicles, and more.
STURDeCAM34 also has first-of-its-kind features, such as a GMSL hot-plugging feature, a technology for which e-con Systems holds the patent. This camera is a combination of many sturdy features that make this a perfect solution for the present-day pain points the automotive industry faces.
In this blog, we will go into the details of the state-of-the-art technology used in STURDeCAM34 and see how it benefits applications across various industries.
Key Features of STURDeCAM34
The features that enhance the performance of STURDeCAM34 in challenging environments are given below:
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140 dB HDR Technology
The key highlight of STURDeCAM34 is its 140 dB High Dynamic Range (HDR) capability. This range of HDR enables it to capture clear, detailed images in extreme lighting conditions. The HDR feature allows the camera to overcome issues such as headlight glare or the shadowed regions on the frame while streaming. The 140 dB HDR helps in capturing both the brightest and darkest areas of a scene with utmost clarity, delivering more accurate images of the scene.
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LFM Technology
The LED Flicker Mitigation (LFM) is another highlight technology in STURDeCAM34, that addresses a common issue in automotive and industrial settings – the flickering effect caused by LED lights and displays. This LFM feature minimizes distortion, and artifacts caused by high-frequency light sources, resulting in smoother, more consistent video footage. LFM technology helps avoid imaging artifacts in applications such as traffic monitoring and enhances quality control in LED-lit environments.
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Super Pixel Technology
STURDeCAM34 incorporates super pixel technology, which enhances low-light performance without compromising on image resolution. The super pixel enables the super-exposure HDR technique, which significantly improves the imaging performance of the camera. This proves beneficial in scenarios like nighttime driving or poorly lit industrial spaces.
The super-exposure HDR also allows the camera to capture extremely bright scenes such as those involving direct sunlight, without any loss of color details. For applications such as automotive, STURDeCAM34 proves ideal since the super exposure technology is capable of delivering superior image quality and capturing flickering LED lights and detailed signage with full color fidelity.
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Hot Plug & Hot Unplug GMSL Support
In STURDeCAM34 we’ve included e-con Systems’ patented technology – the GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link) hot plug and hot unplug support. Hot plug and hot-unplug allows for seamless connection and disconnection of the camera while the system is active, without causing crashes or data corruption. The system continuously monitors the connection status, enabling users to handle both intentional disconnects and micro-disconnections caused by vibrations.
This new of its kind patented feature is ideal for applications where camera systems might need to be swapped or maintained without shutting down the entire system. It enhances the overall reliability and uptime of camera-dependent operations, making it ideal for scenarios ranging from autonomous vehicles to industrial robotics.
Applications STURDeCAM34 is Highly Suited For
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ADAS/Automotive
In Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automotive applications, STURDeCAM34 is an ideal option. Its 140 dB HDR capability can handle the extreme contrast between bright daylight and dark tunnels or the glare of oncoming headlights at night. Additionally, the LFM technology eliminates issues with LED traffic signals and car lights, enhancing the reliability of obstacle detection and lane recognition systems.
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Autonomous Vehicles
For autonomous vehicles, consistent and reliable visual data is important. The STURDeCAM34’s hot plug support is a standout feature here, allowing for quick camera swaps or maintenance without system downtime. Also, the super pixel technology can boost performance in low-light conditions, crucial for navigating poorly lit roads or parking structures. The camera’s ability to handle a wide range of lighting conditions makes it an ideal choice for vehicles operating around the clock.
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Delivery Robots
The 140 dB HDR helps autonomous delivery robots navigate seamlessly between indoor and outdoor environments, while the LFM technology ensures accurate readings of LED displays on packages or digital signage. The hot plug feature allows for quick camera replacements, minimizing downtime in busy delivery operations.
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Agricultural Vehicles
The HDR capability helps in accurately distinguishing between crops and weeds under varying sunlight conditions. The LFM technology is crucial when operating in fields with LED-based growth lights or during night harvests. The camera’s durability and hot plug support make it suitable for the harsh conditions often encountered in agricultural settings.
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Heavy, Construction & Off-Road Vehicles
STURDeCAM34’s rugged design, coupled with the hot plug feature, makes it suitable for environments prone to vibrations and frequent maintenance needs. The HDR and super pixel technologies combine to provide clear visuals in dusty construction sites or dimly lit mines, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
e-con Systems’ – Industry Expert in OEM Cameras
Since 2003, e-con Systems has been designing, developing, and manufacturing OEM cameras. STURDeCAM34 is our newly launched 3MP HDR camera featuring the world’s first GMSL hot plug and hot unplug patented technology owned by us. This camera is built with robust features such as 140dB HDR, LFM technology, and IP-rated enclosure. STURDeCAM34 offers superior image clarity in varied lighting conditions and can survive adverse environments.
STURDeCAM34’s onboard automotive ISP also provides further customization options, making it adaptable to a range of embedded vision applications. Additionally, its GMSL2 interface enables real-time data transmission for fast and reliable decision-making.
Explore e-con Systems’ Camera Selector to check out our full portfolio.
If you require expert help integrating a world-class HDR camera into your application, please write to camerasolutions@e-consystems.com
Suresh Madhu is the product marketing manager with 16+ years of experience in embedded product design, technical architecture, SOM product design, camera solutions, and product development. He has played an integral part in helping many customers build their products by integrating the right vision technology into them.