Oct 20, 2010 12:28 GMT  ·  By
Sample view using Fujitsu Laboratories’ new  technology perspective from above-rear  (pedestrian is visible)
4 photos
   Sample view using Fujitsu Laboratories’ new technology perspective from above-rear (pedestrian is visible)

When it comes to the automotive world Fujitsu seems to be on a roll, since the company has just announced yet another impressive technology, after we just reported on its new SoC chips that were designed to take over your car's dashboard, that creates a 360 degree wrap-around video image of your car's surroundings, designed to significantly boost driver visibility and safety.

Amazing as it may sound, this technology is actually based on a very simple principle, Fujitsu using advanced 3D algorithms to synthesize images from four cameras, placed alongside your vehicle, in order to create a 3D omnidirectional view of your car's surroundings.

Unique about Fujitsu's system is the fact that users can view this images from a definable perspective or "free eye point" (so you can view your car from the top or from a virtual "third person" perspective) thus eliminating blind spots when the driver is backing up, turning corners or merging.

Although this technology is available as a software toolset for automotive manufacturers, Fujitsu can also provide system designers with a complete solution that features a Fujitsu MB86R11 "Emerald-L" 2D/3D Graphics SoC, based on an ARM's Cortex A9 processor and a powerful, custom-built graphics packed with four independent video-capture input while also being capable of delivering 3D and 2D graphics.

"The Fujitsu 360-degree Wraparound Video Imaging Technology can aid vehicle safety by eliminating 'blind spots' and by providing visual assistance when the driver is backing up or turning corners," said Akio Nezu, senior manager of marketing, Fujitsu Semiconductor America.

"The technology offers a truly omnidirectional view that cannot be matched by conventional two-dimensional technologies.

With the release of a complete toolset and the Fujitsu MB86R11 'Emerald-L' graphics SoC, systems designers now have an integration-ready, single-chip, complete solution," concluded the company's rep.

The Fujitsu 360 degree wrap-around video imaging technology is available with a full set of authoring tools and library and device drivers for ready integration with advanced Fujitsu 3D graphics displays, although the manufacturers doesn't state when should we expect this technology to come in the retail market or who will be the very first automotive manufacturer to include it in its vehicles.

Photo Gallery (4 Images)

Sample view using Fujitsu Laboratories’ new  technology perspective from above-rear  (pedestrian is visible)
Highway merging example: “third person”  perspective from the front of the vehicle clearly  showing available merging space  and approaching vehicles.Right-turn example: Sample view when turning  right with the perspective from the above-rear.  The curb clearance of right side of the vehicle is  clearly visible.
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