CES 2023: ZF Smart Camera 6 – seeing better than ever before

Software is king – also at ZF: The Image Processing Module (IPM) is a compact, modular, and flexible control unit. Its focus is on processing camera and sensor data. According to ZF, the fusion of up to twelve camera signals enables, among other things, a detailed 3D all-around vehicle view to recognize and handle complex traffic situations.

Noticeably higher: Resolution and computing power

In addition to higher computing power, the Smart Camera 6 with eight megapixels also offers more than four times higher image resolution compared to the previous model Smart Camera 4.8. Furthermore, the horizontal field of view expands from 100 to 120 degrees. According to ZF, this helps especially in urban traffic or tight curves to identify oncoming or crossing objects even earlier. Behind the technology is also the latest EyeQ6 processor generation from the long-standing partner and supplier Mobileye, with whom ZF has been collaborating since 2008. System upgrades for performance improvement or the activation of new functions are possible with the Smart Camera 6 via over-the-air updates.

 

Future with fewer control units

The new Smart Camera is set to go into production in 2025. Along with it comes the new control unit, called Image Processing Module 6 (IPM 6). As a scalable module, it offers up to twelve inputs for cameras as well as multiple inputs for radar, ultrasound, or lidar sensors. This reduces the number of control units for driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD), and consequently also the complexity within the vehicle, as it simplifies assembly.

What does that mean?

At ZF, software is becoming increasingly important. This also applies to the new camera with control unit, which significantly enhances resolution and image capture capabilities.