Easing the path to evaluation and system development

Customers lacking resources to evaluate the system themselves can now develop their own customised systems with this new solution. Socionext aims to expand the use of its 360°WAV system into both the automotive and the non-automotive applications and will exhibit the 360° WAV system and the evaluation solution in booth 192 at the upcoming Automotive Engineering Exposition 2016 held at PACIFICO Yokohama starting on 25th May.

Socionext's 360° WAV system uses cameras facing forward, backward, left and right to synthesise images on a 3D model, then generate the views around the vehicle. Conventional systems synthesise images only on a 2D model and can provide a view only from a certain fixed viewpoint, such as from the top. In contrast, the WAV 3D model can display views around the vehicle from any perspective, making it useful for parking assistance and other applications such as lane change while driving. The system can also enhance situational awareness for operators of construction vehicles.

Socionext also offers its graphics display controller ICs and software to assist automotive equipment makers in the development of their customised WAV systems. Conventionally in order for customers to develop fully optimised WAV systems, they needed to purchase the necessary hardware and software, then learn how to adjust the camera positioning and become familiar with the use of the software library and the design tool. Such methods take a much longer time than desired just to complete the initial evaluation.

Socionext’s 360°WAV system comes in a package that includes the hardware, software and development support services - all essential tools to expedite the evaluation and development of the fully optimised 360° WAV system. With this new package, Socionext performs all the initial evaluation process of the WAV system, including optimising the camera positioning, fine tuning the image synthesis and generating the views.

Above: the Evaluation Solution Package for the 360° WAV System

The tool significantly reduces the time required during the evaluation process. Partners who do not need the hardware and software from Socionext, such as car makers, can use this package for introductory evaluations of the WAV system. Socionext expects this new solution will help accelerate the spread of 360° WAV system into broader visual aid applications, including non-automotive fields such as aerial shooting using drones.