Partners Team Up on Advanced Camera Systems

San Jose, Calif.-based FotoNation Ltd. and Japan’s Kyocera Corp. have formed a partnership to develop computer vision systems for advanced vehicle safety features and assisted-driver technologies.

The companies plan to integrate FotoNation’s computational imaging and computer vision technology with Kyocera’s camera systems. The combined system will enable “feature-rich” products such as surround-view cameras, according to the partners.

Tech giant Kyocera supplies rearview cameras systems for vehicle applications. FotoNation, an 18-year-old subsidiary of Tessera Technologies Inc., provides imaging systems for driver monitoring and identification systems, electronic mirrors, rearview cameras and 360° occupancy monitoring.

Citing industry studies, the partners say the average new car will be equipped with six or more cameras by 2020 and 10 or more such devices by 2025. Current vehicles typically carry one to three cameras.