Innovative in-vehicle camera system co-created by Nikon and Mitsubishi Fuso to be exhibited at CES 2025
Development of camera technology for an optical lens system with telephoto and wide-angle functions
December 19, 2024
Nikon Corporation (Nikon) will exhibit an innovative in-vehicle camera system co-created with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) at CES 2025. The camera features an optical lens system with both telephoto and wide-angle lens functions, enabling users to see far away and also check their periphery at the same time.
Development background
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS*) and autonomous driving technology in the automotive industry are evolving every day. In addition, there is growing demand for methods to enhance visibility to prevent serious accidents caused by drivers not seeing signs or pedestrians. Nikon and MFTBC have been engaged in co-creation work since 2020 to create new value for future trucks and buses. The initiative led to developing an innovative camera featuring an optical lens system that integrates telephoto and wide-angle functions to enable users to see far away and also check their periphery.
Nikon is exploring a variety of possibilities to expand the use of this innovative technology not only in vehicles but also in other diverse fields.
- *Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): A general term for technologies that enable vehicles themselves to collect information on their surroundings, alert drivers and assist in vehicle control to ensure driver safety and comfortable driving.
Main features
1. Optical lens system that integrates telephoto and wide-angle functions
The integration of telephoto and wide-angle functions in an optical lens system enables the camera to capture images both far away and in the close periphery simultaneously. The optical axes of the far-away and periphery shots are the same, which prevents parallax. As such, when used as an in-vehicle camera and the AI performs image recognition to collect road information that requires tracking signs or other vehicles in the distance, the camera system reduces the issue of losing track of the object or seeing a double image.
2. Reduced cost and failure rate due to effective positioning in the vehicle
When using this system as an in-vehicle camera, its effective positioning and integrated telephoto and wide-angle lens system means fewer cameras have to be installed in the vehicle while providing seamless 360-degree surround view coverage. This is expected to reduce existing issues such as system costs and failure rates.
The exhibit at CES 2025 will allow visitors to experience the benefits of the main features described above as VR footage.
Going forward, Nikon will explore possible ways of using this technology to help solve various social issues.
The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.