Nikkei reports that Sony plans to start mass production of its automotive CMOS image sensor in May 2016. Initially, Sony planned to start volume production in December 2015. Slightly delayed, the first automotive product is expected to be IMX224MQV, a 1/3-inch 1.27MP CMOS sensor, announced in Oct 2014 and sampled since Nov 2014. Sony says that the sensor is able to shoot "high-quality color video" even with a luminance of 0.005lx, which is equivalent to a luminance on a dark night (darker than starlight).
If the mass production begins in May 2016 as scheduled, the IMX224MQV might be used in vehicles to be released in 2018. EuroNCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) will start to evaluate the capability of avoiding collision with passengers and bicycles at night in 2018. "The year 2018 is especially important," Sony said. "High sensitivity for nighttime shooting is important, and we will utilize our strength improved in the smartphone market."
If the mass production begins in May 2016 as scheduled, the IMX224MQV might be used in vehicles to be released in 2018. EuroNCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) will start to evaluate the capability of avoiding collision with passengers and bicycles at night in 2018. "The year 2018 is especially important," Sony said. "High sensitivity for nighttime shooting is important, and we will utilize our strength improved in the smartphone market."
