Camera-based automotive systems have been around for several years. As such they are no longer seen as innovative but a more established technology. That's one of the conclusions of a new report from IMS Research.

Many of the questions on advanced driver assistance systems that use vision have now been answered to some degree, such as: Which suppliers are the leaders; which sensors are best for given applications; which systems are most in demand in different regions; and what legislation has been proposed and passed. The hype on automotive camera modules has faded, says the report.

However, interest has been reawakened through the focus on connected cars and digital instrument clusters, as seen at both CES in Las Vegas and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier in this month. There seemed to be a clear trend to a digital LCD instrument cluster with interactive capabilities; to be used when required for other applications in the car, such as navigation and backup assist. While such advanced instrument clusters are so far limited to high-end cars, widening use is foretold by Ford which announced that, by 2015, 80% of its cars would have such technology.

Late last year, Nissan announced it would offer a navigation screen as a stand-alone option for just $400. “This is a stroke of genius by Nissan” says IMS Research analyst Helena Perslow, who has researched this area extensively since 2007. “Once a display is in the car it opens up so many possibilities for the vehicle manufacturer to add additional applications for marginal cost, which in turn can be offered to the consumers with a good profit margin. This could be the extra push that camera modules might need” [Ed. note: It's about time OEM nav systems became competitive with aftermarket offerings.]

Legislation, especially in the U.S. for rearward visibility, due to come into force in 2015, will push the fitment rate for cameras up; however, the technical specification is not yet decided. Judging from previous legislation, the technical specification would not specify a particular technology. This means that the requirements are to some extent open for interpretation by vehicle manufacturers.

“Unless NHTSA specify a camera-based solution, some vehicle manufacturers will opt for less costly ultrasonics; but if some type of display is already available in the car, a camera has a much higher marketing value and this should give it a better chance,” notes Perslow.

The IMS Research report, “The World Market for Automotive Camera Modules,” forecasts relatively modest growth in the next two years, with more rapid growth after 2011. IMS Research projects the market to grow at 31.5% annually, averaged over the next six years.