ADAS Camera Maker Boosts Night and Tunnel Low-Light Imaging with 192 Degree Fisheye Lens
Case Study: Reliable Low-Light Imaging for an ADAS Camera Programme
Our customer is a manufacturer of automotive vision modules for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Their platforms rely on continuous, high-quality imaging for surround view, blind-spot monitoring and reverse assistance — and the toughest challenge was never daylight, but the dark.
The Challenge
The customer needed a camera lens that could deliver usable images in the most demanding low-light scenarios:
- Night driving: minimal ambient light on unlit roads and in car parks.
- Tunnels: extreme transitions between bright daylight and deep shade.
- Overcast and rainy weather: flat, low-contrast lighting with reduced visibility.
- Harsh outdoor conditions: rain, dust and spray demanding a rugged, sealed design.
Their previous optics produced noisy, low-contrast images in these conditions, undermining both driver confidence and ADAS decision-making.
The Solution: 192 Degree IP68 Super Fisheye Lens
We supplied our 1.37mm F2.0 IP68 waterproof M12 super fisheye lens, specified for automotive low-light imaging. Key technical highlights include:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Focal Length / Aperture | 1.37mm / F2.0 — large aperture for more light intake |
| Field of View | 192° ultra-wide super fisheye |
| Optical Structure | 9G+IR, IMX678 sensor compatible |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 sealed housing |
| Mount | M12 standard thread |
The large F2.0 aperture captures more light, while the 9-element glass construction and IR filter improve contrast and colour accuracy in dim scenes. The 192° fisheye field of view lets a single camera cover nearly a full hemisphere, reducing blind spots for surround-view and reverse-assist functions.
Implementation
- Lens samples were tuned to the customer's IMX678 sensor for optimal low-light response.
- Mechanical integration was completed on their existing M12 mount for a drop-in upgrade.
- Environmental validation covered rain, spray and temperature cycling, with the IP68 design passing the customer's sealing tests.
Results
| Metric | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Low-light image quality | Markedly brighter, higher-contrast night and tunnel images |
| Field coverage | 192° fisheye enabled near-hemispherical coverage per camera |
| Weather reliability | Stable performance in rain, spray and overcast conditions thanks to IP68 sealing |
| Integration | M12 mount simplified adoption into existing ADAS designs |
With the new lens, the customer's ADAS platform delivered dependable imaging across day and night, improving driver-assistance reliability and giving end users greater confidence in dark and low-visibility conditions.
Conclusion
Low-light performance is often the deciding factor in automotive vision projects. By combining a large-aperture F2.0 design, a 192° super fisheye field of view, 9G+IR optics and IP68 ruggedness, our lens helped the customer solve their toughest imaging challenge. Whether for ADAS, surround view or reverse assistance, the right optics turn "hard to see" into "clear and reliable". Contact us to discuss a lens solution for your next automotive camera project.
