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With 1.35 million people dying on roadways each year, advanced vehicle systems can keep our roads safer for everyone.

Last year, a new revised General Safety Regulation was passed in the European Union, mandating advanced vehicle systems in European vehicles to protect passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

According to a press release from the European Commission, mandatory safety features include:

• For cars, vans, trucks, and buses: warning of driver drowsiness and distraction (e.g. smartphone use while driving), intelligent speed assistance, reversing safety with camera or sensors, and data recorder in case of an accident (‘black box').
• For cars and vans: lane-keeping assistance, advanced emergency braking, and crash-test improved safety belts.
• For trucks and buses: specific requirements to improve the direct vision of bus and truck drivers and to remove blind spots, and systems at the front and side of the vehicle to detect and warn of vulnerable road users, especially when making turns.

A 360-degree vehicle camera is one such system that could greatly improve reversing safety and remove blind spots.

What is a 360-degree vehicle camera system?
Several video cameras are strategically placed on each bumper and on both sides of the vehicle. Software then translates the feed from each camera into a single image on the infotainment screen, giving you a real-time, bird’s eye view of what’s surrounding your car.

Depending on the vehicle, the 360-degree camera may be activated when you press a button or shift your vehicle into reverse. Some newer camera systems let you choose from various perspectives: a 180-degree view of the front or the back, as well as a 90-degree view of either side, where most blind spots are.

These cameras remove the guesswork out of driving. They make it easier to maneuver into tight spaces and be more aware of potential hazards and obstacles.

Here’s a short video explaining a 360-degree vehicle camera system.

Leading innovation in vehicle safety
Through its subsidiary, VIA Optronics, IMI is making cars future-ready with autonomous driving—designing, developing, and manufacturing vision-based products to support Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Our IMI Minicube Platform, one of the smallest automotive camera designs, comes with excellent heat dissipation features for better image quality even at extreme temperatures. At less than ten grams excluding the lens, this ultra-light camera is adaptable to various types of lenses and suitable for ADAS and mirror replacement supplication.

IMI’s proven and validated camera platforms ensure a faster time-to-market, come with multiple variants to meet customer needs, and have a lean manufacturing design for lower assembly costs.

As the world’s sixth-largest automotive EMS provider, IMI continues to provide end-to-end solutions for the global automotive market. “Business wins related to the automotive camera continue to rise and provide IMI with leverage in offering more advanced technologies such as mirror replacement and camera-video system level modules. Revenues in this group is seen to double to US$124 Million in the next five years,” Arthur Tan, CEO of IMI, shared with the Manila Standard.

Each year, 1.35 million people are killed on roadways around the world. With most of these accidents caused by human error, we must harness technology to pave a safer path for everyone to travel.

As one of the Top 20 EMS companies in the world, IMI has over 40 years of experience in providing electronics manufacturing and technology solutions. 

At IMI, we believe that humanity drives technology, and we direct our passion at solutions that enhance our way of living.  With more than 400,000 square meters of factory space in 22 factories across 10 countries, we are positioned to build your business on a global scale.

Our proven technical expertise, worldwide reach, and vast experience in high-growth and emerging markets make us the ideal global manufacturing solutions partner.

Let's work together to build our future today.