Introduction
As autonomous driving assistance systems continue to develop, it has become crucial to test the safety and effectiveness of these camera systems. The Dynamic Test Stand has the unique ability to check an automotive camera for its capability of detecting and differentiating multiple objects within the cameras field of view.
This device has effectively created a new way of testing automotive image quality by measuring contrast detection probability (CDP). New technology in the automotive sector means traditional KPIs such as SNR have less importance and new measurements such as CDP are needed to address the latest technology.
Essentially, the DTS can test an extensive dynamic scene as opposed to a synthetic scene all within a lab environment. In the test lab, it can precisely recreate driving conditions that would be much harder to duplicate in an unpredictable outdoor setting.
While an outdoor setting is still possible, there are few options for analysis software to evaluate the miles of generated data. A breakthrough with the DTS has been the development of CDP evaluation software that can quickly analyze the data to see the object detection probability of the camera.
Standard workflow
Generate and export individual testing sequences on your pc from any location.
Import and manage sequences and receive live updates from the DTS device itself.
Evaluate, compare, export and share test results with different developers and manufacturers.
Hardware Features
The DTS device itself incorporates advanced hardware and LED lighting to create an all in one testing solution for automotive cameras. With one device, it is possible to run a test for contrast detection, color separation, modulated light mitigation (flicker) and motion artifacts (blurring).
Software Features
The DTS software is used to generate sequences, control the hardware and evaluate the test results. What makes this software invaluable is its ability to produce the test sequences and then evaluate the results, all of which is possible from a separate location than the device itself. This dynamic gives the research and development team much more freedom when testing.
DTS-Sequence Generator
Establish the individual testing sequences
This software can generate testing sequences using drag and drop control. It also controls step parameters, simulates the sequences and is capable of importing/exporting sequence files (XML-Format).
DTS-Control software
Use the hardware to manage and run the sequences effectively
This part of the software controls the sequence timeline on site. It also can correct the field of view, log (sensor tracing) and control the DTS-Calibration routine.
DTS-Evaluation software
Gather and quickly evaluate the test results
The evaluation software can quickly and efficiently analyze the results of the testing sequences. Use this software to evaluate CDP, CSP, MMP and motion artifacts.
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Technical Data
The DTS is a fully automated, highly intense illuminator based on LG3 technology. Measure multiple performance indicators in a single generated sequence including, Contrast Detection Probability (CDP), Color Separation Probability (CSP), Modulated Light Mitigation Probability (MMP), and motion artifacts.
CDP is measured using six different OECF transparent test charts made up of 216 greyscale patches and a dynamic range of 120 dB. CSP uses two integrated CAL2 devices to provide multispectral light sources based on iQ-LED technology. MMP utilizes flicker mode with a flicker frequency of 10 – 500 Hz and a flicker duty cycle. Motion artifacts are measured using two rotating slanted edge test charts.
This device can compensate for varying levels of distortion depending on the distortion of the DUT. It also exhibits a relative illumination stability of > 98% and an active service life of 10,000 hours.
Currently, the DTS-Evaluation software is available for the CDP measurements. Future developments will include the addition of CSP, MMP, and motion artifacts evaluation software. These additions will be available during the first software updates.
Dynamic Test Stand (DTS) Preliminary Data
| Principle | Versatile, dynamic test stand. Automated, sequence-based measurement of multiple performance indicators |
| Light Source | 7 x high intensity LED light sources based on LG3 technology, 2 x CAL2 based on iQ-LED technology |
| Flicker Frequency | 10-500 Hz, 0.1 Hz steps (10-200 Hz), 0.2 Hz steps (200-500 Hz) |
| Flicker Duty Cycle | 1-99% in 1% steps |
| Field of View | Variable mechanical distortion compensation 25° - 160° (depending on the distortion of the DUT) |
| Contrast Charts | 216 Greyscale patches (6 x 36) |
| Dynamic Range | Approx. 120 dB |
| Metrics | Contrast Detection Probability, Modulated Light Mitigation Probability (Flicker), Color Separation Probability, Motion Artifacts (smear) |
| Motion | Motion artifacts measurement on a rotating, translucent, slanted edge test chart |
| Software | Sequence-based measurement divided into three steps: DTS-Sequence generation, DTS-Control, DTS-Evaluation |