IEEE Standards Working Group Developing Industry-First Automotive Imaging Standards

June 1, 2023 – As ADAS applications become more prevalent in the industry, there is a crucial need to create standards for image quality in the hopes of improving safety for all drivers. To meet this need, the IEEE Automotive Image Quality Standards Working Group P2020 announced the availability of the draft version of IEEE P2020(™)  Automotive System Image Quality Draft Standard.

The draft standard currently under development will define a standardized suite of objective test methods for measuring automotive camera image quality attributes. It will also specify tools and test methods to facilitate standards-based communication and comparison among OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and component vendors regarding automotive ADAS image quality.

Formed in 2016 to address the gap in automotive imaging standards, the IEEE P2020 Working Group received input from more than 300 auto industry experts who shared feedback and helped to identify gaps in existing standards.

“New cars have dozens of cameras, integrated into many safety systems, often serving to replace our eyes, but the industry lacks a consistent way to measure image quality,” explained Margaret Belska, Chair of the P2020 Working Group. “The standard when approved by the IEEE Standards Board will help to create a set of KPIs that can be used to evaluate camera systems and components in automotive applications.”

Standards Will Impact Many Aspects of Automotive Imaging

The unique challenges of the automotive industry made consistent standards particularly important. The uncontrolled environment, complex hardware, and the combination of human and machine viewing in auto applications make existing image standards incomplete.

IEEE P2020 addresses these complexities, and includes preliminary proposals for flare, geometric calibration validation, noise, dynamic range, spatial frequency response (SFR) and flicker.

OEMs and Suppliers Encouraged to Share Feedback

IEEE P2020 is anticipated to be approved by the IEEE SA Standards Board and published in 2024. The working group’s goal for 2023 is to receive input from those across the industry landscape. Feedback from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology experts is absolutely paramount to improving the standard.

To purchase the draft standard, visit the IEEE SA Standards Store. Please direct feedback, ideas or comments on these standards to std-P2020@ieee.org for consideration by the working group.

“OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and technology experts all have important roles to play in creating open standards that meet the needs of the automotive industry as a whole in the area of safety-critical ADAS applications,” said Balaji Holur, Senior Director of Image Systems and Software at NVIDIA. “Safety is our top priority, and we support open dialogue among industry leaders to help bring IEEE’s P2020 automotive system image-quality standard to fruition.”