First Graphics SoC with OpenVX Enables Advanced Computer Vision Solutions

The recently announced Socionext SC1810 graphics SoC features the world’s first OpenVX-compliant hardware accelerator. The SoC will enable a range of advanced computer vision solutions for industrial, home and automotive applications.

Computer systems able to “see” and understand the world around them by processing visual and sensor information are poised to transform our lives in exciting ways.

Imagine, for example, factory automation systems able to perceive and respond to their surroundings. Not only would the flexibility of such systems make them easier to deploy and more efficient to operate, they would also be safer for humans working alongside them.

The potential extends far beyond just industrial applications. Smart sensing machines in the home that could recognize faces, gestures and behaviors would bring huge leaps in personalization, convenience and security. And automobiles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) capable of detecting and reacting nearly instantaneously to environmental conditions and hazards would immeasurably improve the safety and comfort of drivers and passengers.

These applications and many others are being enabled by cutting-edge advances in machine learning and sensor technologies. Just last March, Socionext announced a new SoC designed to accelerate advanced computer vision solutions.

Socionext SC1810 high-performance graphics display SoC with OpenVX

Our recently announced "SC1810" series of high-performance graphics display controllers (GDCs) feature the world’s first hardware accelerator compliant with OpenVX, an open standard for cross-platform computer vision applications (read press release).

The OpenVX standard, issued by the Khronos Group, is designed to provide the performance and power-efficiency required for demanding real-time embedded vision applications. Examples include advanced driver assistance systems, robotics, augmented reality, smart video surveillance, sophisticated image recognition (face, gesture, object, etc.), and more.

By incorporating the OpenVX standard into the SC1810 SoC, Socionext aims to help application developers get to market quickly with high performance, low-power embedded vision functionality.

The SC1810 is our fourth-generation high-performance GDC, offering five times the 3D-image processing performance of previous products. The SoC supports the H.264 codec and is capable of handling multiple Full-HD displays and cameras across six output and three input channels.

We equipped the SC1810 with a dedicated Vision Processor Unit (VPU) featuring the first OpenVX- compliant hardware accelerator and a programmable parallel data accelerator. The VPU enables performance-intensive advanced functions such as image recognition, approaching object detection and three-dimensional visualization with low-power consumption.

The SoC is fully compatible with CGI Studio, our custom 2D/3D HMI creation solution for embedded applications. System developers can leverage the CGI Studio suite to cost-effectively design, prototype, and implement complete GUIs/HMIs for their products – further accelerating their time to market.

Ideal for ADAS Solutions and other Computer Vision Applications

The SC1810 SoC is well-suited for automotive, industrial and home applications requiring advanced computer vision and video capabilities. Below are a couple examples.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Consumer demand is prompting automakers to augment existing safety features like bumpers, air bags and traction control with systems designed to prevent collisions altogether. The SC1810, with its support for the OpenVX standard and high-performance VPU, is an ideal solution for car manufactures wanting to incorporate machine vision technology capable of identifying approaching vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and road hazards.

360-Degree Computer Vision

The SC1810 SoC is the latest graphics solution from Socionext to support our 360-degree Wrap-around View technology. This technology combines input from multiple cameras to create a seamless and clear 360° view around a vehicle, building or machine.

Unlike other solutions that stitch together two-dimensional images, our 360-degree technology can provide a view from any perspective using a “free eye point.”  This kind of omnidirectional perspective is invaluable to drivers, helping them safely back up, park, turn corners or change lanes by eliminating blind spots. It is also applicable to industrial, public transit, security and other applications.

Socionext SC1810 Graphics SoC Features