GEO Semiconductor unveils real-time electronic ePTZ capability via its sxW2 IC

ISC West 2011, SANTA CLARA, USA: GEO Semiconductor Inc., the industry leader in high performance, programmable 2/3D video and geometric pixel processor IC solutions that enable large new markets in LED-backlit LCD displays and smartphone cameras (optics through sensor), announced the availability of a new product platform centered around its eWARPTM sxW2 IC at the International Security Conference 2011 (ISC West) being held in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 6th through 8th, 2011.

The sxW2 is a low latency in-stream pixel processor that provides designers with advanced system capabilities such as electronic pan-tilt-zoom and image enhancements (ePTZTM) along with de-warp of fish eye lenses. The sxW2 also has a built-in high performance scalar, for scaling images with very high images quality. It also includes the necessary means for Image Stitching. This capability enables designers to seamlessly stitch together multiple cameras.

The sxW2 functions as a co-processor with a simple command interface via any standard serial bus, and independently performs the above functions. Using this IC, designers can de-warp lenses of varying fields of view, up to 360 degrees, and accomplish real time de-warp of the entire image at frame rates up to 60 fps. In addition, the device supports a large number of user-defined sub-views. Each sub-view of the main image has pan-tilt-zoom capabilities that are independent of the other panels.

Additionally, the same IC can concurrently correct for color and brightness uniformity variations on displays and correct for distortions and aberrations of lenses, including pincushion and barrel distortions as well as for chromatic aberration and lateral color separation.

This unique capability allows designers to use the IC to reduce the weight and cost of the system by using fewer lens elements, as well as migrate to lower cost materials for the lenses. Most importantly, this capability allows designers to eliminate motors for mechanical zoom. Mechanical motors have limited life compared to the electronics. Motors also consume higher levels of power. By eliminating motors, the system life and reliability are extended significantly.

A single sxW2 allows designers to offer resolutions up to 1920x1200 at 60fps. The open, self-configuring architecture of the IC permits designers to use multiple ICs to target systems of higher resolutions.