STMicro's lowlight image sensor saves one LED in driver monitoring system

AI based human physical behaviour monitoring solution provider Smart Eye has used STMicroelectronics' devices in developing 1-LED Driver Monitoring System (DMS) for automotives. Smart Eye has applied its People monitoring AI algorithms and used STMicro's lowlight supporting highly sensitive automotive-grade global-shutter VB56G4A image sensor in developing this new DMS with lower power consumption and lesser cost by using only one single illumination LED lamp, saving two or more LEDs which are used in present DMS systems. This DMS requires a very simple low-power, non-visible near infrared LED emitter to provide adequate illumination for the sensor. Since it is near infrared which is outside visible spectrum, makes DMS work well during both day or night driving and in bright or overcast conditions, to take care safetly problems arising from potential driver-fatigue/slipping to sleep while on wheels. “The excellent performance and high sensitivity of ST’s automotive-grade global-shutter imaging sensor is an excellent match for Smart Eye’s industry-proven driver-monitoring algorithms,” said Eric Aussedat, Executive Vice President, Imaging Sub-Group General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “In developing a sensor with 2.6µm pixel size and double the quantum efficiency of previous-generation sensors, we’ve simplified DMS development, reduced its power consumption, and lowered cos...