STMicroelectronics Develops New Hybrid Sensor for Full Vehicle Interior Monitoring

As leading automotive markets start to mandate driver-monitoring systems (DMS), STMicroelectronics is already equipping carmakers with the required technologies.

While DMS promises greater road safety by assessing driver alertness, the next-generation dual image sensor ST announced monitors the full vehicle interior covering both the driver and all passengers.

New applications enabled by ST’s new image sensor include passenger safety-belt checks, vital-sign monitoring, child-left detection, gesture recognition, and high-quality video/picture recording.

“The DMS market is growing at a double-digit pace. ST’s new image sensor is set to push that forward by enabling brands to create new services and deliver even greater value for vehicle users, leveraging complete in-cabin monitoring that covers multiple occupants,” said Eric Aussedat, EVP, Imaging Sub-Group GM, STMicroelectronics. “Our market-leading DMS sensor provided the perfect launchpad to take the technology further and empower new innovations.”

The new sensor, the VD/VB1940, delivers a cost-effective solution that combines the sensitivity and high resolution of infrared sensing with high dynamic range (HDR) color imaging in a single component. It can capture frames alternatively in rolling-shutter and global-shutter modes. DMS uses NIR imaging to analyze driver head and eye movements in all lighting conditions.