Philips and Omnivision Collaborate on In-Cabin Driver Health Monitoring

Philips and Omnivision have joined forces to create a groundbreaking prototype of an in-cabin driver monitoring system that is set to revolutionize the automotive industry.

The innovative prototype utilizes an Omnivision 5MPixel CMOS image sensor integrated into a Philips vital signs camera with automotive software. This cutting-edge system is designed to monitor the driver's pulse and breathing rate, providing valuable data that can be used to customize comfort settings while driving.

The data collected by the monitoring system enables intelligent adaptation of various comfort features such as media, climate control, lighting, seating positions, engine modes, and even scent preferences. Additionally, it can facilitate timed delivery of vehicle notifications and offer adaptive route and break suggestions, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The OX05B1S image sensor used in the monitoring system is a state-of-the-art RGB-IR backside illuminated (BSI) global shutter sensor specifically designed for in-cabin monitoring applications. Its advanced silicon semiconductor architectures and processes allow it to achieve industry-leading quantum efficiency at the 940nm near-infrared (NIR) wavelength.

This exceptional capability enables the OX05B1S sensor to detect and recognize objects that would typically be missed by other image sensors under extremely low lighting conditions, providing superior performance in in-cabin camera functionalities.

An advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled OAX4600 image signal processor seamlessly processes the data captured by the image sensor, further enhancing the capabilities of the med-tech system.

In addition to their collaboration with Philips, Omnivision has also partnered with GEO Semiconductor to develop an AI-enabled in-cabin monitoring system that promises to set new standards in automotive safety and comfort.

According to Ritesh Agarwal, senior automotive marketing manager at Omnivision, "Automotive OEMs are continuously seeking ways to enhance the driving experience by introducing innovative features that elevate comfort levels in vehicles. Our partnership with Philips has resulted in a vital signs monitoring solution tailored specifically for the automotive industry, offering seamless integration with the car's comfort and safety settings."

Laurens Pronk, business development manager for EMEA at Philips, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, "Our work with Omnivision has demonstrated the remarkable capabilities of existing camera sensors in accurately measuring vital signs such as pulse rate and breathing rate. This in-cabin solution not only adds value for automotive consumers but also streamlines the product development process for tier-one automotive OEMs."