Seeing Machines, a leading provider of advanced computer vision technology, has introduced a cutting-edge 3D camera designed specifically for next-generation in-cabin monitoring systems. This breakthrough comes as a result of a successful four-year collaboration with Airy3D Inc., a Montreal-based 3D technology company. Together, the two companies have refined Airy3D’s DepthIQ technology to meet the unique demands of automotive in-cabin monitoring.
The new camera system not only delivers 3D range data but also offers 5MP RGB color and infrared (IR) 2D images. These images share the same characteristics required by today’s in-cabin systems, making the technology fully compatible with existing 2D in-cabin software. The system supports precision eye-tracking across the entire cabin field-of-view, marking a significant leap in monitoring capabilities. Furthermore, for the first time, a single camera module supports both 5MP RGBIR 2D and 3D sensing using a single sensor and lens.
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Timothy Edwards, Co-Founder of Seeing Machines, explained, “While the potential of 3D sensing for in-cabin monitoring has long been recognized, high costs have limited its adoption primarily to premium vehicles. However, due to evolving safety standards designed to protect occupants in a wider range of accident scenarios, 3D sensing is expected to become a standard requirement for in-cabin monitoring systems. Through this partnership with Airy3D, we have explored cost-effective 3D sensing technologies that will help automakers meet these future safety regulations, while benefiting from the many advantages of 3D vision.”
Chris Barrett, CEO of Airy3D, added, “In partnering with Seeing Machines, we found a company that not only has an excellent channel to market but also understands the full spectrum of requirements—from sensor technology to the optical stack, computing, and software features. Seeing Machines’ long-term approach and systems expertise made them the ideal partner for us.”
Paul McGlone, CEO of Seeing Machines, concluded, “We are excited to offer this innovative technology exclusively to our automotive partners. While the promise of in-cabin monitoring systems is to create safer and more intelligent vehicles, we understand that there’s still work to be done before these vision-based systems can be fully integrated with passive safety technologies like airbags and seatbelts. Airy3D’s depth sensing technology provides a seamless pathway to a future where vision sensors become the primary source of in-cabin information.”
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FAQs
1. What makes Seeing Machines’ 3D camera technology different from other in-cabin monitoring systems?
The new 3D camera technology from Seeing Machines combines 3D range data with 5MP RGB color and infrared 2D images, all from a single camera module. This integration allows for precise eye-tracking across the entire cabin field-of-view while ensuring compatibility with existing 2D in-cabin software.
2. How does Airy3D’s DepthIQ™ technology improve in-cabin monitoring systems?
Airy3D’s DepthIQ technology uses a diffractive optical element that sits on top of an existing 2D image sensor, enabling cost-effective 3D sensing. This breakthrough allows automakers to meet upcoming safety regulations while enhancing the performance of in-cabin monitoring systems without significantly increasing costs.
3. What role will 3D sensing play in future vehicle safety standards?
As safety regulations evolve, 3D sensing is expected to become a standard requirement for in-cabin monitoring systems. It will help improve the safety of occupants by offering more accurate and comprehensive monitoring, which can be integrated with other passive safety systems like airbags and seatbelts.
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