DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mitsubishi Electric, a leading manufacturer of in-vehicle entertainment, navigation systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technologies, announced that it has developed the first in-vehicle monitoring system with a single wide-angle camera to detect both the driver and front passenger simultaneously.
Conventional in-vehicle monitoring systems generally use a single camera to analyze the driver’s face for drowsiness or distraction. More recent imaging systems monitor the driver as well as the front passenger, but require several cameras. Mitsubishi Electric has refined this concept by developing a technology that uses just one wide-angle camera to identify both the face and hand gestures of driver and front passenger. This allows OEMs to offer a range of safety and personalization features at a lower cost.
“Monitoring both front-seat occupants not only lets us check driver-centric safety behavior, but also allows us to support additional gesture inputs for in-cab systems such as climate control or audio,” says Mark Vogel, senior product development manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America. “Providing a mix of safety and convenience features within the same monitoring system is critical as the line between those disciplines continue to blur.”
With features in development to monitor upper body position and detect slumping or collapsing, this technology may soon be able to identify medical emergencies, such as a heart attack or stroke. In such circumstances, the vehicle could take immediate action by dialing emergency services or even rerouting to a nearby hospital. Active safety monitoring systems like this will become especially important as we evolve toward the self-driving car.
This technology is expected to launch commercially in 2018. Mitsubishi Electric will exhibit the driver monitoring system during the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 from Oct. 27 - Nov. 5 and the Consumer Electronics Show 2018 in Las Vegas from Jan. 9 -12.
About Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, is a global supplier of in-vehicle infotainment, telematics, and safety systems. Founded in 1979, the company’s innovative technology enables automakers to exceed consumer expectations through high-quality vehicle designs at the speed of mobility. Industry leaders such as BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, and Volvo depend on Mitsubishi Electric for everything from engine-control units through navigation systems to autonomous-ready technologies. Additional Information is available at: www.meaa-mea.com.
About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
With over 90 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. Embracing the spirit of its corporate statement, Changes for the Better, and its environmental statement, Eco Changes, Mitsubishi Electric endeavors to be a global, leading green company, enriching society with technology. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 4,238.6 billion yen (US$ 37.8 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. For more information visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com
