GEO Semiconductor Launches RGB-IR Solution for Automotive Cabin Monitoring Systems

Camera Video Processor solution using STMicroelectronics VB1940 5MP Automotive Image Sensor for optimized RGB and IR video for CV applications

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GEO Semiconductor Inc., the market leader in video processors for automotive viewing cameras, today announced a solution for simultaneously capturing and processing high-quality HDR color (RGB) and infrared (IR) automotive interior images from a single sensor. The solution will be shown at the GEO Semiconductor suite at CES 2023, Jan. 5^th- 8^th.

This solution combines ST’s newest VB1940 5MP RGB-IR image sensor and GEO’s proven GW5 Camera Video Processor. It joins the VB1940’s unique ability to offer both global and rolling shutter modes with the GW5’s ability to process both video formats on the fly to produce the industry’s only InCabin solution supporting both DMS and OMS applications with a single high-resolution camera while providing HDR on the color frame. The result allows for easy synchronization with cabin illuminators in global shutter mode while providing the HDR detail required for in cabin monitoring.

“We’ve seen that the interior space creates a unique set of requirements and challenges,” said John Casey, VP of Marketing and GM of Automotive at GEO. “These challenges often require dedicated sensors to handle driver monitoring, occupancy detection, and cabin video to name a few. Pairing GW5 with ST’s VB1940 5MP RGB-IR image sensor creates a single-sensor solution that can handle the needs of multiple monitoring systems and provide video suitable for viewing.”

The ST VB1940 5MP RGB-IR image sensor combines rolling- and global-shutter pixel technologies to offer a combination of features that address the complex challenges of in-cabin video. The rolling-shutter mode allows for multiple-exposure HDR-RGB images up to 100dB in dynamic range. The global-shutter mode delivers frame synchronization with pulsed IR illumination sources to provide flicker-free NIR (near infrared) video.

GW5 is a proven solution in the automotive space and is among the first ISPs to support the hybrid-shutter modes of the VB1940. With design wins across the vehicle, GEO is committed to providing quality solutions; adding ST’s VB1940 5MP RGB-IR to GW5 is key to supporting new innovations to the in-cabin space. The VB1940 will also be supported on GEO’s upcoming GW6 ISP which adds neural-network processing to create a full solution for In-Cabin monitoring and detection.

GW5 is available today, with advanced ASIL functional safety and AEC-Q100 Grade 2 certification for automotive applications. A demonstration will be made available exclusively at the GEO CES suite January 5-8^th, Las Vegas NV. Contact [e-mail] to book a demonstration. Contact your GEO sales representative at www.geosemi.com/contact.

About GEO Semiconductor

GEO Semiconductor Inc. is a private fabless semiconductor company developing camera video processors for automotive viewing and ADAS cameras. GEO’s value proposition is to provide automotive Tier-1s with the best hardware, tools, and support to guarantee exceptional image quality and system performance. GEO is headquartered in San Jose, CA with global representation in the U.S., Canada, Europe, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The company is led by world-class imaging and video professionals with extensive experience in research, implementation, and optimization of image signal processing, geometric processing, and computer vision processing for embedded platforms. Learn more at www.geosemi.com.