Leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, OmniVision Technologies, has announced a collaboration with Smart Eye to integrate OmniVision’s latest 2-megapixel image sensor with Smart Eye’s sensing algorithm library in a turnkey driver and cabin monitoring solution.
The new OV2311 is the industry’s first 2-megapixel senor with global shutter and an ASIL B rating in a small form factor, which are critical features for automotive applications that require high-precision gaze and eye tracking. The sensor-plus-algorithm solution enables full range of driver and cabin monitoring implementations, from safety application to augmented reality (AR) displays and interior sensing with deep neural networks and AI. The applications are near limitless giving the small form factor of the senor and the wide area it can function in.
“Automotive OEMs need image sensors that are certified to ASIL B for level-3 autonomous vehicles, beginning with 2021 models,” said Marius Evensen, senior automotive technical marketing manager at OmniVision. “The OV2311’s ASIL B certification includes advanced safety features. Additionally, by pairing it with Smart Eye’s sensing algorithm, we are providing OEMs with a robust, turnkey solution that meets the most demanding automotive industry requirements.”
By making the eye and gaze-tracking cameras as small as possible, it lowers chance of the drivers feeling like they are being monitored, all where allowing for the functionary that will be a benefit to them. Smaller camera tend to run hot and create excess system noise but the new OV2311 image senor, which comes in a chip-scale package, consumes half the power of competing 1-megapixel solutions. This ensures the temperature is kept under control without needing to sacrifice the performance of the senor. The high pixel density enables a wide field of view as well, allowing the senor to work in a number of different driver seat positions, allowing for clear and precise images for gaze-tracking.
“Our long-term, close working relationship allowed us to seamlessly merge our proven eye-tracking algorithm expertise with OmniVision’s industry-leading image sensors,” said Karolina Wikander, head of business management at Smart Eye. “OmniVision’s OV2311 is now the benchmark for the driver monitoring industry. Our combined solution benefits automotive OEMs needing a complete hardware and software package that has been thoroughly tested and is ready to implement in a wide variety of vehicles.”
The advances that have been made for the OV2311 image senor are a big step forward bringing the technology to a new level, all while maintaining a small form factor. This means that the senor could be used outside of the automotive industry and bring the eye and gaze-tracking solutions to further devices, including virtual reality (VR) and AR devices.
For all the latest on Smart Eye and OmniVision, keep reading VRFocus.
via Mint VR