Canadian automotive Tier 1 Magna says it has secured a high-volume order from a German auto maker to bring its combined camera, electronics and interior mirror driver monitoring technology to the market starting in 2024.
The company’s monitoring system combines camera, electronics and the interior mirror in one unit, reducing packaging complexities by fully integrating a high-resolution camera, infrared emitters and electronic control unit in a single package. The camera is hidden behind the mirror glass, providing packaging and styling improvements compared with existing solutions on the market today. Software monitors the driver’s head, eye and body movements to detect signs of distracted behavior, drowsiness and fatigue. In addition, the system features in-cabin monitoring that covers not only the driver but also the activities and presence of other people in the vehicle.
“Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents globally, and many markets are consequently making driver monitoring a standard safety technology,” said John O’Hara, president of Magna Electronics and Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting. “With our proven leadership and expertise in camera and mirror technology, it’s natural that we have been able to develop an innovative system solution that meets future Euro NCAP and GSR requirements, and optimizes space, styling and costs.”
Magna highlights that a key benefit of its system is its central, unobstructed location high on the windshield, which provides an optimal view of the driver, the front seat passenger and the second- and third-row occupants. This allows both driver and occupancy monitoring with a single camera uniquely packaged into the mirror unit.