In our ongoing series on driver monitoring and interior sensing technologies, we have explored their current landscape, technological advancements, and practical use cases in enhancing vehicle safety and user experience. Today, we turn our attention to the future, examining how these technologies will evolve with the rise of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). We also discuss the challenges faced by technology providers and vehicle manufacturers in implementing these systems, with insights from Detlef Wilke, Vice-President of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Smart Eye.
As autonomous vehicles and ADAS become more prevalent, the role of interior sensing will expand significantly. Detlef Wilke explains that while some might assume driver monitoring will become obsolete with autonomous vehicles, the opposite is true. The focus of monitoring shifts from the driver to ensuring all passengers are safe and accounted for.
For instance, in higher levels of autonomous driving, it remains crucial to monitor whether there is a passenger in the vehicle and to ensure they are in a safe position. If passengers are unbuckled or have unsecured items, the impact in a crash could be severe. Interior sensing systems must be capable of detecting such scenarios to prevent accidents and enhance safety.
Additionally, in scenarios where autonomous driving systems require the driver to take back control, it is essential to ensure the driver is alert and ready to assume control. This need underscores the importance of advanced driver monitoring even in highly automated vehicles.
One of the biggest challenges in developing and implementing interior sensing technology is the physical placement of cameras and managing costs. Ideally, multiple cameras would be placed throughout the vehicle to cover all angles and scenarios. However, this is often unaffordable, making it necessary to find optimal camera positions that maximize functionality while minimizing costs.
Detlef Wilke highlights that Smart Eye excels in optimizing the use of available technology to get the most out of a single camera position. By carefully selecting camera locations and using synthetic data generation to simulate different scenarios, Smart Eye can predict performance and make necessary adjustments before the car even reaches production. This approach allows for cost-efficient solutions that do not compromise on functionality.
Another challenge is the need to minimize the computational footprint of these systems. High-power computers increase costs, so optimizing the code to reduce the required computational resources is crucial. Smart Eye’s expertise in this area ensures that their solutions are both effective and economical for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Differentiation is a significant trend influencing the development and adoption of interior sensing technologies. Beyond meeting basic legislative requirements, manufacturers seek to differentiate their vehicles through advanced features. These features can range from enhanced safety systems to innovative entertainment options.
Detlef Wilke notes that there is a wide range of features that interior sensing systems can offer, typically between 30 and 90, depending on the optical system and additional sensors like radars. OEMs usually plan to implement 15 to 25 of these features in production vehicles, tailored to their brand’s focus—whether it be safety, innovation, or customer entertainment.
The future of interior sensing technologies in autonomous vehicles and ADAS is both exciting and challenging. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, these systems will play a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety and enhancing the driving experience. Smart Eye’s commitment to optimizing technology, managing costs, and delivering comprehensive solutions positions them as a leader in this evolving field.
Stay tuned for our next installment, where we will explore the potential of interior sensing technologies to revolutionize in-car interactions and user experiences.
Want to learn more? Download our eBook, “Interior Sensing: The Next Frontier in Improving Road Safety and the Mobility Experience” here, or contact us today!
