Seeing Machines Ltd (AIM:SEE, OTC:SEEMF) told investors it has launched new 3D camera technology for ‘in-cabin’ monitoring systems.
It has partnered with Montreal-based Airy3D to adapt its DepthIQ technology for automotive use, the company said.
The solution delivers 3D range data along with 5MP RGB and infrared 2D images using a single sensor and lens, supporting higher precision eye-tracking across the cabin.
"We are very pleased with the steady progress of Airy3D to adapt their unique technology to meet the rigorous requirements of in-cabin systems, and we are excited to be able to offer this technology exclusively to our automotive partners,” Seeing Machines CEO Paul McGlone said in a statement.
“The promise of cabin-monitoring is more intelligent and safer vehicles, but there is clearly a gap to bridge before vision-based cabin-monitoring systems are considered dependable enough to become fully integrated with passive safety technologies such as airbags and seatbelt restraints.”
“Airy3D's depth-sensing technology offers Seeing Machines a smooth transition to a future where vision sensors are trusted to become the primary source of in-cabin information."
Timothy Edwards, Seeing Machines co-founder, meanwhile, commented that the potential of 3D sensing to improve in-cabin monitoring has been recognised for many years, but high costs have restricted adoption in the industry.
“Seeing Machines has explored several cost-effective 3D sensing technologies in preparation for this transition," investors were told.
"Airy3D's solution, utilising a diffractive optical element as a thin plastic coating on top of an existing 2D image sensor, offers a uniquely low-cost, low-friction pathway for automakers to meet future safety regulations while capitalising on the many advantages of 3D vision,” Edwards added.