ams OSRAM releases high-performance 3D sensing proof-of-concept which supports advanced driver monitoring features

ams OSRAM, a global leader in opticalsolutions, today revealed the ICARUS proof-of-concept which shows how to upgradedesigns for Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) to support valuable new features such as anaugmented reality head-up display (AR-HuD), secure driver authentication, and advanceddrowsiness detection.
ams OSRAM is exhibiting the ICARUS system at the Automotive Engineering Exposition
ICARUS is a proof-of-concept for advanced DMS mounted in the instrument cluster or A-pillar. The
ams OSRAM 3D sensing system provides high-resolution depth maps (<±0.5% depth accuracy at a
range of 45-70cm) using a structured light method. It uses an ams OSRAM depth-extraction
algorithm which offers scope for even higher performance in future for customers which support
custom product development. The system is implemented with automotive vertical-cavity surfaceemitting
laser (VCSEL) near infrared (NIR) flood and dot pattern projectors from ams OSRAM.
Customers can deploy their DMS software in tandem with the accurate depth map of the driver’s
face to determine the 3D position of the driver’s eyes and head pose. High-value driver monitoring
functions such as AR-HuD and driver authentication can be based on this 3D position information.
The ICARUS system’s accurate measurement of the position of the driver’s head in 3D also
supports the implementation of software to detect micro-sleeps and other advanced signs of
drowsiness which pose a risk to road safety.
ICARUS shows automotive OEMs that there is a straightforward, low-cost upgrade path from DMS
designs which use 2D NIR sensing to a full-featured, high-value 3D sensing system. The upgrade
requires only the addition of an NIR dot pattern projector and supporting depth extraction software.
“Structured light sensing technology is proven in the consumer market, where it is used for instance
for secure face authentication in mobile phones,” said Firat Sarialtun, Global Segment Manager for
In-Cabin Sensing at ams OSRAM. “Previously in the automotive world, however, 3D sensing has
only been implemented with dedicated indirect time-of-flight (iToF) cameras. The ICARUS system
shows that the automotive industry can take advantage of the experience of 3D sensing which ams
OSRAM has gained in the consumer world, and apply it to upgrade existing 2D NIR-based DMS
systems simply and at low cost, with the addition of just a single laser component.”
The ICARUS proof-of-concept is available now for demonstration to customers. Customers should
contact the automotive sales organisation of ams OSRAM to find out more.