Advanced driver monitoring systems go mainstream

Written By Benoit Conotte

Camera-based driver monitoring systems are appearing in mid-segment as well as premium segment vehicles.

The wider adoption of this active safety system is driven by forthcoming stricter legislation and the need to prepare for highly-automated driving.

Furthermore, consumer groups like Euro NCAP are starting to include DMS in their safety ratings.  This is leading to concern as to whether automakers with passive driver monitoring systems will still be able to achieve the top 5-star ratings…

Find out more about DMS trends and adoptions

Responsible for 80 per cent of all accidents on the road, distracted driving has been described as the "new drunk driving."  Although external factors certainly contribute towards accidents, in reality, the most dangerous driving parameter is the driver. 

Driver monitoring systems aim to detect driver distraction and propose alerts or countermeasures in order to prevent accidents.  Systems fall into 2 categories – active (direct) and passive (indirect).  Passive DMS has traditionally relied on steering wheel sensors and driving trajectory.  Active systems are far more advanced, using in-vehicle cameras and sensors to directly monitor and interpret the driver’s state. They use a series of parameters such as eyelid closure, gaze direction, blinking, yawning etc.

Toyota was well ahead of the market when they launched the first active, camera-based DMS in 2006 in the Lexus LS 460, with technology supplied by Aisin.  Widespread adoption of active DMS has taken time, but a series of accidents over recent years has highlighted the importance of DMS in ADAS, especially for Level 2 & 3. 

As a result, legislation is becoming more stringent and difficult to meet with passive systems.  Although active systems require additional hardware, OEMs see opportunities to leverage driver and cabin monitoring cameras and sensors to propose other value-added functionality to their customers.

For these reasons, active DMS has risen significantly over the last 2 years and is penetrating more vehicle segments.

Examples:

  • Toyota / Lexus were first to market with a camera-based system in 2006.  The initial version monitored the gaze direction of the driver to check that they were paying attention to the road ahead.  The function has since been improved to monitor the driver’s eyes for drowsiness detection, including through sunglasses or at night.

  • BMW introduced their first camera-based driver monitoring system in the 2019 X5 to check that driver’s eyes are open and on the road.  They have since extended the technology to a range of models.

  • Cadillac first introduced their super cruise system that supports piloted driving on the CT6.  The system monitors the driver’s eyes and head position to ensure that they are paying attention to the road ahead.  From 2020, Cadillac will start to roll-out the super cruise to the rest of their model line-up.

  • Mercedes-Benz attention assist currently uses sensors in the steering wheel to detect signs of drowsiness, but has announced the adoption of camera-based technology in the new S-Class Digital: “My MBUX”.  In fact, the cameras will be used to improve the user experience, but will also be used to monitor the driver’s attention level and issue a warning if there are signs of micro-sleep.

  • PSA / DS claims that their “Innovative DS Automobiles’ driver monitoring technology is leading the charge ahead of a 2022 safety deadline that will mean all new EU cars must be fitted with fatigue alert systems.”  The system uses a driver-facing camera to detect signs of distraction or drowsiness and is already available in the DS7 Crossback.

  • Subaru: In addition to monitoring drivers for distraction or a medical emergency, Subaru’s DriverFocus can identify up to 5 different drivers, adapting the vehicle to their preferred settings once the driver enters the vehicle.  DriverFocus is available on various models across Subaru’s vehicle lineup, typically as part of a higher trim level’s standard equipment. 

Other OEMs’ lead vehicles for camera-based DMS:

  • Mazda: 2018 Mazda 3

  • Nissan: 2019 Skyline

  • Ford: 2019 Mustang Mach-E

  • Hyundai-Kia: announced for 2021

Sources:

Benoit Conotte
Previous

Driver and cabin monitoring systems: turning compliance into luxury branding opportunities
Next

Deadlines for driver monitoring systems are approaching fast