Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) is teaming up with Jungo to develop a new driver monitoring system for connected cars. The solution will blend ADI’s Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology with Jungo’s CoDriver software platform.

The in-car cameras outfitted with the new system will improve vehicle safety by tracking head and eye movements to watch for signs of drowsiness and distracted driving. They will also enable face and gesture recognition. The technology will give drivers new ways to interact with their vehicle while delivering a more personal automotive experience. For example, the system can enable ride-sharing payments, or remember an individual’s entertainment preferences.  

Jungo’s CoDriver algorithms leverage machine learning and computer vision to keep tabs on various elements of the cabin. The system monitors the state of the driver, and can determine the number of passengers (and whether or not those passengers are wearing a seatbelt).

ADI’s 3D ToF LIDAR tech is expected to enhance those capabilities.

“The collaboration between ADI and Jungo opens the door to new and innovative augmented reality applications beyond today’s gesture control,” said ADI Automotive Connectivity and Sensing Product Director Vlad Bulavsky.

“We are delighted to enable equipment manufacturers to comply with regulations and innovate in their next-generation vehicles,” added Jungo CEO Ophir Herbst.

The partnership reaffirms ADI’s interest in the automotive space. The company previously joined forces with B-Secur to develop a driver identification system with the latter’s electrocardiogram (ECG) technology. ADI has also licensed ultrasonic fingerprint sensors from Sonovation.

Of course, ADI and Jungo are not the only companies working to improve driver automotive safety with more responsive in-car monitoring systems. DriverFocus was one of the key selling points of the Subaru Forester, and Mitsubishi introduced a similar feature when it announced its EMIRAI S concept car in October. Meanwhile, NXP and Momenta are currently working to develop their own Driver Monitoring Systems.