Infrared Training Center

Monday, September 21, 2009

How does the Lexus Driver Attention Monitor Work?

Here is how Lexus describes their Driver Attention Monitor:


"Mounted on the steering wheel column, a driver-monitor camera is part of the Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS). It’s designed to recognize when the driver isn’t facing forward. If a frontal collision seems likely and the Driver Attention Monitor senses that the driver is not facing forward, a warning tone will sound, followed by a flashing light. "


While I don't have detailed specifications of the system, I believe that the system employs a near IR camera, working at the same wavelengths as an infrared remote control to view the drivers head. There might be an infrared LED providing illumination for the camera at night.


So I don't think this system is a LW IR camera as is typically used for thermography.