3-D hybrid camera "sees" car occupants

APRIL 16--International Electronics & Engineering SA (IEE; Luxembourg-Findel; www.iee.lu) is working on the next generation of passive safety systems in automobiles using a combined 3-D/2-D hybrid camera system. This system will inform a car's passive restraint system by detecting and classifying the occupant type as well as sensing the occupant's position according to NHTSA FMVSS 208 regulations and by including dynamic out-of-position sensing. The camera system will be located in a central overhead console.

To develop the 3-D Hybrid Camera System, IEE is using 3-D modulated light intensity (MLI) camera technology developed from CSEM (Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA). IEE has acquired from CSEM the exclusive rights for worldwide automotive applications. The 3-D MLI camera is based on the optical time-of-flight principle, which provides direct distance information on objects in front of the camera. The 3-D camera generates a distance value matrix to obtain a topographical image. Distance data enables the accurate spatial location of the object or occupant in the camera's field of view. Misinterpretations between objects and textures or pictures are excluded by the topographical data. The 3-D data are directly available at the 3-D matrix sensor output.

The 3-D Hybrid Camera will be used for dynamic occupant sensing. It will be able to distinguish a child in a child seat from an adult person and will recognize "out-of-position" situations. Therefore, the camera enables the airbag control unit to optimally control the passive restraint system in a car before and during a collision. IEE intends market introduction of the 3-D Hybrid Camera System in 2006.