Tessenderlo, Belgium, 17 March 2020 – Eyeware, the Swiss-based 3D eye-tracking technology company on a mission to bring attention-sensing solutions to multiple industries, and Melexis, the Belgium-based global supplier of micro-electronic semiconductor solutions, have joined forces to create an advanced driver monitoring system (DMS). The DMS leverages Eyeware’s attention-monitoring technology, which uses Melexis’ new MLX75027 3D Time-of-flight sensors with VGA resolution, to enable robust eye gaze and head tracking for in-cabin driver monitoring, even in sunlight.

As a pioneer in the field of eye-tracking, Eyeware uses 3D time-of-flight cameras to overcome the limitations of infrared-based tracking technology. The company has developed its algorithms using proprietary strategies that are based on data-driven machine learning approaches, making it applicable in systems using low power, cost-effective and compact sensors.

“This collaboration demonstrates the robustness and wider range of head movement that can be achieved using ToF technology, compared with current driver monitoring systems,” said Gualtiero Bagnuoli, Product Marketing Manager, Melexis. “Melexis’ MLX75027 3D time-of-flight sensor with VGA resolution, used in the demonstrator, employs a high modulation frequency (20-100MHz) to drive the IR illumination. Along with the patented pixel design, this means the sensor is almost completely unaffected by light, resulting in robust and reliable operation under changing conditions, such as sunset.”

The range data provided by the 3D time-of-flight sensor is used to further enhance the reliability of the head and gaze tracking capabilities of the system, enabling it to monitor a very wide range of head movement. The VGA 3D ToF sensor requires a minimal footprint, allowing it to be easily integrated into the rear-view mirror assembly.

“Although the resolution of the 3D time-of-flight sensor is lower than current driver monitoring system cameras, the DMS needs just one MLX75027 VGA 3D ToF sensor to track both driver and passenger,” explained Bagnuoli.

Kenneth Funes, CEO and co-founder, Eyeware, added: “We can localize eyes well, even under low resolution settings or under large head movements. Our technology also operates in a multiuser environment, to monitor car interiors with multiple passengers. This latest demonstrator shows our technology is very robust, coping well with changing lighting conditions. Eyeware is bringing these unique traits to the DMS market to make 3D eye tracking a reliable and competitive technology to be considered.”

About Eyeware
Eyeware is a Swiss computer vision company developing 3D eye tracking software for consumer depth sensing enabled cameras. Eyeware launched in September 2016, as a spin-off from the Idiap Research Institute, with the mission to bring 3D eye tracking to consumer devices. In collaboration with industrial partners, Eyeware is bringing to market attention sensing applications in multiple industries, including robotics, automotive, healthcare, consumer devices, and retail.

About Melexis
Combining a passion for technology with truly inspired engineering, Melexis designs, develops and delivers innovative micro-electronic solutions that enable designers to turn ideas into applications that support the best imaginable future. The company’s advanced mixed-signal semiconductor sensor and actuator components address the challenges of integrating sensing, driving and communication into next-generation products and systems that improve safety, raise efficiency, support sustainability and enhance comfort.

A world leader in automotive semiconductor sensors, Melexis has used its core experience in creating chips for vehicle electronics to expand its portfolio of sensors, driver ICs and wireless devices to also meet the needs of smart appliances, home automation, industrial and medical applications. Melexis sensing solutions include magnetic sensors, MEMS sensors (pressure, TPMS, infrared), sensor interface ICs, optoelectronic single point and linear array sensors and Time of Flight. The company’s driver IC portfolio incorporates advanced DC & BLDC motor controllers, LED drivers and FET pre-driver ICs, while Melexis has the know-how and expertise to build bridges between components, allowing them to communicate in a clear and fast way, whether wired (e.g. LIN, SENT) or wireless (RKE, RFID).

Melexis is headquartered in Belgium and employs over 1,500 people in 20 locations worldwide. The company is publicly traded on Euronext Brussels (MELE).

• 
• 
• 
• 
•