Magna Debuts Rear-Seat Video Monitor

Magna International Inc. is launching a video monitoring system that allows front-seat occupants to keep tabs on what’s happening in second- and third-row seats.

Designed to help parents watch young children, the system uses Magna’s Eyeris digital, megapixel camera mounted over the rear seat to provide an undistorted, top-down view of the backseat area. The video feed can be shown on the central instrument panel display.

Rear occupants are illuminated by an infrared LED light that allows them to be clearly seen on the display even in low-light or dark conditions. Magna describes the system as an industry first.

The feature will debut this year in a 2018-model minivan. Magna didn't specify the customer, but Honda Motor Co. touted the technology, without naming the supplier, as part of the redesigned Odyssey minivan it unveiled in January at the Detroit auto show. Magna says it is talking with several other carmakers about future applications.