Mitsubishi Electric Develops Dual-Occupant Monitoring Tech

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. says it has developed a wide-angle camera system that can simultaneously monitor a driver and front-seat passenger.

In addition to analyzing a driver’s face for inattentiveness or drowsiness, cameras also are starting to be used for gesture recognition that occupants can use to control various vehicle functions. Future systems also could detect potential medical issues, Mitsubishi Electric notes.

The wide-angle camera can be installed in the instrument panel, rearview mirror and other parts of the front cabin. Mitsubishi Electric says it has more than 60 pending patents related to the technology worldwide.

The supplier plans to demonstrate the technology later this month at the Tokyo auto show. Commercial applications are expected as early as next year.