Time-of-flight (ToF) technologies are rapidly gaining momentum for interior and exterior sensing automotive applications
Examples of safety functions include NCAP mandated driver fatigue detection, and occupancy/child seat detection for more precise airbag control. Additional safety functions like hands-on-wheel detection, eye gaze, head pose, body pose and advanced seat-belt application are possible with the same ToF camera.
Comfort functions supported by ToF include hand position interaction (intuitive HMI) to operate the sunroof, airco and radio; personalization through body, head and face monitoring; detection of objects left behind in the vehicle; and parcel classification and recognition. In-car security functions generally focus on anti-spoof face detection for trusted driver identification and on-route payment authorization.
Looking into exterior sensing applications of ToF technologies, the continuing expansion of autonomous driving makes it increasingly apparent that traditional 2D cameras will be complemented by RADAR, LiDAR, stereo cameras, thermal cameras, short wavelength infrared cameras and/or ToF cameras. The right arsenal of sensors will be able to cover the “blind spots” that can occur in an automotive environment. Exterior use cases for ToF technology include short-range ADAS exterior cocooning and advanced parking assist.
Melexis is at the forefront of such developments and in particular fully confirms the appropriateness of continuous wave ToF for in-cabin applications. We designed and manufactured the first automotive qualified ToF sensor, which entered volume production in 2015. Just four years later we reached the impressive milestone of having more than one million ToF 3D camera ICs on the road, proving the maturity of this technology in automotive.
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The effective, accurate and reliable sensing of position is essential to modern vehicles and many other applications. With magnetic sensing and its ability to deliver contactless sensing, innovative advancements such as Melexis’ patented Triaxis® technology allow engineers to solve design challenges in numerous automotive and other applications. Triaxis® is an innovative magnetic sensor technology capable of extremely accurate three-axis magnetic field measurements (Bx, By and Bz) from a single sensor integrated circuit (IC). Using the three magnetic components, two- or three-dimensional sensors that detect rotary (angle), linear (stroke) or joystick-type motion can be created. One of the many benefits of the technology is that this allows the use of smaller and lower-cost magnets, making it an elegant solution in space- and cost-constrained applications.
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What is Triaxis®
Triaxis® is an innovative magnetic sensor technology capable of very precise three axis magnetic field measurements from a single sensor. Endless linear, angular and 3D applications can be developed.
The benefits
- High operating temperature
- Resistant to mechanical and magnetic influences
- High sensitivity and flexibility
- Allows the use of smaller and cost effective magnets
- Enables a planar IC of 3D magnetic field measurement
- Mechanical flexibility, mounting in almost any orientation
- Strayfield immunity
- ASIL ready
- SMD and PCB-less solutions
Usage
- Automotive: steering, pedal position, electronic throttle, EGR valve, shifter, turbo actuator, motor position, chassis height,...
- Medical: wheelchairs, medical chairs & beds,...
- Domotica & gaming: joysticks, door & window control, valve positions (HVAC), elevators, mouses,...
- Industry: vehicles & equipment, man-machine interfaces, cranes,...
- Robotics
- Alternative mobility
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If you want to measure accurately and contactless, you've come to the right place. You can integrate a broad range of solutions to measure different temperature ranges into your systems. In the automotive market, our array sensors are suitable for multi-zone air conditioning, passenger classification (for more effective airbag use) and driver monitoring (to prevent drivers from becoming distracted). In consumer electronics, array sensors are used in microwave ovens to measure the temperature of heated food. In Internet-of-Things systems, they are used for many tasks in the field of temperature measurement and detection. And that is not all: our Far-infrared array sensors can also be found in low-resolution visual thermometers for use in building automation and the industrial, security and do-it-yourself sectors.
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