The FOVIO-based driver monitoring system (DMS) forms an integral part of General Motors’ (GM) industry leading Super Cruise hands-free driving system for the highway, ensuring safe and confident vehicle operation.

Overcoming the challenges of reliable driver monitoring is critical in hands-free driving systems to address the need to keep drivers engaged and prepared to re-take control of the vehicle when required. The Cadillac Super Cruise system uses FOVIO vision technology, developed by Seeing Machines, to enable a gumdrop-sized infrared camera on the steering wheel column to accurately determine the driver’s attention state. This is accomplished through a precise measure of head orientation and eyelid movements under a full range of daytime and night-time driving conditions, including the use of sunglasses. If the driver looks away from the road or closes their eyes for more than a few seconds, a light bar integrated into the steering wheel will flash to guide the driver’s attention back to the road. If the system determines that the driver is continuing to ignore the road, intentionally or otherwise, a series of escalating visual, audible and seat vibration alerts are employed. This is followed, eventually, by an automatic safe stop of the vehicle if the driver does not, or cannot, return their attention to the road.

The launch of Super Cruise marks the beginning of Seeing Machines’ mass deployment of DMS technology in the automotive industry. This is coincident with the company’s ongoing work with a growing range of OEM and Tier 1 partners, as demand increases for the FOVIO DMS platform and processor in support of semi-autonomous driving, driver safety, comfort, and convenience applications.

Mike McAuliffe, Seeing Machines CEO commented: “The Seeing Machines team has worked very hard on this breakthrough DMS technology for a number of years and is proud to have helped GM bring to market the world’s first hands-free driving system for the highway, with the Cadillac CT6 Super Cruise. We look forward to continuing our GM partnership as we continue to advance the development and integration of our DMS technology to complement GM’s leadership in autonomous driving systems going forward.”

10 October 2017