Gentex is once again showcasing its driver and cabin monitoring solutions at this week’s CES event in Las Vegas. In doing so, the company is specifically trying to highlight some of the new technologies that it has added to its portfolio since the last in-person CES back in 2020.
In that regard, Gentex acquired Guardian Optical Technologies in September of 2021, and Vaporsens in January of the same year. Guardian is the developer of a high-resolution computer vision camera that can detect micro-vibrations and the infrared spectrum, while Vaporsens is best known for chemical sensing technology that can analyze air quality.
Both technologies will be featured in the cabin monitoring demonstration that will serve as the centerpiece of the Gentex booth at CES. The Guardian offering, in particular, can gauge the gestures and behavior of everyone sitting in the cabin, and uses head and gaze tracking tech to watch for signs of drowsiness and distraction in the driver. Those safety features have been integrated into a comprehensive connected car system that can also be used to make video calls or to take an in-car selfie. Genetex is hoping that such systems will eventually help pave the way for self-driving cars.
“Monitoring the driver and vehicle occupants becomes increasingly important as we move through the levels of driving automation,” said Gentex Engineering VP and CTO Neil Boehm. “We’re engineering a comprehensive and scalable platform based on robust sensor fusion techniques that will allow us to provide features for today’s vehicles as well as transitionary and completely autonomous vehicles.”
Some of the other products that will be on display at the Gentex booth include the company’s dimmable mirrors and windows, the Full Display rear-view mirror with an integrated camera, and an improved Integrated Toll Module (ITM) that can be used to complete in-car payments. The ITM was originally designed for tolls, but Gentex is partnering with PayByCar to extend the payments utility to gas stations and other locations. Gentex has demoed iris-based driver identification technologies at prior CES events.
Gentex’s wares are on display at booth #6327 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. CES itself will run until January 7.
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January 6, 2022 – by Eric Weiss
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