Thermal imaging sensor to play big part in future autonomous cars

Thermal imaging sensor will play a larger role in advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) in future autonomous cars, according to an executive at camera module maker Mcnex.

Jung Young-hyun, director of auto-component product development at Mcnex, said while thermal imaging sensor and thermal infrared sensor are yet to be applied to ADAS on cars, it is becoming highly likely that they will be in the future.

Currently, camera, ultrasonic, radar and lidar are the four main sensors being used in ADAS.

Thermal imaging sensor can be paired with secondary fiber sensors on seat belts and car seats to check the status of the driver or passengers, Jung said.

The sensor can detect the temperature of driver’s face to check whether they are drowsy for a warning system, the executive said. They can also be used to control the air conditioner in the car, he said.

Camera is also being used more in ADAS, the director said. It is used in surround view monitoring, driver monitoring, driver status warning, multi-function camera and camera monitoring systems as well as shark antenna, the executive said.

Level 3 autonomous cars will on average have 13 cameras, nine radars, nine lidars and six ultrasonics, Jung claimed.

The four different kinds of sensors are required for Level 3 autonomy, he said. 

Due to this expectation, Mcnex is considering the development of fixed 3D lidar technology.

The firm is part of a consortium to develop such technology by 2024 under a project given by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the director said.