Guardian Optical Technologies Introduces Detection Capabilities Designed to Safely Deploy Airbags


Guardian Optical Technologies, a company dedicated to enabling “passenger-aware” cars, today announced additional passenger safety features incorporated into their sensor technology including the ability to track a passenger’s distance from an airbag, weight classification, detecting an “out of position” passenger and front seat child detection. Guardian Optical Technologies has combined multiple safety applications in one sensor to provide a comprehensive safety solution for automakers and OEMs. The new sensor detections are designed to safely deploy airbags based on the position and weight of the passenger.

Guardian Optical Technologies added these new detection capabilities to minimize the number of airbag injuries/fatalities. The distance from airbag (DFA) feature provides the distance of both the passenger and driver torso distance from the dashboard and steering wheel. With an accuracy to 1cm, this feature is designed to prevent some of the injuries caused by airbags when passengers assume different sitting positions. In cases where passengers intrude into the “airbag deployment space,” the airbag could be suppressed, preventing possible fatalities and minimizing some of the injuries that could occur when passengers put their feet on the dashboard, lean forward, etc.

The Weight Classification feature provides an estimated weight of the front passenger and driver for optimization of the airbag system, tailoring airbag deployment for larger and smaller individuals specifically. The front passenger child seat detection will identify a baby seat in the front passenger seat for airbag suppression. The sensor can detect all types of baby seats regardless of orientation to prevent the destruction of a child seat from the force of the airbag.

The out of position passengers (OOP) feature can detect if a passenger is not sitting in an upright position. The real-time analysis of posture will help prevent injuries due to the fact that both seatbelts and airbags are designed to work with passengers sitting upright.

“We are providing safety solutions that are customized for all real-life situations – there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all in the myriad of possibilities that can take place on the road,” said Gil Dotan, Founder and CMO of Guardian Optical Technologies. “Our goal is to continue to add capabilities to our sensor that will create a safer in-cabin experience for passengers and drivers alike.”

These new features add up to an already rich offering for safety and convenience capabilities in next generation vehicles. Guardian combines video image recognition (2D), depth mapping (3D), and optical micro- to macro-motion analysis to constantly detect occupants and objects anywhere in the vehicle, using low-cost, automotive-grade components. The sensor identifies the location and physical dimensions of everyone in the car, distinguishing people from objects. By detecting micro vibrations, the system can register, in some cases, a presence even without a direct line of sight.

About Guardian Optical Technologies:

Guardian Optical Technologies is dedicated to enabling “passenger-aware” cars, with cutting-edge sensor technology that makes cars safer and more convenient. Just one sensor combined with advanced 2D, 3D, and motion analysis protects drivers and passengers by constantly scanning and tracking occupants and objects anywhere in the vehicle. These technologies work with a car’s seatbelts, driver monitoring system, airbags and other safety features to sound immediate alerts. The system deploys machine-learning, including image analysis on the sensor’s video feed. Committed to providing high value to automakers today, Guardian Optical Technologies designed its system to effortlessly support future advances in the auto industry, particularly autonomous vehicles. Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, the tech start-up was founded in 2014 and has been awarded two patents, with other patent applications in progress. For more information, visit http://www.guardian-optech.com.

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