Guardian Optical Technologies Announces New Sensor Features


Guardian Optical Technologies, a company dedicated to enabling “passenger-aware” cars, today announced that they added new safety features to their sensor including measuring a drivers’ eyelids to determine microsleep, grip on steering wheel and engagement with the entertainment system. Guardian Optical Technologies has combined multiple safety applications in one sensor to provide a comprehensive safety solution for automakers and OEMs.

Microsleeps are periods of sleep that can occur for seconds without the person cognizant of it and most commonly take place during monotonous tasks like driving. Guardian Optical Technologies’ sensor measures how open the drivers’ eyelids are (and for how long) to determine the danger of microsleep while driving. An indication of microsleep is if a drivers’ eyelids are closed for 0.4 seconds or more. Additionally, the sensor can detect the quality of the drivers’ grip on the steering wheel to determine if it is firm, light, or if there is so grip at all. According to NHTSA, “crash statistics indicate that driver errors involving steering techniques are the main causes of crashes where drivers run off the road.” Guardian Optical

Technologies’ high-resolution sensor can locate the location and posture of specific fingers so that drivers can be compliant with NHTSA’s recommendation for hand location on both sides of the wheel and a “firm yet gentle” grip. Guardian’s technology can also make the car aware of whether the driver is indeed holding the wheel as required by “lane keep assist” features that demands that a driver hold the wheel for not fully self-driving vehicles.

The sensor can also now indicate who is engaged with the entertainment system in the vehicle to detect if the driver is being distracted by it. It will also sense who is engaging with the entertainment system so that more advanced features can be implemented. For instance, some advanced features would include adapting the seat and heat for the person in the car and to disable or enable relevant icons for the specific individual like disabling texting for the driver or enabling navigation for the passenger.

“Technology is revolutionizing the way we use our vehicles and the way our vehicles interact with us,” said Gil Dotan, Founder and CMO of Guardian Optical Technologies. “We are continuously adding more features to our sensor to create the most comprehensive safety and convenience solution for automakers and passengers experiencing it. We are aiming to provide the most cutting-edge experience that can anticipate the needs of drivers and passengers for both their comfort and safety.”

Guardian combines video image recognition (2D), depth mapping (3D), and optical micro- to macro-motion analysis to constantly scan and track 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 auto makers 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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