Cars are becoming increasingly intelligent, with vehicle technology evolving beyond external driver assistance and sensors to also monitor the interior. In-cabin sensing refers to systems designed to detect and interpret activity inside the vehicle. By understanding what is happening within the cabin, these technologies aim to enhance safety for drivers, passengers and others on the road. This technology is supported by 940nm infrared LEDs, such as AMS Osram’s Oslon Black IR-LEDs, which enable camera-based in-cabin applications with reduced visible red glow for less intrusive infrared illumination, optimized for driver and occupant monitoring.
Whenever a driver is distracted or fatigued, regardless of whether all the passengers are on board, or whether a child or pet is in the rear seat, interior monitoring systems support drivers at critical moments. They could help prevent accidents. As a result, the vehicle is increasingly serving as an active partner in safety, not only for the driver but also for everyone inside the car.
“In-cabin sensing is more than just a technological trend,” said Tobias Hofmeier, product marketing manager at AMS Osram. “It is about responsibility in road traffic. When vehicles are equipped to better understand what is happening inside the cabin, they can help support occupant safety, often in situations where seconds make all the difference.”
Infrared light plays an important role in camera-based in-cabin sensing systems, which require consistent and uniform illumination to capture accurate data without disturbing the occupants. AMS Osram’s high-power infrared LED portfolio, including the Oslon Black IR:6 C-Series, is designed to support reliable detection of faces, viewing direction and other in-cabin activity, even in low-light or changing lighting conditions. Operating at a wavelength of 940nm, these LEDs reduce visible red glow, making the infrared illumination nearly invisible inside the vehicle. This is particularly relevant for night-time driving, where it can improve comfort and user acceptance.
Reducing visible red glow is an important factor in the in-cabin user experience, as it can be noticeable and potentially distracting. By minimizing this effect at the chip level, AMS Osram aims to support in-cabin sensing systems that operate without disturbing drivers or passengers.
The infrared LEDs are designed for applications such as driver monitoring, occupant detection and child presence detection, and may also support future use cases including emergency detection, cognitive state monitoring and impairment detection. The Oslon Black IR:6 C-Series (Oslon Black SFH 472XXCS A01) also offers design flexibility through different emission angles and optical configurations.
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