A next-generation image sensor brings global shutter HDR and advanced near-infrared technology to driver and occupant monitoring—delivering crystal-clear visuals, smarter detection, and safer rides even in extreme lighting conditions.
OMNIVISION has introduced the OX05C, the automotive industry’s first 5-megapixel global shutter high dynamic range (HDR) image sensor designed for in-cabin driver and occupant monitoring systems (DMS and OMS). The sensor combines global shutter technology, Nyxel near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity, and HDR imaging to deliver sharp, accurate visuals even under challenging lighting conditions.
The key features are:
- Major leap in vehicle interior sensing technology
- 2.2 µm pixel size enables detailed image capture
- Advanced Nyxel NIR tech delivers high quantum efficiency at 940 nm
- Excellent low-light and night-time performance
- Maintains algorithm accuracy for detecting driver fatigue, distraction, and occupant status
- Resistant to glare, shadows, and flicker from ambient lighting
At just 6.61 × 5.34 mm, the OX05C1S package is 30% smaller than its predecessor, giving automotive OEMs greater flexibility for discreet camera placement in compact interiors. Importantly, the sensor maintains compatibility with the same lens as the earlier OX05B, streamlining upgrades and minimizing design and cost overhead.
The new sensor’s on-chip RGB-IR separation removes the need for a dedicated image signal processor (ISP), freeing up bandwidth for other vehicle systems. Its stacked a-CSP™ design supports both RGB-IR and monochrome configurations, with a reconstructed wafer option available for custom packaging.
Unlike rolling-shutter sensors, the OX05C’s global shutter eliminates motion distortion and interference from other IR sources in the cabin—critical for reliable DMS/OMS operation. It also incorporates cybersecurity features and supports dual driver-occupant monitoring using a single camera, cutting both cost and complexity for automotive manufacturers.
Industry experts see this as a major leap for in-cabin imaging. Smart Eye’s Detlef Wilke noted that combining global shutter, HDR, and Nyxel NIR sensitivity “gives algorithms the consistency they need to track driver attention and occupant status in everything from bright sunlight to near darkness.” Samples of the OX05C are available now, with mass production slated for 2026—setting a new benchmark for intelligent, safety-driven automotive vision systems.
