Using infrared lighting, driver's gaze direction and head position angle
Quantification of values for eyelids, pupils, and the iris

At CES 2016, it clearly emerged as the main topic, surpassing conventional home appliances and mobile devices. This is because everything from the currently ongoing ADAS (Driver Assistance Systems) to the era of self-driving cars—once seen only in movies—has taken a step closer. However, the outlook is not entirely optimistic. This is because automobiles are deeply linked to human life, and accident rates must be reduced to a much lower probability than for humans. Consequently, as the number of advanced components increases, the importance of "functional safety" is also growing.

In response to these demands, the Automotive Testing exhibition was held at COEX from January 27 to 29. Over 120 participating companies showcased cutting-edge testing technologies used in automotive production processes and products that improve vehicle reliability, durability, safety, and quality across all procedures, from initial prototype analysis to line end inspection and quality assurance.

Among the many companies, KOSTECH exhibited 'Smart AB', a 3D remote eye tracking program that prevents drowsy driving. Kosteck explained, “As a manufacturer of eye tracking systems based on Swedish 3D measurement technology, we have implemented perfect real-time tracking technology for the eyes, eyelids, and head.”

This system measures using 2 to 8 cameras, and uses two or more video cameras and an IR-Flash (infrared light) to capture the subject's face. By analyzing the video, it is possible to quantify values such as the subject's gaze direction, head position angle, eyelids, pupils, and irises, and output them in real time.

Kostech’s Jeong Gu-yeong stated, “The automotive sector is progressing with anti-sleep technology that tracks drivers’ gaze toward the display to detect drowsiness and provides a signal or warning via vibration,” adding that “in addition to this, applications are being developed to analyze buyers’ gaze while looking at magazines or banners.”