Hamamatsu News 1 / 2018

News 2018 Vol. 1 6 Cover Story A head-up display or HUD is a safe-driving support system that displays information such as speedometer and car navigation data on the windshield or transparent panel in front of the driver, allowing him or her to view such information while keeping his or her line of sight on the road ahead. Silicon PIN photodiodes are used to adjust the light level of images displayed on the head-up display. Head-up display A vehicle driver monitor uses a near-infrared video camera to capture images of a driver’s face and analyzes the orientation of the driver’s face and the degree of eye opening in real-time. If the driver does not look forward or close his or her eyes for a certain period of time, the driver monitor triggers an alert to the driver to assist in safe driving and prevent inattentive driving such as dozing while driving. CMOS area image sensors and infrared LEDs are used to capture near-infrared images of the driver’s face. Driver monitor CMOS area image sensor Infrared LED Multimedia information including the video and audio data we enjoy in a car is sent via a wire harness or optical fiber cable between various devices such as a display, in-car camera, audio player, and speakers. Light emitter and receiver photo ICs are used for such information exchange through optical links using optical fibers. Light emitter and receiver modules are also used for VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) that utilizes FM multiplex broadcasting and beacons to enable a car navigation system to receive real-time road traffic information such as traffic jams and regulations. Information communication Light emitter and receiver photo ICs for optical links Si PIN photodiode Photonics is also used here! Light emitter and receiver modules for VICS