A driver monitoring system is a vehicle safety system that measures driver alertness to help prevent accidents on the road or detect prohibited behavior. A DMS uses a camera to check for certain indicators of distracted or impaired driving and issues an alert if it detects a problem.
You can learn more about what a driver monitoring system is and how the technology works in our related blog post. In this blog post, we’re going to highlight some of the basic features of our standard KUS DMS assembly while answering customers’ frequently asked questions.
What does your standard DMS assembly include?
KUS’ standard driver monitoring system assembly has two parts. There is what we refer to as the “DMS host” consisting of the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), a shell, and a connector. And then there is the “DMS camera,” which includes a PCBA, lens module, and structural components.
The DMS camera examines the driver’s face using an infrared lens. The DMS camera communicates with the DMS host, which houses the software that collects data points from the driver and establishes a baseline of the driver’s normal state. Once a baseline is set up, the DMS camera continues to examine the driver’s face and sends real-time data to the host.
The DMS host compares the real-time driver data with the baseline data to check for signs of fatigue or distraction. If the DMS host detects fatigue or distraction, an alert will sound.
Can you combine the DMS camera with the DMS host?
As of the time of this blog post, KUS only sells a separate DMS camera and DMS host, also known as an electronic control unit (ECU). So far, we have not considered combining these two devices. This is primarily due to the limitation of space for vehicle installation.
The DMS camera is typically installed in an unobtrusive area where it has full view of the driver’s face, such as the left or right side of the rearview mirror. Whereas the DMS host can be installed anywhere in the cabin or dashboard, as it receives visual information from the camera.
Can you provide DMS assembly design models for review?
Yes, the KUS team can use computer-aided design (CAD) modeling to digitally create 3D models of the DMS assembly based on vehicle manufacturer specifications. We also can provide CAD models of our standard DMS assemblies along with a list of product specifications.
Does your DMS work with a truck’s computer/human machine interface (HMI)? If so, what is the connection type?
Yes. KUS’ DMS assembly can provide output for the customer’s truck computer. Our standard output uses a color, video, blanking, and sync (CVBS) interface. This is an analog video interface. However, this interface is customizable based on the customer’s preferences.
Where does the DMS need to be installed?
A KUS DMS host is typically installed in the vehicle’s smart cabin. Meanwhile, the DMS camera can be installed in the dashboard, A-Pillar, reading light area, or other positions in the front cabin of the vehicle that gives the camera a clear view of the driver’s face.
The placement of the DMS camera will vary based on the space available within the vehicle.
What type of camera is provided in your standard DMS kit?
KUS’ driver monitoring system uses a 720p analog high definition (AHD) camera. This type of video allows the camera to send an HD signal over a standard coax or RCA cable.
Does the DMS camera include an IR LED emitter?
KUS’ DMS camera includes infrared LED lighting to help detect facial expressions at night and in other low-light conditions. This ensures the proper detection of fatigue or distraction.
What is the required input voltage for the DMS camera and host?
KUS’ DMS camera has a 12V input voltage. The DMS host has a 12V or 24V input voltage.
How can I learn more about your DMS products?
Vehicle manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and other interested parties can reach out to a KUS representative using the contact us page to learn more about our driver monitoring system.