Automotive supplier Magna has developed a driver monitoring system integrated directly into the rearview mirror. It uses an RGB and infrared camera that constantly sees the driver's face while they look into the mirror.
The main advantage is the camera's location. In current systems, the sensor is often installed on the dashboard or steering column, so its view can be partially obstructed by hands or the steering wheel. In Magna's case, the camera is positioned higher and gets a more stable viewing angle.
The system analyzes head position and gaze direction to determine if the driver is distracted or has lost attention. This is especially important for vehicles with assistants that allow the driver to temporarily take their hands off the wheel: the person must still monitor the situation and be ready to intervene.
But the mirror can monitor more than just the driver. The same hardware platform can be used to detect passenger presence, monitor seat belts, and perform other cabin monitoring functions. Rivian already uses a similar approach in the R2: a camera installed in the mirror is simultaneously used by the driver monitoring system and the pet surveillance mode in the cabin.