▲    Driver Monitoring System (DMS) Demo

Q. Why is the In-Cabin Camera gaining attention?

Currently, in-cabin cameras are primarily found in high-end vehicles, but they are expected to become a standard feature in all cars within the next few years. This shift is largely driven by NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) safety regulations. NCAP evaluates vehicle safety by conducting crash tests under various conditions and assigning safety ratings based on the results.

Recently, in-vehicle sensing technologies that help prevent injuries caused by airbags deploying within just 0.05 seconds during a collision have emerged as important evaluation factors. In line with this, Europe will require DMS and OMS as part of NCAP ratings starting in 2026. This regulatory shift underscores the increasing importance of in-cabin cameras in enhancing vehicle safety.

Q. What makes LG Innotek’s High-Performance In-Cabin Camera Module stand out in the market?

One of its biggest strengths is the 5-megapixel RGB-IR dual sensor. Traditional in-cabin cameras were primarily designed to monitor the driver, meaning they had a short range and a relatively low resolution of around 1 megapixel. However, as DMS and OMS become increasingly important, there is a growing need for cameras that can accurately identify the driver and provide a wider field of view to monitor passengers as well.

To address this, LG Innotek enhanced the camera’s resolution to 5 megapixels—five times higher than previous models—while maintaining a compact size that allows for flexible installation throughout the vehicle interior. A major differentiator is its HDR* support, which enables clear imaging in both low-light and high-brightness settings, such as under direct sunlight, effectively minimizing overexposure or shadowing to ensure consistent performance in diverse lighting conditions.

Furthermore, the camera is capable of detecting both visible (RGB) and infrared (IR) light, providing color and monochrome imaging in one device. The IR sensor allows for sharp image capture even in dark environments, and the grayscale output can also support machine learning applications.

* High Dynamic Range (HDR): A technology that enhances image quality by expanding the contrast between the brightest and darkest areas of a scene.

Another key feature of LG Innotek’s high-performance in-cabin camera module is its exceptional wide-angle technology. With a 143˚ horizontal field of view—more than double that of conventional models — this camera can effectively monitor not only the front seats but also the second row, ensuring comprehensive occupant detection.

More importantly, most traditional in-cabin cameras were designed for either DMS or OMS, meaning multiple cameras were required to support various functions. However, LG Innotek’s advanced module consolidates these capabilities into a single camera, making it a game-changer in the industry by enhancing functionality while reducing the number of cameras needed.

Q. In addition to optical technology, we heard that a special manufacturing process was applied. Can you explain this in detail?

LG Innotek’s high-performance in-cabin camera module utilizes wedge bonding instead of the conventional ball bonding method to connect the sensor to the circuit board.

Wedge bonding involves pressing the wire onto the connection point to secure it, whereas ball bonding melts the tip of a gold wire using heat to form a small ball before attachment. The key difference lies in the bonding technique—wedge bonding uses ultrasonic energy to flatten and secure the wire, resulting in a more compact and efficient connection.

The reason for applying wedge bonding to the high-performance in-cabin camera module was due to the complex structure of the PCB, which had multiple components on the back, making heat-based bonding methods unfeasible. As a result, the team sought an alternative non-heating bonding technique, and wedge bonding emerged as the ideal solution.

This method also allowed for a more compact camera design. Since visibility can be a concern for passengers, minimizing the camera’s size was a key priority. Thanks to wedge bonding, LG Innotek’s high-performance in-cabin camera module has been reduced in size by up to 15% compared to previous models.

However, the process of applying the wedge bonding method was not without its challenges. Typically, wedge bonding is used in larger components like batteries and power modules. Adapting this technique for a compact in-cabin camera required an extremely precise, micrometer-level process. Since the sensor is both small and highly sensitive, the bonding process often led to inconsistent performance, making it a difficult task to perfect.

There were times when the setbacks were so frequent, and I couldn’t help but think, “This is exactly why no one uses wedge bonding for cameras.” I was close to giving up. But every time I felt discouraged, my team stepped in with unwavering support, encouragement, and innovative ideas. Their constant collaboration helped us overcome each challenge, and together, we successfully developed the product.

Q. It seems that teamwork was key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. Could you tell us more about the team?

Our team focuses on developing sensing camera modules that serve as the "eyes" for mobility. The team was formed with the goal of applying LG Innotek’s cutting-edge mobile optical technology to the automotive sector, bringing advanced technologies to vehicles. Building on LG Innotek’s world-class proprietary optical technology, we continue to develop high-value-added products such as high-performance in-cabin camera modules. Our aim is to deliver differentiated customer value and accelerate our lead in the market.

Q. What is the team culture and working style of the team?

Our team values a flexible and collaborative work environment. We encourage everyone, regardless of rank or experience, to share ideas and respect one another’s perspectives. This open culture fosters creativity and allows us to solve challenges more efficiently.

Additionally, to foster organic connections and expand technology, we encourage team members to take on individual challenges outside of our collaborative development tasks. This approach has led to some great ideas that resulted in successful outcomes.

 For instance, our team member Young Ki once showcased a prototype at CES 2025, which originated from his own idea. The prototype, called the "Versatile Module," integrates the RGB-IR camera technology developed by our team with a 3D sensing module from another team. The reaction from potential clients at the event was extremely positive, leading to follow-up meetings and the possibility of future projects.

Q. How do you think LG Innotek’s high-performance in-cabin camera module addresses customer aspirations?

Seungpil Choi: I believe this product provides the most advanced and professional technology to help bring our customers' visions to life. It consolidates what used to require multiple cameras into a single module, offering benefits in both cost and space efficiency while enabling the development of diverse applications that our customers desire.

Jungho Shin: Similarly, I would point out the product’s compact design and cost-efficiency, which enhance its versatility and scalability.

Young Ki Noh: From a user’s perspective, this product fulfills the aspiration of always ensuring safety while driving.

Kyeongmok Yoon: The concept of a vehicle understanding and taking care of my condition once felt like something out of science fiction, but we are progressively turning it into reality.

Byeonghak Jeong: In the future, perhaps the vehicle could continuously learn from the monitoring data and evolve into a personalized car

Q. What are the aspirations you hope to achieve in the future?

Seungpil Choi: I want to introduce an irreplaceable camera to the market. For example, even smartphone cameras, just 3-4 years ago, couldn’t match the quality of what a human eye could see in terms of zoom or low-light performance. But today, long-distance shots can be zoomed in, and nighttime photos are much brighter than what we could ever perceive with our eyes. It’s fulfilling to be part of the development of such camera performance advancements, and my goal is to possess unique and unmatched technical expertise in this field.

Young Ki Noh: When designing products, I want to view things from the customer’s perspective, staying ahead by proactively proposing innovative solutions.  I hope to gain a deeper understanding of automotive system composition, especially in areas related to camera data processing and vehicle AP solution development.

Jungho Shin: I am continuously developing my expertise in process design and optimization, while also strengthening my product design skills. In the future, my goal is to grow into a member who can cover everything from product design to manufacturing.

Kyeongmok Yoon: When a customer asks, "Can you make this?" I would love to be able to respond with, "We’ve already done it." This requires predicting the necessary technologies and carrying out proactive development, which I believe our team is more than capable of doing.

Byeonghak Jeong: I have a grand dream of seeing the products we create installed in every vehicle. Ultimately, I hope we become the industry standard

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