Denso's new vision sensor provides a 40% improvement, potentially cutting response time of driver assistance technologies.
Denso Corp., one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, announced it has developed a new standard vision sensor that at night can detect pedestrians, cyclists, road signs, driving lanes and other objects or road users.
Working in conjunction with a millimeter-wave radar sensor, the new vision sensor allows automobiles to automatically activate emergency braking when obstacles are identified, helping reduce accidents and improve overall vehicle safety.
The system is featured in the 2018 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, which were released in Japan last month. In addition to Japan, the MPVs are sold in China, Russia and smaller Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
It improves night vision by using a unique lens specifically designed for low-light use, and a solid-state imaging device with higher sensitivity.
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The innovations help the sensor better identify other road users and different-shaped road signs. An improved white-line detection algorithm and road-edge detection algorithm also broaden the operating range of lane-keeping assistance and lane departure alert functions, while a 40% size reduction from previous models reduces costs and makes installation easier, Denso officials said.
Last year, Denso, which builds a variety of electrical components for several automakers, also joined a partnership with Toyota and Mazda to work on the key components needed to build components for future electric vehicles
Denso plans to invest $1 billion toward the future of electrified and autonomous vehicles. The money will be used to expand manufacturing operations at a Maryville, Tennessee plant that specializes in electrification and safety systems.
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Several production lines in its factory will grow and the move is expected to produce 1,000 new jobs filled by technical, production, engineering, and other support positions.
“This is an investment in the future of Denso, and also the future of transportation,” said Kenichiro Ito, chairman of Denso’s North America Board of Directors and chief executive officer of Denso International America.
“We are seeing dramatic shifts in the role of transportation in society, and this investment will help position us to meet those changing demands,” Ito said.
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It’s the company’s second significant announcement in the last six months about the development of new technologies. Last September, the company joined forces with Toyota and Mazda in a joint venture to develop new technologies for electric vehicles.