Toyota's Vehicle Safety Cocoon Sees Beyond the Human Eye

author: Eric Walz   

LAS VEGAS -- Toyota showed off is new vehicle vision technology today at the opening of CES 2018 in Las Vegas. The camera system can detect objects in strong contrasting light, otherwise hidden by bright sunlight or darkness. Toyota says the system creates a 360 degree 'safety cocoon' around the vehicle, protecting occupants from hazards.

The front sensing technology has a forward range of up to 450 meters. In Toyota's demonstration of the technology using a lifelike model of an urban street with a two-lane tunnel, the technology is impressive.

The camera was able to clearly see inside of the dark tunnel to reveal that two cars were in a collision and blocking both lanes ahead. The system can warn the driver well in advance to alert them of the hazard.

Another test mimicked the car driving towards an area with tall building which exteriors reflecting the sun, strong enough to obscure a driver's vision and the road ahead. The camera was able to provide a clear image of the road ahead, without any interference from the sun.

The camera provides clear views in real-time regardless of the weather or lighting conditions. Toyota may offer the technology as part of its 'Safety Sense' ADAS suite on future models.

Eric Walz

Originally hailing from New Jersey, Eric is a automotive & technology reporter covering the high-tech industry here in Silicon Valley. He has over 15 years of automotive experience and a bachelors degree in computer science. These skills, combined with technical writing and news reporting, allows him to fully understand and identify new and innovative technologies in the auto industry and beyond. He has worked at Uber on self-driving cars and as a technical writer, helping people to understand and work with technology.