DENSO Develops New Vision Sensor for Improved Night Driving Safety

author: Eric Walz   

KARIYA, Japan — DENSO Corporation, one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, today announced it has developed a new standard vision sensor that employs machine learning algorithms that detect pedestrians at night, cyclists, road signs, driving lanes and other road users.

The vision sensor works in conjunction with a millimeter-wave radar (mmW) sensor, the new vision sensor allows automobiles to automatically activate emergency braking when obstacles are identified, helping reduce accidents and improve overall vehicle safety. It is featured in the 2018 Toyota Alphard minivan and Vellfire, vehicles primarily for the Japanese market, which were released in January this year.

New mmW radar devices in automobiles provide far more accuracy than older radars. They can be used to measure the exact distance between vehicles and other objects in close proximity. The sensor can keep track of the movement of pedestrians and constantly monitor the situation to detect possible hazards.

The sensor detects pedestrians and other objects

The new sensor illustrates DENSO's work towards widespread adoption of safety technologies that will play a critical role in the advancement of future mobility. The senor improves night vision by using a unique lens specifically designed for low-light use, and a solid-state imaging device with higher sensitivity. These innovations help the sensor better identify other road users and even different-shaped road signs, such as triangular, rectangular, and octagonal signs used in Japan, Europe, and the United States.

The system can also identify lane markers. White-line and road-edge detection algorithms improve the performance of lane-keeping assistance and lane departure alert functions, while a 40% size reduction from previous models reduces costs and makes installation easier.

DENSO has been developing automotive technologies and products to help create a world free from traffic accidents. These technologies support DENSO's continued pursuit to improve auomotive safety with advanced driver assist systems.

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.