Honda unveils new driver-assistive system

Honda has unveiled a new driver assist system called Sensing. This new driver assist system will be fitted in the all new Legend that is likely to go on sale in Japan by the end of the year, and will later be adapted on more models in the future.

Honda Sensing has been developed as a step further to ensure road safety for all. Honda's driver assist has two types of sensors with varying characteristics. One is a millimetre-wave radar inside the front grille, and the other is a monocular camera mounted on the upper, inside part of the windshield.

The new millimetre-wave radar has been improved to expand its scope of obstacle detection, which includes pedestrians; it is usually difficult to detect pedestrians. The monocular camera, on the other hand, identifies attributes of the pedestrians and other target objects which come within approximately 60 metres of the vehicle. Both the sensors have been tuned to achieve recognition with improved accuracy.

The system can now recognise its surroundings, and also gauge the driver's intensions and the vehicle's conditions. With this data, the driver assist program can apply collaborative control over certain components of the vehicle, like the braking system and steering wheel. The system will also assist the driver during normal driving and in a risk avoidance manoeuvre in the case of an emergency.

With the fine tuning of these sensing devices, new functions have been added to the existing driver-assistive system for which, the data processing capability of the system has also been improved.

Key functions of the Honda Sensing

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

The millimetre-wave radar and monocular camera detect vehicles directly in front, oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. When there is a risk of collision with a vehicle in front or a pedestrian, the system provides the driver with audio and visual warnings. When the distance between the two reduces, the system automatically applies gentle brake pressure to give a sensory warning to the driver. When the distance gets even closer, the system automatically brakes hard to support the driver’s collision avoidance effort.

Moreover, if the vehicle strays into an oncoming lane, and there is a risk of collision with oncoming vehicles, the system provides audio and visual warnings as well as vibrations on the steering wheel to facilitate the driver’s collision avoidance actions. When no action is taken by the driver to avoid collision, the system applies braking force to help reduce the impact speed to mitigate any damage in the case of collision.

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system

The monocular camera detects the lane boundaries, and if the vehicle is likely to stray from a detected lane, the system will give a visual warning on the display and vibrations on the steering wheel. In addition, the system will apply corrective steering input to bring the vehicle back in the lane. When the system forecasts that the vehicle is straying too far off, the system will apply braking force to prevent the vehicle from driving off the road.

Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System

The millimetre-wave radar and monocular camera detect pedestrians and boundary line on the side strip of the road. When the system forecasts a collision with a pedestrian, as a result of the vehicle straying from the lane toward the side strip, it provides audio and visual warnings and turns the steering wheel toward the other direction to facilitate the driver’s collision avoidance effort.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

The monocular camera detects the lane that the vehicle is driving in. The system will assist the driver’s steering during highway driving to keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane, and to reduce the burden on the driver. When the vehicle is likely to stray from the lane while the system is applying control over the steering, the system will warn the driver with vibrations on the steering wheel.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow

The millimetre-wave radar and monocular camera detect the distance and speed gap from the vehicle ahead. The system controls the acceleration and braking operations so that an appropriate distance will be maintained. By expanding its range of operation to 0kph, the system will reduce the burden on the driver while driving on congested highways.

Traffic Sign Recognition

The monocular camera detects traffic signs. The system calls the driver’s attention to traffic signs and assists safe driving by displaying detected signs on the Multi-Information Display or Heads-Up Display System.

False Start Prevention Function

The millimetre-wave radar detects vehicle directly in front or other objects in close range while the vehicle is stopped or while driving at a very low speed. If the driver presses down the acceleration pedal too suddenly while there is an object in front, the system prevents sudden acceleration and provides audio and visual warnings and vibrations to the acceleration pedal.

Lead Car Departure Notification System

The millimetre-wave radar detects when the car directly in front starts up from standstill traffic. The system will give audio and visual notification of the departure of the car in front.