The New EyeSight set-up is based on Subaru's current EyeSight system, which debuted in May 2008 and has been available since then in Japanese-market Subaru vehicles. It features dual forward-facing cameras to give the vehicle stereoscopic vision for pedestrian and obstacle detection. The new rig integrates with the other driver assist systems to improve overall vehicle safety.
The system adds a trio of features to Subaru's safety and driver aid suite: pre-collision braking control, pre-collision brake assist and adaptive cruise control.
Pre-collision braking control and assist optically monitor the area in front of the vehicle for obstructions, such as other cars. If New EyeSight determines that a collision is imminent and the driver suddenly brakes, the braking assist function helps slow the vehicle more quickly. If there's no action from the driver, the braking control system will assume that the driver isn't paying attention and automatically slow the car to a stop to avoid collision. If the speed difference is less than 30km/h, the braking control system can avoid collision. At closing speeds greater than the 30km/h mark, the system's auto-braking can at least reduce collision damage.
New EyeSight can discern other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Adaptive cruise control is exactly what you'd expect it to be. The system watches the road ahead and maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. An all-speed range-tracking function allows the adaptive cruise to work in traffic jams, slowing the vehicle to a complete stop, holding it still and starting again when the lead vehicle moves. Most systems we've tested use lasers or radar to maintain their distances, so it'll be interesting to see how the optics-based Subaru system holds up in, for example, foggy conditions where visibility is limited.
The New EyeSight will be available on Japanese-market Subaru Liberty/Legacy models starting in May 2010. According to Subaru Australia's corporate affairs manager, David Rowley, Subaru is evaluating it for local use and it's likely that it will appear in some range-topping models by the end of 2011.
Press Release
FHI to Introduce the "New EyeSight"
Subaru's Unique Driving Assist System with Advanced Safety Functions
Tokyo, April 22, 2010 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today
announced that it successfully completed the development of the "New EyeSight", Subaru's unique driving assist system using stereo camera technology. Based on the current EyeSight system, the safety device was upgraded with new features to improve driving assist functions, automatic braking management system and user-friendliness.
The EyeSight was the first device ever to use stereo camera technology to detect the presence of pedestrians and cyclists. Since its first introduction in May 2008, features available on this system have been highly praised; they included pre-collision braking control and all-speed range adaptive cruise control tracking function.
The new EyeSight has an advanced, safer "Pre-Collision Braking Control" feature that stops the vehicle if it detects the risk of frontal collision, thereby avoiding the collision or reducing collision damage. The
"All-speed range adaptive cruise control system" was also refined. It is now able to stop the car if the vehicle in front is decelerating or stopping unexpectedly. The new features not only expand the range of safety assistance provided to the driver but also reduce risks normally associated with driving in specific
circumstances, especially in slow or congested traffic.
Pre-Collision Braking Control
When the vehicle comes close or very close to a car or an object in front of it, an alarm sets off to warn
the driver of a potential collision hazard. If the speed difference between the driver's vehicle and the
vehicle in front is below 30 km/h, and if there is no action from the driver to slow down or stop its
vehicle, the system will automatically slow down the car or stop the car in order to avoid collision or
reduce collision damage.
If the speed difference between the two moving vehicles is above 30km/h, the system will automatically
reduce the vehicle speed, thereby reducing the risk of collision or collision damage.
Pre-Collision Brake Assist System
When there is a potential risk of frontal collision, the system will also identify sudden braking by the
driver. If detected, it automatically activates the pre-collision brake assist function, thus avoiding
collision or reducing collision damage.
Adaptive Cruise control with all-speed range tracking function
It enables the vehicle to cruise safely on a motorway, keeping the vehicle at a safe distance to the vehicle
in front. In slow traffic or traffic jams, the automatic emergency braking function - stopping the vehicle
and holding it still until the vehicle in front starts moving again - was much improved compared to the
current system.
*Efficiency of these functions may be affected by abnormal road surface, severe or extreme weather and
are subject to the vehicle's condition.
Stereo Camera Image of object detection
Subaru is committed to developing vehicles that provide ultimate safety and peace of mind, under the
development concept of further pursuing Subaru's exciting, reliable, and environmentally responsible
driving. The new Eyesight advanced driver assistance system actively manages various safety functions and further enhances Subaru drivers' all-round safety driving experience. The system will be available on the Legacy models from the middle of May in Japan.
This info and more can be found at: http://www.cnet.com.au
only problem is i see this leading to more and more people driving with half their brain turned off.
