TRW Automotive Holdings has recently exhibited its advanced video camera technology at an event in Locke Township, Michigan.
The demonstrations included 'S-CAM' camera sensor, and plans were outlined to capitalize on a G3 camera in order to improve the regulatory focus for North American forward collision warning and lane keeping systems.
According to Peter Lake, Executive VP, sales & business development, the company envisions implementing camera systems in roads in another five years so as to mitigate road accidents due to lane drift in North America. The 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data stated that 53% of road fatalities are caused by roadway departure. Additionally, estimation by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data represents that lane departure warning and lane keeping assist systems may protect 7,500 lives in the USA, annually.
The next generation camera of TRW's will be developed based on the existing feature set of its production S-Cam consisting of headlight control, traffic sign recognition, lane detection, and vehicle detection & classification for automatic emergency braking. It has been specifically designed with improved pedestrian detection functionality for promoting safety across the U.S. and Europe.
According to Alois Seewald, global director for integrated active and passive safety technologies, extensive safety features have been packed within this single sensor, creating cost-effective and efficient solution for multiple vehicle segments. On compliance with the sensing requirements, the camera ensures low speed automatic emergency braking.
The development marks one of the advances that come from the partnership between TRW and Mobileye, substituting TRW's current production S-Cam forward-looking camera in the US market within the next year.
Source: http://www.trw.com/