Denso has developed a new vision sensor that is 50 percent smaller than the company’s previous sensor. The new sensor, which is used in active safety systems with Automatic High Beam (AHB) Control Systems and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Systems, is the world’s smallest of its kind. In addition, the sensor can perform at a higher operating temperature compared to the previous model, making this the greatest operating temperature range in the world. Denso’s new sensor is equipped with a full-color camera as opposed to a monochrome camera, which allows the LDW System to detect lane lines markings in various colors around the world.
This also allows the AHB Control systems to easily distinguish the tail lights of the vehicle ahead from other light sources. This new vision sensor is available as a factory option for the Lexus ES, which is launched in China this July, and then later in North America, Russia, the Middle East, as well as other regions of the world. Denso will progressively make the new sensor available for a greater number of vehicle models.