Omron Unveils Lidar Sensor to Increase Performance and Value
New Omron Advanced Wave Pattern Recognition System Improves Vehicle Detection and Adds Pedestrian Detection
NOVI, Mich., Oct. 19 -- Omron Automotive Electronics has developed an advanced lidar sensor that detects both vehicles and pedestrians with high precision. The new sensor outperforms conventional lidar sensors for low-recognition detection situations such as poor weather. The Omron sensor will be offered on vehicles sold in North America beginning fall 2004.
Lidar has proven to be effective for applications such as adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a safe driving distance between vehicles.
Omron's new high-precision sensor adds pedestrian detection using wave pattern recognition technology. In the past, lidar sensors have been unable to receive reflected light input to signal pedestrian presence. Omron's new technology detects all obstacles in a vehicle's path whether they are highly reflective, such as vehicles, or poorly reflective, such as pedestrians.
"Until now, automakers have resorted to using milliwave technology for detection in poor conditions," says Jerry Bricker, vice president and general sales manager, Omron Automotive Electronics. "Milliwave, however, is 50 to 75 percent more expensive than laser radar. Our technology addresses the cost constraints and can be nearly as effective as milliwave in situations of weak reflectivity, such as in poor weather conditions. Our system extends the scope of usage from strictly expressway driving for keeping vehicles at a safe distance, to urban driving as well, where there are pedestrians."
How It Works
With the Omron sensor, vehicle and pedestrian detection is made possible by the wave pattern recognition technology of reflected light. A narrow beam of laser light is directed ahead of a vehicle and, if there is an object in front, the lidar unit's photodiodes receive reflected light and convert it into electrical signals. The system instantly analyzes the pattern wavelength to provide the vehicle system with accurate information about the object in its path.
The new system also provides additional functional improvements compared to conventional laser radar systems:
- The width of side direction detection is doubled to plus/minus 15 degrees.
- The system is loaded with ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) to increase information volume at reduced cost.
- The package size is 30 percent smaller than conventional lasers for easier packaging.
- Vertical direction detection is now possible with plus/minus 10 degrees.
- The system can be used alone or with a camera that provides an image recognition feature.
The new Omron lidar sensor will be produced in Japan. About Omron
Omron Automotive Electronics, headquartered in Novi, Michigan, USA, is a division of Omron Automotive Electronic Components Company, Nagoya, Japan. Omron Automotive designs and manufactures a wide range of advanced electronic control units and sensors, including lidar sensors, remote keyless entry systems and power window and sliding door anti-pinch controls. Other products include various ergonomic switch assemblies and PCB and plug-in relays. The division has 700 employees in North America with one manufacturing facility in the U.S. and two in Canada. Sales for the 2003 fiscal year were $185 million.
Omron Corporation was founded as a maker of relays for x-ray timers in 1933. In addition to automotive electronic components, the company's major markets include industrial automation, electronic and mechanical components for commercial and industrial uses, healthcare products, ATM machines, card readers and traffic control systems, plus new ventures into intelligent transportation systems, information technology, and wireless communications. The corporation has more than 23,000 employees in 35 countries globally. Fiscal year 2003 sales exceeded $5.5 billion.