Denso Launches Improved Vision Sensor on Toyota MPVs

Denso Corp. says its new vision sensor is smaller, less expensive and provides improved performance—including in low-light scenarios—than previous units.

The system is being introduced this month in Japan on Toyota Motor Corp.’s updated Alphard and Vellfire MPVs. In these applications the sensor is teamed with millimeter-wave radar and automatic emergency braking to mitigate impact of a collision when an object is detected.

Night vision is enhanced with a lens specifically designed for low-light use and a solid-state imaging device with higher sensitivity. This helps the sensor to better identify pedestrians, bicyclists and different-shaped road signs used in Japan, Europe and the U.S., according to the supplier.

The system also gets improved algorithms for white-line and road-edge detection, which Denso says broadens the operating range of lane-keeping assistance and lane departure alert.

The integrated sensor is 40% smaller than previous units. In addition to packaging and weight benefits, this helps reduce costs and makes installation easier, Denso says.