Hitachi Automotive develops stereo camera with AEB for enhanced safety

Hitachi Automotive has developed a stereo camera that enables Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) at intersections. This is achieved by seamlessly integrating a number of features including centralised binocular detection through binocular vision, three-dimensional object detection through time series image processing provided by monocular vision in the periphery along with storage of identification patterns using machine learning methods.

This caters to the growing need for technologies that enhance driving safety, particularly at intersections. With this newly developed stereo camera, Hitachi Automotive has increased the range of detection by widening the horizontal range of the stereo camera relative to conventional stereo cameras and has adopted a method to shift images detected by the left and right cameras. The angle of view is three times wider compared to conventional stereo cameras and enables Automatic Emergency Braking when turning at intersections despite maintaining the Adaptive Cruise Control.  The cruise control employs compatible distant object detection without the need for a large increase in sensor pixels compared to conventional stereo cameras.

As of 2020, the NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) will include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) among the criteria in their leading automotive safety performance assessment. Sensor technologies with a horizontal, wide-angle view are necessary to detect pedestrians to avoid accidents when an automobile turns at an intersection. It is essential to continuously detect vehicles ahead and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) with consistently high pixilation, the camera sensor, a combination of multiple sensors, including a radar which detects objects in the surrounding area or in the distance.

In addition to developing technologies to enhance the stereo camera performance, Hitachi Group will continue to offer devices and solutions that contribute to the practical implementation of autonomous driving vehicles and the connected car.