Sneak Peek of the New Prius - #3

[usbseawolf2000]

[TonyPSchaefer]

Looking at the reflection in the glass, it does look as though the series of dots could be the pattern along the top of the windshield.

OK, I've been in meetings and I'm on a borrowed computer so I'm a bit behind the times here.

Could it be that Toyota's going to use the Prius line to introduce cutting edge technology into the North American market? Oh man I'm drolling already. Talk about game changer and leap-frogging.

[usbseawolf2000]

Isn't it what Prius mean in latin? To go before. Well, after Crown.

[fruzzetti]

People are thinking it could be a camera for a lane departure warning system? That would be interesting, if I were seventy-nine or prone to falling asleep ever.

Too bad it's not the IR camera + projector system as used in multi-touch displays like Microsoft Surface. :P

~ dan ~

And the 'open - close' switch COULD be for the plug-in hybrid connector or for the rear hatch or for your mouth.

[efusco]

A little OT, but just a thought, Team Prius (if you're reading), if you really want to stir interest, how 'bout a photo of a 6-way adjustable seat control!!

[DeadPhish]

Originally Posted by fruzzetti

People are thinking it could be a camera for a lane departure warning system? That would be interesting, if I were seventy-nine or prone to falling asleep ever.

Too bad it's not the IR camera + projector system as used in multi-touch displays like Microsoft Surface. :P

~ dan ~

And the 'open - close' switch COULD be for the plug-in hybrid connector or for the rear hatch or for your mouth.

I think that that Open/Close switch is for a protective panel that covers the solar array, a sunroof that isn't a sunroof. When you park it directly in the sun, now there's a twist, you open the panel to expose the solar cell array.

I first thought that the dimples on the side of the fenders were for a parking assist but now I'm thinking that it's a warning sonar sensor. If the vehicle while in motion were to come too close to another vehicle or solid object the warning beeps will begin, then followed by a loud warning buzzer.

[spwolf]

Originally Posted by usbseawolf2000

i cant see anything, but it makes sense - all those systems - pre-crash, lane keep/departure, distance keeping cruise control, night vision, etc, all use many common systems, so it might make sense to combine them together into one system.

Although, Avensis version is NOT getting night vision system, so I think at minimum Prius will get pre-crash, lane keep/departure and active cruise control, and possibly night vision...

[sorka]

Originally Posted by spwolf

Hmph, it COULD be HUD...

... I checked up new Crown Hybrid in Japan, and it had night vision system... look at the cameras it employs - looks exactly the same as this picture here and it is surrounded with white plastic from overhead compartment (thats where it is mounted at). Check at the pics on the bottom.

Translated version of http://toyota.jp/crownhybrid/dynamism/finegraphicmeter/index.html

Night Vision != HUD. You could display the infra-red results from a night vision camera on a HUD, but all HUD means is Heads Up Display. It does not imply what the data is.

[zcat3]

Originally Posted by sorka

Night Vision != HUD. You could display the infra-red results from a night vision camera on a HUD, but all HUD means is Heads Up Display. It does not imply what the data is.

Looks like you nailed. This fits right in with the Denso patent - the object / person/ hazard detector screen is on the dash display somewhere and that little picture they gave us is one of the cameras / sensors. Nice work!

[charlesp210]

I'd really like to see a side view camera to aid in parallel parking.

But I suspect one of the explanations above is correct.

Open the pod doors, Hal.