Collision Avoidance Radar?

I don't see how anyone could market such a product. Just too complex to design and install.

 

Several years ago, I found a collision avoidance system based upon cameras. One technical aspect I could never figure out is the claim their single camera system could measure distances. This is not a trivial problem. But when I tried to get details and possibly buy one, they backed off. They were looking for people with an auto repair or after market service center with bays to install their system.

Bob Wilson

 

I'm impressed with the Toyota's PCS (pre-collision system) and DRCC (dynamic radar cruise control). Some things are a factory only option.

 

Does that aftermarket system claim to apply the vehicle brakes (same as the OEM Toyota system does) if it calculates a collision is imminent?

 

My wife, not kidding.

 

I found the following:

The Toyota Prius v hybrid wagon offers an auto-braking system that performed so poorly in tests by the federal government's National Highway Transportation Safety Administration that the Insurance Institute didn't even include it in its own tests. The Prius v failed to meet NHTSA criteria for collision warning -- let alone automatic braking -- the Institute said, so it didn't meet the minimum criteria to be included.
Toyota spokesman John Hanson explained that Toyota's system was designed before NHTSA had announced its criteria for collision warning systems. Also, Hanson said, the Prius v'ssystem is an inexpensive technology designed to minimize, but not prevent, collisions while being affordable in a non-luxury vehicle.

 

How does the v's system differ - if at all - from the advanced package that was first offered on the 2010 Prius
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Distance estimation with a single lens is actually easy: for example, on my DSLR, I can estimate distance simply by focusing my lens and reading the distance off the scale.. Depending on the lens and the distance, these readings can be quite accurate.. Now of course, you have to pick a lens with an appropriate focal length and shallow depth of focus (wide aperture, which normally = $$$), and the accuracy of the measurement is going to vary depending on the distance (better the closer the object is, worse as the objective is farther away).. The technical challenges are autofocus speed and accuracy, and the "intelligence" of the software needed to determine what in the image to perform autofocus on, but it would certainly be within the realm of possibility to design such a system.. It would however, be much simpler and cheaper to repurpose a commercial laser ranging module.. The software would then be a direct rip-off of the radar code..

Big problem with anything that requires optics though is keeping the optics clean; radio-frequency-based systems like radar don't really care if there's some dirt on the radome..

 

I wish Toyota's PCS would perform like the Subaru's EyeSight.

 

Toyota apparently didn't design the Prius PCS to bring the car to a full stop like the A-PCS found in the Lexus LS and this was done on purpose because they "didn't want to take too much control away from the driver" (their words, not mine). Makes no sense to me but it is what it is.

 

$800 for something that just beeps when closing on the vehicle ahead of you?
That seems way expensive to me...

 

Sadly, no aftermarket offering can compete with integration the factory option provides.

 

Tell that to this guy Pennsylvania motor-vehicle accident: Prius driver killed after rear-ending truck

The last remaining picture on the net. Don't click if you're screamish Prius accident Interstate 79, near the Southpoint exit - Google Search

 

$800 is actually pretty cheap when it comes to all the highly specialized video processing that this system uses.. It's probably cheaper than the component cost of Toyota's radar system, which you're actually paying a whole lot more more because you have to get the highest level package, which in Canada is an over $8000 "upgrade", which in terms of the higher priced add-ons really only gets you the radar and the crappy JBL audio and nav system; you don't get the other nice to have features in the "intermediate" packages like LED headlights or alloy wheels, etc... And although it doesn't integrate with the brakes like the Toyota radar (probably some regulation that prevents aftermarket systems from touching safety systems like brakes), it actually does more than just collision avoidance- there's lane departure, pedestrian detection, even an option for automatic high-beam headlight control..

 

A lot of new, high technology factory options available now. Best to research them and decide if they're the right option for you versus cost. The 2012 - 2013 Prius Plug In Advance is a good example. I like options and technology. The Advance model was a easy choice for me, I could justify the additional cost. I understand Toyota's thinking with the 2014 Plug In Advance without Advanced Technology. Lower cost, a few less options. Those wanting a 2014 Advance with AT will find them hard to find, especially in color of choice. With limited numbers, negotiating a good price will be tough. Anyone wanting all the advance technology options would be wise to consider a used 2012 - 2013 model, selling at bargain prices.

 

Considering how options don't add much to the resale value of the car, I'm sure you can trade your Prius for a used one with ATP for $800-1000.