Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. has developed
the world's first
system for detecting rear-end collisions before they happen. A radar
installed on the rear bumper detects vehicles approaching from behind. Sensors
in the front headrests detect the position of the driver's and front passenger's
heads, and shift the headrests' position to reduce the risk of whiplash injury.
If a car gets too close hazard lights start flashing warning the driver. In
addition to cars it can also detect pedestrians also. The system uses a newly
developed camera called stereo camera that can detect information on
three-dimensional objects, in addition to the more common radar. An infrared
projector in the headlights supports nighttime visibility.
)