Honda set to launch new bird’s-eye view camera, i-SRS airbag in Japan
09/18/2008, 4:11 PM
By Drew Johnson
With technology constantly marching on, there seems to be no end to the amount electronic gadgetry that eventually makes it way into the auto sector. Some new toys we can live without, while a select few actually make life behind the wheel a little better. Thankfully Honda has announced two new technologies that conform to the latter rather than the former.
In the same vein as Nissan’s around view camera system, Honda has announced that it will launch its own version of the technology on its next-generation JDM Odyssey minivan, set to hit the market next month. Like Nissan’s system, Honda’s system will give drivers a bird’s-eye view, but will also help with parking lot maneuvers. Thanks to wide-angle cameras, Honda’s system will actually be able to peer around corners and intersections.
In addition to its new camera technology, Honda also announced that it has developed a safer driver’s front airbag. Unlike conventional airbags, the new unit deploys in controlled stages, instead of one big explosion, according to Automotive News. The new airbag, dubbed i-SRS, actually inflates faster – and stays inflated longer — than a conventional airbag, but uses a spiral-shaped seam to ensure controlled inflation, which translates to a lessened body impact. As with Honda’s new camera system, the i-SRS airbag is slated to first debut in the JDM market.
Although Honda is using the Japanese market as a launching pad for the new technologies, we doubt it will take long for both to make it to U.S. shores.
09/18, 5:46 PM
posted by:
shaver
Those sound a lot like GMs dual-depth airbags.
Birds eye cameras are for people with brains of bird ****.
09/18, 5:53 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I want a periscope cam that pops out from the roof about 10 feet high so that when I’m stuck behind some behemoth SUV, recreational vehicle or commercial truck in the left lane doing less than the speed limit I’ll at least be able to tell if there’s anybody ahead of them or if the driver’s just being a useless d*ck.
09/18, 6:13 PM
posted by:
cocksterS
Hmmm…I’m having problems understanding the concept of a bird’s eye view camera. I’m assuming it is satellite based? How does a wide angle camera give you a bird’s eye view? Anyone know anything about the system who also wouldn’t mind enlightening me/us? Someone help me because my imagination is running amok and i’m imagining darth maul style recon drones following around all the soccer moms. Much obliged. (Re the star wars reference: clearly, I need a girl)
09/18, 6:34 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
****sterS: just admit it- you want a milf!
09/18, 6:36 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
LOL….whats next????
09/18, 9:56 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
What I love about air bags is the ability to declare a car a total loss due to a lot of them going off. That way, I don’t have to drive a beat up frame bent vehicle, but can get a new one.
09/19, 1:53 AM
posted by:
acura_el2000
c.ocksterS, I think there are 4 cameras, one in front, one in back, and one on either side, they all combine to make a collage of the views, thus making a “birds eye” view
09/19, 4:40 AM
posted by:
Whiplash-C6Z06
@****sters: I’m assuming the cameras are mounted on the vehicle itself and the “bird’s eye view” is what it is: a surrounding view of the area (limited to camera angle) of what’s around the vehicle. The picture shows a bird’s eye perspective using mosiacs.
I would think it would be mostly for road or near road visibility considering a fixed camera’s limitations.
09/19, 11:10 AM
posted by:
bigs4610
@ shaver
hahaha so true.
If you can’t parallel park, or tell how close your nose is to the ar in fron t of ou…. you shouldnt be driving. Regardless of how difficult it is to see, get to know your vehicle!
09/19, 11:11 AM
posted by:
bigs4610
@ shaver
hahaha so true.
If you can’t parallel park, or tell how close your nose is to the car in front of you…. you shouldn’t be driving. Regardless of how difficult it is to see, get to know your vehicle!
09/19, 1:46 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I’m willing to bet it’s more some sort of sonar or radar type technology, where it detects objects and their density, and creates an overhead image of the “stuff” around you. Maybe they’ll couple that with really wide angle cameras, but getting an “overhead” view would be really tough without some sort of distance detection. Maybe a sonar with a wide-angle emitter? Either way, this reminds me of that goofy parking game where you have to guide the car into difficult places, and it’s an overhead view (which confuses the hell out of me). I think we’ll see even more bad parking now.
09/19, 4:23 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
See, if you where a good enough driver, you wouldn’t need to know whats right outside your drivers side window..jeez