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Kyocera Develops World�s First* Automotive Night Vision System with White and Near-Infrared Light Diodes Integrated into a Single GaN Laser Device

Solution combines RGB-NIR sensors and proprietary image-fusion AI technology for safer driving, better visibility at night and in inclement weather

KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kyocera Corporation (President: Hideo Tanimoto) announced today that it has developed an Automotive Night Vision System that can accurately identify collision-risk objects in low-visibility driving conditions, such as at night, or in rain, snow, fog, or smoke. The system is expected to reduce traffic accidents and promote safer driving.


Kyocera�s Automotive Night Vision features the first headlight in the world that can emit both white (RGB) and near-infrared (NIR) light on the same optical axis; this allows higher accuracy object recognition than alternative technologies. The system integrates RGB-NIR sensors and a unique �Image-Fusion AI Recognition Technology� developed by Kyocera for high performance object recognition. In addition, Kyocera has developed another generative AI feature to create training data for more cost-efficient learning and product development.

*For headlights using white and near-infrared light in a single SMD device (Kyocera research, September 2022)

Video: Introducing Kyocera�s New Automotive Night Vision System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Am3wZJXpE

Development Background

To reduce traffic accidents and promote autonomous driving, automakers will require more advanced hazard-detection systems. The global market for Automotive Night Vision Systems was estimated at approximately $2.17 billion+ in 2020. Furthermore, the market is expected to grow at a compounded annual rate of more than 16.5%+ from 2020 to 2027. Kyocera�s new night vision system will help prevent traffic accidents by notifying drivers of hazards in adverse driving environments, a benefit made possible only through the innovative integration of visible and near-infrared images using proprietary fusion recognition AI technology.

+Source: Reportocean, �Global Automotive Night Vision System Market by Technology Type� Nov. 3rd, 2021

System Features and Benefits

[1] Laser headlight integrates white and near-infrared light on the same optical axis

Kyocera�s system integrates both white and near-infrared light from a laser headlight on a single optical axis. This eliminates image parallax and greatly enhances image recognition. The integrated headlight also incorporates an extremely bright, high-efficiency, miniaturized GaN laser developed by KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. Furthermore, the system has automatic �beam shaping� functionality for the RGB and NIR light that prevents glare for oncoming drivers by automatically shifting visible light into a low-beam pattern when necessary, while the NIR light can remain in high-beam mode.

[2] More accurate object recognition using Kyocera's proprietary fusion recognition AI technology

Kyocera�s vehicle-mounted RGB-NIR sensor uses original fusion recognition AI technology** developed by Kyocera�s Advanced Technology Laboratories. Instead of simply combining the image data from the two sources, Kyocera�s system uses qualitative AI to compare and assess both RGB and NIR images, differentiating between pedestrians and vehicles with high accuracy even in low visibility conditions.

** Received the Symposium and Sensing via Image Information (SSII) Distinguished Academic Award.

[3] AI significantly reduces development costs while improving recognition performance

Conventional methods require collection of vast amounts of NIR training data, a time-consuming and costly process. Conversely, Kyocera�s AI technology generates training data automatically. As a result, this approach can significantly reduce training costs while maintaining high accuracy in recognition performance.

Future Developments

Kyocera will continue R&D for this system, aiming for commercialization after 2027. We will also contribute to making transportation safer and more secure through traffic-monitoring infrastructure technologies, such as smart road-side units (RSUs) and other equipment, while adapting our technologies to other diverse applications ranging from nighttime security to delivery systems.

Contacts

KYOCERA Corporation (Japan) Corporate Communications

Head Office

TEL: +81-(0)75-604-3416

E-mail: [email protected]
Miho Suzuki

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