Honda is way out in front in technology it may seem. They tested their “motorcycle to car” communication system on a test track in Germany during the CAR 2 CAR Consortium.
This system, now get this, generates warnings to riders and drivers of other approaching vehicles. How useful could this be when used to detect vehicles approaching intersections and being on a collision course? The system apparently generates warnings to riders and drivers of other vehicles by “continuous exchange of positioning data from GPS sources.”
The Honda life-saving system facilitates communication with vehicles from 8 other manufacturers. However, the exact manufactuers names were not published.
For some reason, people perceive motorcycles to be traveling slower than wat they really are if they see them at all. This system is designed to reduce the perception problem by giving a warning of impending collisions so evasive action can be initiated.
According to an article at http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/22/190441.html
“V2V communication rapidly relays information in a simple and concise manner, which supports motorists’ and bikers’ recognition processes. Information including position, direction and vehicle dynamics coordinates is exchanged between vehicles. Motorcycle riders can safely receive warnings about vehicles near them on a Head-up Indicator Display, and can receive information through an in-helmet audio system, neither requiring them to take their eyes off the road. Drivers can view information on the status of cars and motorcycles in their vicinity and receive warnings on, for example, their navigation system display.
Honda Advanced HMI
The effectiveness of a Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communication system largely depends on the HMI concept - the interface between the rider and his machine. Based on extensive research, Honda has developed for the Car 2 Car demonstration a simple, logical and intuitive HMI for faster and easier recognition. Both a visual and an audible warning are provided in safety critical situations. The visual HMI is located on the upper edge of the motorcycle dashboard, as close as possible to the line of vision, enabling the rider to spot the information and warnings easily without actually having to take his eyes off the road. The intensity, colour and the position of the lights provide intuitive information on the seriousness and the location of the danger ahead. To augment the riders’ recognition and further specify the hazard ahead, an acoustic warning by means of spoken text is given in the helmet, which is connected by means of Bluetooth® communication link with the on-board system. This advanced HMI contributes to enhanced motorcycle safety.”
Wow! now that is some cool stuff!
Part of this post is courtesy of http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/22/190441.html