Honda, always in the development phase, surprises us again with the registration of a new technological patent. This time related to a LiDAR system, aimed at being implemented in one of its flagships, the latest generation Gold Wing. And no, it is not the first time that the Japanese brand offers us information about an application of this type focused on increasing security in one of its models.
LiDAR system in detail
Back in 2020, some of the patent images presented by Honda in the registry office were leaked. Then the images revealed the location of an active radar that would allow the Honda Gold Wing to have an adaptive cruise control system like other models. The large front section would allow it to be hidden and not visible.
Later, following the same procedure in terms of knowledge of the information, we echoed the patent by Honda of a rear radar for the Gold Wing, which completed the initial patent of the front one seen previously for an adaptive cruise control, showing a similar performance to that of the Ducati Multistrada V4.
Now the Japanese gang goes one step further with the LiDAR system, (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging). We talk about: “A device that allows determining the distance from a laser emitter to an object or surface using a pulsed laser beam. The distance to the object is determined by measuring the delay time between the emission of the pulse and its detection through the reflected signal. In general, LiDAR technology has applications in geology, seismology, and atmospheric physics. Its use in vehicles, especially autonomous ones, is also being investigated.”
Its applications can be very varied, as detailed in this link: From topography, through adaptive optics and of course speed detection. Regarding this last field, as Cycle World explains to us, Honda wants to implement the LiDAR system “to create a 360-degree image of the bike’s immediate surroundings and nearby traffic.”
To do this, it would use various systems such as the laser itself, a powerful radar or the different camera sensors installed on the motorcycle. In this way, it does not matter if one of them fails if the rest are constantly collecting damage and putting it at the service of the LiDAR itself.
However, this system is not as accurate when it is required to operate over longer distances or under adverse weather conditions. That is why Honda intends to combine it with the rest of the aforementioned systems, avoiding errors and increasing the efficiency of the whole.
On the other hand, the system would send the necessary signals to the rider, about blind spots and vehicles or objects surrounding the motorcycle, through warnings on the dashboard, rearview mirrors and even vibration in the grips. The different sensors and cameras installed on the motorcycle would be responsible for collecting all the necessary information to later process it in the form of driver assistance.
It is not clear when this type of technology could reach a street model, but if it does, it is expected to be on large displacement motorcycles with a touring focus, for the price that a LiDAR system that works efficiently can reach. We will be attentive to any news on the matter over the coming months.
