Pioneer Nav System Shows Drivers Traffic Photos

Pioneer Corp. is introducing an in-car navigation system in Japan that can display constantly updated photographs of traffic, including still images shared by other drivers.

The Cyber Navi system uses a dedicated forward-looking camera to automatically collect photos of traffic and distribute them via a central data center to other Cyber Navi-equipped vehicles. Images can be presented on the vehicle's nav screen or with an optional head-up display unit.

The system also can monitor specific intersections and expressway sections that often become congested. This so-called Smart Loop feature shows approaching drivers what to expect by indicating upcoming traffic slowdowns on an electronic map, with constantly updated on-the-spot images or both.

Pioneer says drivers can specify as many as 10 spots to monitor along their normal commuter route or search for other locations. Other modes display highway exits, toll roads, parking lots and service facilities.

Finally, the system offers a "scouter" mode that warns the driver of other critical traffic issues, such as a pedestrian crossing the street in mid-block. The unit sounds an alarm and uses the head-up display to locate and superimpose a pedestrian symbol on the road ahead .

Pioneer says the Cyber Navi system will work on almost all of Japan's 435,000 miles of roadway. The company plans to begin rolling out several variants of the technology in June.