Technology overview
Assisting with lane changes on an expressway
While driving on an expressway using Advanced In-Lane Driving with Hands-off Capability, when the system detects a vehicle in front in the same lane, which is moving at a slower speed, the system assesses if it is possible to pass the vehicle in front based on the vehicle’s surroundings.
When the system determines a lane change is possible, it recommends it to the driver. When the driver approves the lane change, the system controls the turn signal, accelerating/decelerating and steering to assist with passing and returning to the original lane.
Moreover, the system assists with lane changes at a junction and/or an exit on an expressway, which are necessary to drive toward the destination based on the route guidance being provided by the navigation system. The system also assists with the lane change when the number of lanes decreases and the lane the vehicle is driving will disappear. This function reduces the driver‘s anxiety and tension in such situations.
Note: To use the Active Lane Change Recommendation function, the driver has to have hands on the steering wheel.
How it works
*Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
The system assists the driver with comfortable in-lane driving on an expressway by recognizing the external environment including lane markings and other vehicles using the front sensor camera and radar sensors and by recognizing the vehicle position and road information using high-definition map data. The system also detects the driver’s facial orientation, posture and conditions using the driver monitoring camera and steering wheel grip sensor and assists the driver with safe driving.
When approaching the appropriate timing, the system recommends a lane change to the driver. When the driver approves the lane change, the system controls the turn signal, acceleration/deceleration and steering to assist the driver with a lane change while maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles in the vicinity.
How it helps
- Assisting the passing
- Navigation mode
＜When a destination is set on the navigation system＞
While driving with Advanced In-Lane Driving with Hands-off Capability activated, the system uses a front sensor camera and radar to confirm that the adjacent lane is clear, then recommends a lane change.
The driver presses the Active Lane Change Recommendation switch to approve the recommended lane change.
The system operates the turn signal, accelerator, brake pedal and steering wheel for the lane change.
When the passing is complete and the driver presses the Active Lane Change Recommendation switch again, the system assists the driver with returning to the original lane.
While driving with Advanced In-Lane Driving with Hands-off Capability activated, the system uses a camera and radar to confirm that the adjacent lane is clear.
The system proposes lane to ensure that the vehicle will be in the lane closest to the junction and/or exit for the ease of driving based on the route guidance being provided by the navigation system.
The driver presses the Active Lane Change Recommendation switch to approve the recommended lane change.
The system operates the turn signal, accelerator, brake pedal and steering wheel for the lane change.
The system controls the acceleration up to the pre-set speed and assists the driver with entering the proper lane at a junction and/or exiting the expressway.
Using the front sensor camera and radar sensors, the system confirms that the vehicle’s surroundings are clear. When the system determines that a lane change is possible, it displays the recommendation inside the meter. When the driver makes the decision and approves the recommended lane change by pressing the Active Lane Change Recommendation switch, the system controls the turn signal, accelerating/decelerating and steering to assist with a smooth lane change. The system makes lane changes only after the driver’s approval, preventing unnecessary lane changes. While a lane change recommendation is displayed in the meter and even before the system makes a recommendation, the driver can press the switch button to initiate a lane change.
While driving in passing assistance mode, the system recommends a lane change when it detects other vehicles ahead are being driven at speeds slower than the pre-set vehicle speed. After moving over to a passing lane (fast lane), if there is a vehicle approaching from behind with a speed faster than the pre-set speed, the system recommends a lane change to the driving lane. After the driver’s approval, the system assists with the lane change.
In navigation mode, the system recommends a lane change necessary to drive toward the destination based on the route guidance being provided by the navigation system. Once the driver gives approval, the system automatically operates the vehicle for a series of lane changes, including entering the proper lane at a junction and/or exiting the expressway.
Commitment of Honda
To enable the driver to use the lane change assist function more comfortably, the system was developed with an emphasis on smooth operation and excellent usability. A key feature of this function is that it can be used with a single operation throughout different sections of an expressway based on coordination between the recommendations made by the system and decisions made by the driver.
Featuring a function to notify the driver about a vehicle approaching from behind and assist with moving out of the lane, the system prevents the vehicle from blocking the path of the following vehicles unnecessarily.
This function is the first among Honda vehicles and the first in Japan to feature the ability to assist the driver with entering a proper lane at a junction. The driver can use this function until just before entering a non-expressway road.
[Video] Function introduction＜CG＞
The individual functions of the driver-assistive system have limited capabilities (e.g. recognition capability and control capability). Please do not overestimate the capabilities of any function and drive safely while paying constant attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
A system may not work or perform adequately depending on road conditions, weather conditions and vehicle conditions.
Depending on the model and timing of the market launch of the model, descriptions provided on this page and the actual functions available on customers’ vehicles may be different. For the functions available for each vehicle, please check the owners’ manual of the respective vehicle.
