Pioneer showcases automotive sensor solutions, data solutions and product solutions at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020.

The company is showcasing its portfolio of automotive technology and services with a focus on three primary business areas: sensor solutions to support the future of autonomous driving, data solutions to enhance driver safety and security, and product solutions that can add connectivity and infotainment to practically any vehicle.

Pioneer Smart Sensing Innovations Corporation, created to advance the autonomous driving-related business of Pioneer, demonstrates its 3D-LiDAR-based sensing technologies for the future. Pioneer is continuing development of a wide lineup of 3D-LiDAR sensors, including a mass-production model currently targeted to start full-scale production from fall 2020. This model, demonstrated at CES 2020, is more compact in size with extended measurement distance and improved overall performance.

Pioneer’s Data Solutions Business Division focuses on the utilization of data, including in-vehicle telematics, to enhance transportation safety and security with a path toward a future free from collisions and traffic congestion. At CES 2020, this group is presenting both current and future Pioneer products and services. Solutions showcased include Pioneer rDrive, the connected services solution powered by LoJack that is available for the U.S. market, and Intelligent Pilot, an ADAS solution offered by Pioneer in the Japanese market that estimates the risk of an accident in real time. This estimate is based on various data including digital maps, probe data, accident-prone spots, weather, and driving tendencies.

rDrive

Combining a cloud-based services platform, an informative smartphone application and a vehicle-installed LTE wireless network connection, rDrive provides consumers a path to upgrade their existing vehicles to include many of the connectivity features that until now were primarily obtained by purchasing a new vehicle.

rDrive is the result of a partnership with CalAmp, a creator of mobile and automotive technology solutions and owner of the LoJack brand. With CalAmp’s telematics, mobile connectivity, near real-time analytics, and data in motion expertise, rDrive provides solutions to suit a variety of consumer needs such as teen/senior driver monitoring, vehicle health diagnostic alerts, and business/personal drive logging. rDrive includes a suite of connected services including LoJack Stolen Vehicle Location Assist, TripWire Early Warning, CrashBoxx crash detection with incident reporting, vehicle arrival/departure notifications, LoJack Command Center live agent support for emergency services, and more.

rDrive will initially consist of the rDrive mobile application (available for both iPhone and Android devices) and a small network-connected device that plugs into the vehicle’s Onboard Diagnostics (OBD-II) port, found in the majority of automotive makes and models sold in the United States beginning in 1996. The device can be plugged directly into the vehicle’s OBD-II port or connected via an extension cable (sold separately) and installed inside the vehicle’s dash.

Two rDrive enabled devices, with and without in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot capability, will be available. Wi-Fi hotspot functionality provides internet connectivity for passengers using entertainment and productivity devices like tablets and game systems. In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot functionality requires a compatible AT&T pre-paid or monthly wireless service connection. Existing AT&T customers may be able to add the device to their existing wireless services plan.

The Pioneer rDrive model with telematics services is planned for release in Spring 2019 with a suggested price of $330. The Pioneer rDrive model that adds Wi-Fi hotspot capability is planned for release in Summer 2019 with a suggested price of $380.

As a manufacturer of in-vehicle technology, the Pioneer Product Solutions group presents a range of solutions for both the automotive aftermarket and automotive OEM applications, including advanced smart connectivity, high performance audio and visual entertainment, and driver assistance technologies such as blind spot awareness and rear visibility systems.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.’s line of aftermarket products are designed to upgrade practically any vehicle. They include the latest automotive aftermarket integration of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple prototype integrations of Amazon Alexa Built-in. Following the trend toward larger screen sizes and higher display resolution, Pioneer’s latest in-vehicle multimedia receivers are available in a variety of installation applications and screen sizes with a unique tile-based UI.

Pioneer debuted two prototype implementations that demonstrate how Amazon Alexa may be accessed through its in-dash multimedia receivers. Utilizing one of two methods depending on the type of Pioneer in-dash receiver, Alexa access enables users to enjoy a better entertainment experience in the vehicle with Prime Music playback that features metadata and album art, while also providing many of the functions Alexa users love.

The first method integrates Alexa into a future update to the Pioneer Smart Sync app, bringing Alexa connectivity to any 2018 or newer in-dash receiver compatible with Pioneer Smart Sync. These products are primarily single DIN-sized CD receivers or single DIN CD-free digital media receivers, including the new 2019 SPH-10BT being introduced at this year’s CES. The second method integrates the prototype Pioneer Vozsis with Alexa app, compatible with iOS devices and connecting to Pioneer’s 2019 double DIN multimedia receivers featuring Weblink.

Through both implementations of Amazon Alexa, users can access their Amazon Music library using voice commands. During music playback, the experience is enhanced through the display of song metadata and, if available, album art. They can also receive news (Flash Briefing) and weather updates. Drivers with connected smart homes can also take command of their compatible Amazon smart devices from the road, including lights and other connected devices.

SPH-10BT Pioneer Smart Sync In-Dash Receiver

Pioneer's SPH-10BT is a single-DIN in-dash digital media receiver designed for connectivity and in-vehicle entertainment.

The SPH-10BT includes a built-in, rotatable smartphone cradle, a first for Pioneer, designed to provide a secure mounting solution and fully integrate the smartphone with the in-dash receiver. Once placed in this cradle, the user’s smartphone becomes visually combined with the SPH-10BT.

Pioneer Smart Sync transforms compatible iPhone or Android smartphones into a high-resolution LCD in-dash display for Pioneer Smart Sync driving functions when paired with select Bluetooth-enabled Pioneer audio and digital media receivers, including the SPH-10BT. This combination provides both a larger display for the user interface and touch control for simpler and more intuitive control of the in-dash receiver.

The SPH-10BT is also compatible with Pioneer’s ND-PS1 rear parking sensors. When connected with the sensors installed in the rear vehicle bumper, the SPH-10BT provides audible object warnings and visual indicators on both the in-dash receiver and the Pioneer Smart Sync app.

Hardware:

• Integrated smartphone cradle
• Anti-theft detachable panel
• Six hard-key buttons providing access to favorite functions:
• Source Change – to switch between music sources
• Voice Control – for quick and easy commands while driving
• Navigation – for direct access to your favorite navigation apps
• Messages – one-touch access to read out incoming messages
• Phone Book – to make and receive calls via Bluetooth
• Pioneer Smart Sync – launch and navigate back to the app
• Customizable UI – Personalize the look and feel of the receiver to match your mood
• MIXTRAX – Keep the party going with a non-stop mix of your music library complete with DJ-inspired effects and club-style illumination

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth Compatibility – Built-in Bluetooth wireless connectivity for convenient hands-free calling and music streaming with compatible Bluetooth enabled devices.
• HFP 1.6 with Wideband Speech – Hands Free Profile (HFP) 1.6 produces better sound quality for wireless conversations by increasing the frequency bandwidth dedicated to voice calling (now 50Hz - 7kHz) and doubling the sampling frequency (now 16kHz). The result is clearer and more distinct sound for both the user and the call recipient.
• Music Library Browsing over Bluetooth (AVRCP 1.5) – Users can search album content over the Bluetooth wireless connection. iPhone owners can search through their playlists, artists, songs, and genres over Bluetooth. For Android smartphones enabled with Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), users can browse through folders containing media through folder type and browse in media content folders. The smartphone device must be compatible with AVRCP 1.4 profile or newer to access Bluetooth Audio Browsing.
• USB Connectivity
• Quick charge for Android
• Rear-parking sensor input – For use with Pioneer’s optional ND-PS1 rear parking sensors

Audio:

• FLAC - Enjoy lossless digital audio files in your vehicle with playback output at CD quality, without the need to convert.
• 31-Band EQ when used with the Pioneer Smart Sync app, 13-Band EQ when used without a smartphone.

The SPH-10BT will be available in February with a suggested price of $150.

NEX In-Dash Receivers With Amazon Alexa Built-In

Pioneer debuted its newest lineup of flagship NEX in-dash receivers featuring the latest automotive connectivity solutions, including Amazon Alexa Built-in. Available in three different product configurations and three screen sizes, the lineup consists of the 10.1-inch floating DMH-WT8600NEX, 9-inch floating DMH-WT7600NEX, 9-inch modular DMH-WC6600NEX, and 6.8-inch 2DIN in-dash DMH-W4660NEX / DMH-W4600NEX. All five models also feature Android Auto (wired/wireless), Apple CarPlay (wired/wireless), Gracenote Hybrid Radio and location-based live weather and sports, plus a variety of multimedia entertainment capabilities. The 10.1-inch and 9-inch in-dash receivers also feature HD resolution (1280 x 720) capacitive touchscreens.

With Alexa, you can ask to play music, hear the news, check the weather, control smart home devices, and more. Alexa lives in the cloud, so it’s always getting smarter, adding new capabilities that are delivered to compatible devices automatically. Using Alexa with the NEX receivers is simple and hands-free – just ask, and Alexa will respond instantly.

• DMH-WT8600NEX (10.1 inch) / DMH-WT7600NEX (9 inch): The DMH-WT8600NEX and DMH-WT7600NEX feature a new floating display configuration, allowing a large display to be installed using a universal 1-DIN chassis. The floating screen offers horizontal, vertical and tilt adjustability to ensure the best fit and usability in the vehicle’s dash. The DMH-WT8600NEX has a suggested price of $1,200, and the DMH-WT7600NEX a suggested price of $1,000.
• DMH-WC6600NEX (9 inch): The DMH-WC6600NEX joins Pioneer’s lineup of modular solution in-dash receivers introduced at CES 2019, featuring a modular design that combines a large touchscreen display with a hideaway control unit that installers can tuck into separate compartments of the vehicle. The
• DMH-WC6600NEX has a suggested price of $900.
• DMH-W4660NEX / DMH-W4600NEX (6.8 inch): The DMH-W4660NEX and DMH-W4600NEX are traditional 2DIN chassis for universal application in most vehicles on the road in the U.S. Both the DMH-W4660NEX and DMH-W4600NEX have a suggested price of $600.

All five models also feature Hi-Res Audio playback capability, FLAC file playback, 13-band graphic equalizer, time alignment, 4V RCA preamplifier outputs (front/rear/subwoofer), Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and hands-free communication, SiriusXM Ready (requires SiriusXM tuner and subscription, sold separately), RGB illumination, rear camera input, HDMI video input for rear seat entertainment, and more. All models except the DMH-W4600NEX have built-in HD Radio capability.

Other technologies on display at Pioneer's booth at CES include:

Advanced Concept Cockpit demonstration for automated driving

• In-car simulation showcasing a fully automated (Level 5) driving system
• Various Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) assisting the driver’s operation of the vehicle
• Driver Monitoring System
- Pioneer’s Driver Monitoring System is designed to detect driver status with image recognition technology to calculate estimated attentiveness, drowsiness, tension and fatigue:
• Drowsiness Detection Camera for condition and status of the driver
• Seat mounted microwave Heart-rate Sensor for condition and status of the driver
• Steering Wheel Sensor
• Seat Vibration to improve level of alertness
• Sensory UI
- During highly automated driving conditions, the driver will not be required to monitor the vehicle’s status. However, the driver is expected to be available for occasional control but with a sufficiently comfortable transition time. The Sensory UI demonstration shows how safe and reliable operation is maintained during automated driving mode and the critical hand-off between automated driving and manual driving. Pioneer’s Sensory UI incorporates the use of light, directional sound, touch and video for improvement of driver recognition and responsiveness to manual driving commands:
• 3D-AUI with AR (Audio/Sound)
• Laser Head Up Displays with augmented reality technology
• Dash LED
• Active Feely
• Seat Vibration
• Entertainment for Automated Vehicles
- Autonomous and assisted driving will also allow the driver to experience secondary tasks and consume more information, with entertainment features and options playing a larger role:
• Center Multimedia Display
• Sound Generator
• Seat Vibration
• Automated Seat Position Control
  
• 3D-LiDAR
• New Pioneer LiDAR sensor prototype
• Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) mirror-type 3D-LiDAR sensors
• Technologies to support 3D-LiDAR mapping
• Camera and LiDAR sensor combination systems
• Flexible system configuration for cost reduction and downsizing
• Multiple Pioneer-developed configurations of LiDARs for various applications and design requirements
• High Resolution Telescopic
• Medium Range
• Semi-wide View and Wide View
  
• Advanced Map Data Ecosystem
• Collects dynamic environmental information from vehicles on the road and updates data automatically.
• Global HD (high definition) map offering to support vehicles across all levels of Automation. Development partnership between HERE Technologies, and Increment P Corporation (IPC), a mapping subsidiary of Pioneer Corporation for HD mapping, a vital technology in ensuring autonomous vehicles can transport passengers safely and comfortably.