LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its pursuit of open innovation and collaboration, Honda is showcasing projects with startup companies LEIA and VocalZoom at CES 2017.  In collaboration with the Honda Xcelerator, these two innovators' technologies aim to revolutionize the in-cabin experience.

Together, Honda Xcelerator and LEIA have developed a new 3D driver display demonstration that leverages nanotechnology to provide seamless transitions between different viewing angles for warnings and driver-assistive systems.  VocalZoom has been working with Honda Xcelerator to apply its optical microphone technology to improve voice interaction inside the vehicle.

"We're flexible, innovator friendly, and look for unique opportunities to work closely with partners to co-create and showcase advanced technology," said Dennis Clark, strategic alliance lead at Honda Xcelerator.  "Our focus at CES is to showcase our work with two of our partners–LEIA and VocalZoom–to apply their unique technologies to enhance the in-car experience."

Honda Xcelerator

Honda Xcelerator is an open innovation program designed to facilitate collaboration between early stage technology startups and global Honda. Honda created the program to engage innovators in an open and supportive environment.  The program offers funding for rapid prototyping, a collaborative workspace and pairing with Honda mentors.

3D Driver Display

LEIA is a technology spin-off of HP Labs and a provider of the leading holographic display solution for mobile. The LEIA 3D display provides a comfortable, natural form of 3D that is easier to look at, which is important for the in-car experience. It also gives designers and developers a new tool for building a more appealing user experience.

Although 3D can be distracting if it isn't designed correctly, LEIA's nanotech approach presents depth in a way that feels natural. As a result, when the driver moves his or her head while looking at the screen, the content changes aspect continuously and allows for multi-view 3D imagery.

"LEIA uses nanotechnology to control the emission of light from its displays," said David Fattal, LEIA Inc.'s Founder and CEO. "This is a brand new technique that produces multi-view 3D – holographic – content with an unprecedented level of quality and visual comfort for several viewers at a time. Moreover, the displays are entirely switchable to standard 2D viewing mode so there is virtually no downside in using them."                           

Honda sees a number of potential applications for this technology, from navigation to traffic information, that can be leveraged to provide a more intuitive, convenient and safe in-cabin experience for customers.

Optical Sensor Technology

VocalZoom is a leading supplier of Human-to-Machine Communication (HMC) optical sensors that enable a more natural, personalized and secure voice-control experience and has been working with Honda Xcelerator to apply its technology to the in-car experience.

VocalZoom's optical sensor "reads" facial skin vibrations during speech, enabling it to isolate a driver's voice from all of the other background sounds in the car.  The result is clean, isolated driver commands that are significantly easier for automotive voice-recognition systems to understand and obey than was previously possible with traditional voice-control solutions. In a proof-of-concept demo at Honda's CES display, attendees can experience the VocalZoom technology.

"We are very excited to be at CES with Honda demonstrating a disruptive new voice-control and voice-authentication experience in the connected car," said Rammy Bahalul, vice president of sales and business development for VocalZoom.  "VocalZoom's optical sensor is re-defining Human-to-Machine Communication by delivering seamless, near-perfect performance even with background noise from open windows, engine noise, music playing, passenger conversations and other interference." 

Honda at CES

Honda's display theme at CES 2017 is a Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem, connecting the power of artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data to transform the mobility experience.  Under this umbrella the company is showcasing a number of prototype technologies developed from its R&D division as well as collaborations with startups, partners and global tech companies. For more information, visit honda.us/CES2017.

About Honda Technology
Honda is creating technologies and products that advance the company's clean, safe, fun and connected brand values. These efforts include advancements in automated vehicles, connectivity and ultra-low carbon mobility.  In North America, the company has more than 300,000 vehicles on the road equipped with the Honda Sensing or AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies and more than 400,000 vehicles featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.  Honda also is testing advanced automated vehicle technologies in Japan and North America and is targeting 2020 for the deployment of highly automated vehicles on U.S. highways.  Honda also is working to fulfill its environmental and safety vision: "to realize the joy and freedom of mobility and a sustainable society where people can enjoy life."  Toward this target, Honda is striving to make two-thirds of its global automobile sales from hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles including fuel cell and battery electric vehicles by around 2030. 

About LEIA Inc
Founded in 2014 by David Fattal, Zhen Peng and Pierre Evreux, LEIA Inc is a technology spin-off from Hewlett-Packard laboratories developing a Lightfield display technology platform for naked-eye holographic and virtual reality applications. It focuses today on the mobile and automotive markets, with first devices expected in the hands of consumer by the end of 2017. The company is based in Menlo Park, CA with operations in Suzhou, China. Learn more at www.leia3d.com.

About VocalZoom
VocalZoom supplies Human-to-Machine Communication (HMC) sensors for delivering a natural, personalized and secure voice-controlled user experience in today's increasingly mobile and interconnected world. The sensors enable accurate and reliable voice control and biometrics authentication in any environment, regardless of noise. Applications include mobile secure payments, headsets and wearables, mobile phones, access control, smart home solutions, and hands-free automotive voice control. For more information, visit www.VocalZoom.com and follow the company on LinkedIn.

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.