Subaru's twin-camera-based EyeSight driver assist system is getting a big upgrade for 2015 with a switch to color and more processing power. First announced in 2010, EyeSight remains unique among advanced driver assist by utilizing dual cameras to control adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems.

For these particular functions, other manufacturers use either radar or laser sensors to detect the distance and closing speed to other vehicles. Cameras are commonly used by many automakers for lane departure and pedestrian detection. General Motors also utilizes a lane departure camera that doubles as a forward collision warning system; it was introduced in several models in 2012.

READ MORE: Subaru Adds EyeSight to 2013 Legacy and Outback

Adaptive cruise control has been available in many high-end luxury vehicles for more than a decade, but the high cost and large package size of the radar and laser sensors has slowed the migration to mainstream vehicles. One look at the cell phone in your pocket is all you need in order to know how small and inexpensive digital camera sensors have become within the same time period. This enabled Subaru to initially install two black-and-white cameras for its original EyeSight system to give it the depth perception needed to use it for adaptive cruise control.

Until recently, radar and laser sensors have had the advantage of not requiring daylight in order to detect objects in the vehicle's path. Improved digital image sensors and processors have increasingly enabled cameras to see in the dark. The same techniques used by photographers to create those wild-looking high-dynamic-range (HDR) images are being utilized in real time to combine multiple images shot in a burst mode to produce usable images in very low light conditions.

READ MORE: What BMW's autonomous drift car is really all about

There's one aspect of cameras that is actually superior to the other systems: Radar and laser sensors can't make the distinction between vehicles and pedestrians. In the EyeSight system, faster image processors also enable smarter algorithms that recognize vehicles and pedestrians in images. The change in position and size of the detected targets within a sequence of those images enables the system to calculate the closing speed to those targets. The color cameras used on the upgraded EyeSight system also allow Subarus to distinguish when the brake lights have activated on the vehicle ahead.

Faster detection lets the Subaru system automatically apply the brakes to avoid collision at closing speeds up to 30 mph, a substantial increase from the 19-mph capability of the old system.

The new system will debut in the 2015 Legacy.

READ MORE: Will Samsung build autonomous electric cars with Google?

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io