With every lineup change, leading automakers aim to attract the customer with something special. Some offer a luxurious interior and rich equipment, others bring up a sporty character and improve powerful dynamics, while others rely on more economical engines with alternative energy sources. However, in all cases, the future of the automotive industry is unthinkable without electronic control systems. The rapid development of technological "fillings" gives reason to believe that progress in the automotive industry has firmly established a priority direction for itself.
RESTRUCTION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM
If, when changing from one lane to another, you often hear dissatisfied horn signals, or you, making such a maneuver, are too lazy to look into the outside rear-view mirrors, then this electronic assistant was created just for you. Lane Change Assist helps you spot vehicles in adjacent lanes and avoid possible collisions.
The principle of its operation is based on the control of traffic areas near the car and warning the driver about the obstacle. The system is activated by a special button and is activated, as a rule, at speeds above 60 km / h. Radars installed in the exterior rear-view mirrors, using electromagnetic waves, determine everything that is in the "blind" zone. Electronic control units monitor moving objects, and also recognize stationary ones: parked cars, road barriers, etc. If you intend to change lanes, but at the same time there is another car in the danger zone, a warning light on the dashboard turns on. In this case, along with the LED indication, an audible signal can also be given. In some systems, video cameras and ultrasonic sensors are installed instead of radars. But it should be remembered that in conditions of fog, heavy rain and snow, the digital camera is not effective enough.
For different manufacturers, the system for informing about the "dead" zone has its own trade names:
- Side Assist - Audi, Volkswagen;
- Lane Change Warning - BMW;
- Rear Vehicle Monitoring, RVM - Mazda;
- Blind Spot Assist - Mercedes-Benz;
- Spurwechselassistent, SWA - Porsche;
- Blind Spot Information System, BLISTM - Ford;
- Blind Spot Information System, BLIS - Volvo.
360° VISION SYSTEM
This technology, which is a further development of the optical parking system, is designed to assist the driver when performing parallel or perpendicular parking, driving between lanes, entering a "blind" intersection, as well as when maneuvering in other tight conditions. The operation of the option is based on capturing the situation around the car and transmitting information to the multimedia display.
Structurally, the surround view system mainly combines four video cameras installed along the perimeter of the body. The front camera is based in the radiator grille, the rear one is in the license plate lighting module, the two side ones are built into the exterior rear-view mirror housings. All cameras have a large viewing angle and high resolution. This allows you to get a panoramic view of the car's surroundings (the so-called bird's eye view) and a detailed image from one or more cameras. In this case, the degree of magnification can be changed. Dynamic guides are displayed on the “picture” from the rear view camera, indicating the possible and recommended trajectory of movement. The system operates at low speed - up to 10-18 km/h, has automatic and manual activation modes.
The all-round view system was first used in 2007 by Nissan and until recently was the prerogative of premium cars only. Today it is in the arsenal of many leading automakers - Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Nissan, Toyota. Some of them have their own names:
- Around View Monitor, AVM - Nissan;
- Surround Camera System - Land Rover;
- Area View - Volkswagen.
TRAFFIC SIGN RECOGNITION
The system is designed to warn the driver about the need to comply with the speed limit. The main structural element here is a video camera located on the windshield behind the rear-view mirror. She removes the space to the right and from above in the direction of travel - in the area of road signs. This camera is also used by Pedestrian Detection and Lane Keeping Assist systems. The resulting image is analyzed by the electronic control unit, which recognizes the shape, color of road signs, information labels on them. If the actual vehicle speed is higher than the maximum allowed speed, the instrument panel displays an image in the form of a limit sign. Along with a visual warning, an audible one can also be transmitted.
The system is able to recognize speed limits for a particular mode of transport, as well as signs that the limit has been cancelled. A development Opel Eye There are also signs prohibiting overtaking. traffic sign recognition system ( Traffic Sign Recognition, TSR) have many well-known auto companies in their assets - Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Volkswagen. Mercedes-Benz named its system Speed Limit Assist(assistance in observing the speed limit).
PEDESTRIAN DETECTION SYSTEM
The main purpose of this technology is to prevent collisions with pedestrians. Statistics show that the probability of a fatal outcome from a collision between a pedestrian and a car at a speed of 65 km/h is 85%, 50 km/h - 45%, 30 km/h - 5%. The use of this system can reduce the death rate of pedestrians in road accidents by almost a quarter and reduce the risk of serious injuries by a third.
A video camera and radar are used to recognize people near the car. Their work is most effective at a distance of up to 40 m. If a pedestrian is detected, the system monitors its further movement and assesses the likelihood of a collision. In addition, it is able to “lead” several pedestrians at the same time, walking or running in different directions, and also reacts to vehicles that are standing still or moving in the same direction. All tracking results are displayed on the multimedia screen.
If the electronics has determined that a collision with a pedestrian is unavoidable given the current traffic pattern, an audible warning is sent. The system then evaluates the driver's response (braking, changing direction). And if none followed, it automatically brings the car to a stop.
The pedestrian detection system was first used in 2010 on Volvo cars. It has a number of modifications:
- Pedestrian Detection System - Volvo;
- Advanced Pedestrian Detection System - TRW Corporation;
- EyeSight - Subaru.
NIGHT VISION SYSTEM
The principle of operation of the system, which is usually installed on premium cars, is based on the detection of infrared radiation from objects and its projection on the LCD display of the instrument panel in the form of a gray scale image. For this, special cameras are used: thermal imagers - for passive systems, infrared cameras - for active ones. The former are characterized by a high level of contrast, but low image resolution, they work at a distance of up to 300 m. The latter have a higher resolution and a fixation range of about 150-250 m.
Another option that would be very useful on our roads. It could help relieve the burden on the driver when driving at night.
Technically and functionally perfect night vision system is considered one of the latest developments mercedes benz - Night View Assist Plus. As the main structural elements, it uses infrared active cameras in the headlights. In addition, there is a video camera behind the windshield that determines the time of day and the presence of other vehicles. In addition to the standard driver information functions, the system warns pedestrians of potential danger by emitting short flashes or lighting them with a headlight for five seconds. If there are cars in front or in the oncoming lane, the system does not work so as not to dazzle other road users. The program algorithm is implemented at a speed of more than 45 km/h and the location of pedestrians at a distance of no more than 80 m.
Bavarian engineers have advanced even further in this direction by introducing an intelligent night vision system - Dynamic Light Spot. The presence of living beings at a distance of up to 100 m from the machine is determined here heart rate sensors. Objects that are outside the carriageway are automatically illuminated by rotary diode headlights. On BMW vehicles, the Dynamic Light Spot system is installed in addition to the Night Vision night vision system.
Passive night vision systems are:
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Night Vision Assistant - Audi;
- Night Vision - BMW;
- Night Vision - General Motors;
- Intelligent Night Vision System - Honda.
Known active systems:
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Night View Assist-Mercedes-Benz;
- Night View - Toyota.
One of the most common causes of traffic accidents is the rebuilding of a car from one lane to another. In most cases, accidents occur due to the fact that the driver, having decided to change lanes, simply does not notice other vehicles moving in a parallel direction. The driver assistance system when changing lanes, like Side Assist for Audi and Volkswagen, as well as analogues for Mazda, Mercedes, BMW, Ford cars (providing monitoring of "blind" zones, informing about the "dead" zone, safe lane change) warns the driver about a possible collision during the maneuver.
Different car brands have their own analogues of this system:
- Rear Vehicle Monitoring (or RVM) - a driver assistance system when rebuilding Mazda;
- Side Assist - for Volkswagen and Audi;
- Lane Change Warning - at BMW;
- Blind Spot Assist - a lane change assistance system from Mercedes;
- Spurwechselassistent (SWA) - Porsche;
- BLIS (or Blind Spot Information System) - from Volvo;
- BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) - on Ford cars.
Audi's lane change assistance system, called Side Assist, works on the principle of tracking traffic areas that are in close proximity to the side and rear of the car. Using radar and a warning signal, the device informs the driver of the threat when trying to leave his lane.
How the lane change driver assistance system works
The system consists of the following autonomous devices:
- Buttons to turn on the system, which is located on the turn knob.
- Radars mounted in the exterior rear-view mirrors.
- Electronic control units, one for each side.
- Warning light sensors (warning lights) located on the outside rear-view mirrors.
- Control lamps located on the instrument panel.
The system is controlled by a switch in automatic mode when the speed exceeds 60 km/h. At the same time, to determine the cars in the immediate vicinity, a radar begins to work, the sensors of which send radio waves that irradiate the "blind" zone near the car. It is worth noting that in some systems it is possible to replace radars with installed video cameras or ultrasonic radiation sensors.
Installed one on each side, the electronic control units perform an analysis of the reflected rays, which serves as the basis for the following indicators:
- Control of moving vehicles.
- Definition of immovable objects, which may include fences, poles, cars in a parking lot, etc.
- When the system is activated, the indicator lights up.
The control indicator located on the instrument panel operates in two modes: informing and warning.
When informing, the control lamp is in the constant glow mode when searching for a car in the invisible zone.
In the warning mode, when you try to change the lane, the light starts flashing, signaling the presence of a foreign object in the invisible zone.
Unlike Side Assist, the Volvo BLIS system controls the stealth zone not with a radar, but with a digital camera that shoots at a speed of 25 frames / min. Especially good result shows a digital camera in conditions of limited visibility. But Mazda's RVM system, when it detects another car in the blind spot, emits a beep.
The maneuver of the car, subject to all the rules, often does not pull any consequences. But if the driver is inexperienced or simply inattentive, then an accident may occur as a result. Let's consider the system of assistance during restructuring.
The content of the article:
Each driver, before changing lanes from one lane to another or making a maneuver in an unpredictable situation, always looks around and in mirrors. But the conditions are not always ideal, and the fact that there are dead zones in every car is no secret and cannot be ruled out.
It often happens that during the maneuver the driver was not convinced of the safety and thereby provoked an accident. As a result, there may be small scratches on the car, but it is still unpleasant. To help the driver, engineers have developed a lane change assistance system or, in another way, a blind spot monitoring system. It was the latter name that became more widespread.
Different systems by different manufacturers
It's hard to find a car these days that isn't equipped with blind spot monitoring. In many countries in Europe and North America, this system is required to be installed in the security package.
The main purpose of the system is to control the presence of cars in the so-called blind spots. These are certain stripes around the car, which are not visible in the mirror, except if you turn your head in a circle.
In different automotive manufacturers, the system is called differently:
- Volvo called the system BLIS;
- Ford-BLISTM;
- Porsche has SWA (Spurwechselassistent);
- BMW - LCW (Lane Change Warning);
- Audi - Side Assist.
What is an alert system?
Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the parts list may vary. Side Assist from Audi is based on the constant monitoring of blind spots around the car, in front, behind and thanks to various sensors, sensors. Regardless of whether the driver of the car will change lanes or not, the system will inform the driver about the obstacle in the blind zone.
The list of main parts of the blind spot monitoring system includes:
- a button to turn on / off the monitoring system, often a button on the handle of the turn switch;
- sensors and radars in the side mirrors;
- control unit with logic;
- signaling devices on the side mirrors;
- signaling device (bulb) on the instrument panel.
How the blind spot monitoring system works
The whole beginning of the vehicle rebuild assistance system starts with sensors, radar or ultrasonic sensors. They emit radio waves into the blind spots of the car, and as a result receive a special response in the form of distorted radio waves. Now the information is digitized and transmitted to the control unit, where, based on the data received, the unit processes and issues a result whether or not there is a car in this zone. Thus, information is taken and processed from all sensors that relate to this system.
Control units often process and track moving objects, they can also recognize stationary objects, thereby excluding them as interference. In the event of a major danger, the corresponding light on the instrument panel turns on as an indicator of the level of danger.
The signal lamp can work in two modes. The first option only blinks when the driver changes lanes from one lane to another, while the object is in the blind zone. If the light is on continuously, the vehicle is in the blind spot and is following you.
In different manufacturers, the system works differently, for example, Audi's Side Assist starts to work at a speed of 60 km / h and above. Often there may be less speed, the system responds to the turn switch.
The BLIS system uses digital cameras with a high frame rate per minute instead of radar. But the disadvantage of such shooting is the imperfection of shooting in bad weather conditions, for example in fog, especially at night.
The BSIS system is activated by a special button on the front panel. That is, it does not support automatic switching on, and it works at a speed of 10 km / h. In addition to the indicator light, the RVM system also gives a sound signal, which is very important for most drivers, because there are moments on the road when it is simply not possible to break away from the instrument panel or sensors on the side mirrors.
We can say that in the active safety of the car, the blind spot monitoring system or the assistance system when rebuilding the car plays an important role. At the cost of buying a car from the salon, the system will cost about $ 350 and you should not spare this money, in the future it will help you out more than once. For $200-$300 you can buy a non-factory kit and install it yourself.
Video principle of operation of the Side Assist system:
Lane Change Warning (SWW) is a new driver assistance system available as an optional SA5AG equipment. Lane Change Warning (SWW) assists the driver when changing lanes. At speeds above 50 km/h, Lane Change Warning (SWW) warns the driver of possible collisions when changing lanes. To do this, 2 Lane Departure Warning (SWW) radar sensors monitor rear and side traffic.
The lane change warning system offers the following benefits:
- The Lane Change Warning (SWW) system can recognize a traffic situation that could present a hazard when changing lanes. In this case, the driver receives information and a warning at 2 levels (vibration on the steering wheel).
- Such traffic situations occur, for example, when distant vehicles approach quickly. It is difficult for the driver to assess such situations on his own, especially in the dark or in bad weather conditions. Radar sensors function regardless of weather and lighting conditions.
- An additional danger is presented by cars located in a dead corner. The driver can only recognize the danger if he acts with particular care. The Lane Departure Warning (SWW) radar sensors detect other vehicles that are within 60 meters of your own vehicle. The system recognizes vehicles in adjacent lanes up to the center of your own vehicle.
The following figure shows a traffic situation with a lane change warning (SWW) alert.
| Designation | Explanation | Designation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left turn signal on | 2 | The warning light in the exterior mirror on the driver's side flashes rapidly |
| 3 | The warning light in the exterior mirror on the front passenger's side lights up at a reduced intensity. | 4 | Steering wheel vibrates |
| 5 | Vehicle with Lane Departure Warning | 6 | A car moving at the same speed in the right lane in a lane change zone |
| 7 | A vehicle moving at a higher speed in the left lane in a lane change zone | 8 | Lane Change Zone |
| 9 | Blind area for door mirror |
Brief description of the node
The following components of the Lane Departure Warning (SWW) system are described below:- Signal lamp in exterior mirror
Lane Change Warning (SWW) master control unit
The lane change warning (SWW) control unit is both a radar sensor and a control unit. The ECU is integrated at the rear right above the bumper support beam. From the outside, the radar sensor is not visible, it is covered by a bumper.
Only the right radar sensor has a control unit address and an address for diagnostics. Therefore, only the right radar sensor is the control unit.
Lane change warning system actuator
The lane change warning actuator is exclusively a radar sensor and not a control unit. However, this radar sensor has a programmable memory and its own processor. The lane change warning system actuator is connected to the lane change warning system master control unit (SWW) via the Local-CAN bus. The radar sensor is mounted on the rear left above the bumper support beam. From the outside, the radar sensor is not visible, it is covered by a bumper.
The radar sensor is used to generate and transmit radar beams. Radar beams are beams of electromagnetic waves. The receiving module is integrated into the radar sensor. If there is an obstacle in the way of the radar beam, the beam is reflected from the obstacle and received by the radar sensor. By sequentially taking into account several measurements, distance and speed are calculated. Transmission and reception is carried out through a planar antenna.
The radar sensor mount does not allow mechanical adjustment. Instead of a mechanical adjustment of the radar sensor (such as an active cruise control sensor), it is necessary to record the correction angle via the diagnostic system.
Radar sensors differ in their mounting points, making it impossible to confuse them.
Driver assistance systems control panel
The Lane Change Warning (SWW) system is turned on and off using the button (3) on the driver assistance systems control panel.
When the Lane Departure Warning (SWW) system is activated, the green function light above the key lights up.
The activated state of the function after terminal 15 (personal) is deactivated is stored in the vehicle key used.
The control panel is connected to the Front Electronic Module (FEM) via the LIN bus. A bus signal from the front electronic module to the control unit for the integrated chassis management (ICM) reports that the button has been actuated. The Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) only allows the Lane Change Warning (SWW) system to be activated if the system is in good working order. Only then does it issue a positive acknowledgment via a bus signal to the FEM to activate the function key illumination. If there is a fault in the system, the function light remains off despite the button being pressed. Based on this, the driver understands that the lane change warning system is not available (SWW).
Signal lamp in exterior mirror
If the direction indicator is set, and the overtaking vehicle is in the critical zone at that time, the signal lamp in the mirror housing flashes (with varying intensity).
The left and right exterior mirrors each have one triangular signal lamp. The signal lamp can be activated with different intensity. If the radar sensors recognize the vehicle, a signal is sent to the Front Electronic Module (FEM). The Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) calculates the command and the required intensity based on the driving conditions and the steering angle. The command is transmitted via the LIN bus from the central gateway module (ZGW) to the respective exterior mirror electronics. When activated by a pulse-width modulated signal, the signal lamp LEDs light up.
The Lane Change Warning (SWW) system can issue a warning signal from a speed of approx. 50 km/h.
Vibration generator in the steering wheel
If the direction indicator is set, and the overtaking vehicle is in the critical zone at this time, the steering wheel vibrates.
The vibration actuator is located in the steering wheel spoke. The task of the vibration drive is to make the steering wheel vibrate. Driver assistance systems: Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Warning (SWW) use this vibration to alert the driver to dangerous situations.
An electronic unit in the steering wheel located inside the steering wheel also controls the vibration generator. If the radar sensors recognize the vehicle, a signal is sent to the Front Electronic Module (FEM). The Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) calculates the command and the required vibration intensity based on the drive mode and steering angle signals. The command to activate the vibration actuator is transmitted via the FlexRay bus from the central gateway module (ZGM) to the switching center in the steering column. The steering column switch center transmits this request via the LIN bus to the steering wheel electronics.
In addition to lane departure warning (SWW), lane departure warning (KAFAS control unit) also uses a vibration generator to generate a driver warning signal. The systems use different vibration amplitudes. The vibration generator activation coordination system is integrated into the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM).
System functions
The following features of the lane change warning (SWW) system are described below:Functional network connection
Implementing a lane change warning (SWW) system requires a complex network with distribution of functions to other control units. The following figure shows a complex system.
| Designation | Explanation | Designation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rain/light/sun sensor | 2 | Front power distributor |
| 3 | Front Electronic Module (FEM) | 4 | Signal lamp, right outside rear-view mirror |
| 5 | Trailer Module (AHM) | 6 | Rear power distributor |
| 7 | Lane Change Warning (SWW) master control unit | 8 | Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) |
| 9 | Lane change warning system executive control unit | 10 | block of switches in the driver's door; |
| 11 | Signal lamp, left exterior rear-view mirror | 12 | Driver assistance systems control panel |
| 13 | switching center in the steering column | 14 | Instrument cluster (KOMBI) |
Accounting for road users
Both radar sensors of the lane change warning system (master and slave) perform this function to a large extent independently of each other in their area of \u200b\u200boperation. First, the position of the registered road users in the longitudinal and transverse directions is determined.
Based on this, a traffic lane is assigned to road users. At the same time, a distinction is made between own lane, adjacent left or right lanes, and further lanes. If road users are in a lane change zone, the approach speeds relative to their own vehicle are also taken into account. If one road user is in the dead corner zone, it is enough to recognize its presence. The exact position or speed is not the decisive factor for giving a warning signal.
The need for a warning signal
The need for a warning signal is determined by the lane change warning (SWW) master control unit. The control unit of the master unit (SWW) then uses both the data of the road users determined by it itself and the data of the actuating unit of the lane change warning system.
Based on the distance (in the longitudinal direction) and the speed of approach, the time remaining until the lane change is canceled is calculated. If for at least one registered road user this time becomes less than the threshold value, a decision is made to issue a warning signal. Recognition of a road user in a dead corner immediately leads to a warning signal.
The warning signal is suppressed if the master control unit (SWW) receives trailer connection information from the trailer module (AHM). The body of the trailer significantly limits the range of radar sensors.
The result of whether a warning signal is required or not is sent by the master control unit (SWW) to the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM).
Giving a warning signal
Warning signals are given by a warning light on the corresponding outside rearview mirror or by vibration of the steering wheel.
The warning light on the outside rearview mirror comes on when vehicles are in the critical area of their own vehicle or are approaching from behind.
If a vehicle in a critical area is detected when the turn signal is turned on, the steering wheel vibrates and the warning light starts flashing.
The warning signal stops when the turn signal is turned off or another vehicle leaves the critical zone.
System functionality limits
Note! Personal responsibility!
The system cannot replace a personal assessment of the traffic situation.
The following examples describe situations that limit the operation of the Lane Change Warning (SWW) system:
- Sharp curves or narrow roads
- Heavy rain or snow
- Dirty or icy bumper
- If there are stickers on the bumper
- When driving with a trailer
- Far exceeding the speed of an approaching vehicle
When the Lane Departure Warning (SWW) system is restricted, a self-diagnostic message is displayed.
Service Instructions
General instructions
Calibration of radar sensors for Lane Departure Warning is not required. When replacing the radar sensor or working on its mounting, a service function must be carried out. As a result, the correction angle is recorded in the radar sensors of the lane change warning system.Diagnostic instructions
Note! Pay attention to service functions!
Using the diagnostic system, you can perform the following service function for the Lane Departure Warning (SWW):
- Commissioning the SWW sensors (= lane change warning)
Path: Service functions > Driver assistance > Lane change warning system
We reserve the right to typographical errors, semantic errors and technical changes.
Rebuilding a car from one lane to another often causes accidents, because. the driver does not notice vehicles in other lanes. Lane Change Assist System (other names - blind spot monitoring system, dead zone information system, lane change safety system) warns the driver of the danger of a collision when changing lanes.
Well-known developers of such systems are:
- Audi, Volkswagen - system side assist;
- BMW - system Lane Change Warning;
- Mazda - system Rear Vehicle Monitoring, RVM;
- Mercedes-Benz - system Blind Spot Assist;
- Porsche - system Spurwechselassistent, SWA;
- Ford - system Blind Spot Information System, BLISTM;
- Volvo - system, BLIS.
System Audi Side Assist recognized by the European Committee for Independent Review of Automobile Safety (Euro NCAP) as one of the best safety systems in 2010.
The principle of operation of the Side Assist system is based on monitoring the traffic areas near and behind the car using radar and turning on a warning signal when the driver intends to change lanes and there is an obstacle in the other lane.
The system includes the following structural elements:
- button (key) on the turn signal switch lever (on the door panel);
- radars in the exterior rear-view mirrors on the right and left sides;
- electronic control units;
- signal lamps (warning indicators) on the outside rear-view mirrors on the right and left sides;
- control lamp on the instrument panel.
The Lane Change Assist system is switched on by the appropriate switch, activated when the vehicle reaches a speed of 60 km/h. To determine objects in the "blind" zone, the system uses radar. Radar sensors are installed in the outside rear-view mirrors and emit radio waves to a specific area near the vehicle. In a number of systems, video cameras and ultrasonic sensors can be installed instead of radars.
Electronic control units (one for each side) analyze the reflected radar emissions, based on which:
- tracking of moving objects;
- fixed objects are recognized (parked cars, road barriers, poles, etc.);
- if necessary, the signal lamp turns on.
The signal lamp operates in two modes:
- informing- lights up continuously when the object is in the "blind" zone;
- warnings– flashes when rebuilding from row to row and when the object is in the “blind” zone.
The driver's intention to move from lane to lane is recognized by the turn signal switch being turned on.
System BLIS unlike Side Assist, it uses a digital camera with a shooting mode of 25 frames / min to track the “blind” zone instead of the radar. The digital camera is not effective enough in conditions of poor visibility (fog, snow).
System Blind Spot Information System is activated by a special button on the instrument panel and is activated at speeds above 10 km / h.
System Rear Vehicle Monitoring when in the danger zone of another car, along with LED indication, it gives an audible signal.
