Blind-Spot Technology

Blind-Spot Technology
An Introduction

Prof. David Bernstein
James Madison University

Computer Science Department

bernstdh@jmu.edu

Motivation

Vehicle Blind Spots:
- An area around the vehicle that cannot be observed
Locations:
- Forward (e.g., caused by the A-pillar in the windshield)
- Side (e.g., caused by the angle of the side-view mirror)
- Rear (e.g., caused by the angle of the rear-view mirror or the position of head rests)
Traditional Technologies:
- Parabolic mirrors

Modern Technology - Side Blind Spots

Side Blind Spot Warning:
- A visual (typically always), audible/haptic (typically only when signaling or drifting/sliding) warning when a vehicle is in the blind-spot
Side Blind Spot Collision Avoidance:
- Steers the car away from the vehicle in the blind spot

Components - Side Blind Spots

Sensor:
- Sonar or radar pointed to the side and rear of the vehicle
- Optional lane departure technology or steering sensor to determine if the vehicle is moving into the blind spot
Information Provision:
- Visual (e.g., a light on the side-view mirror or A-pillar)
- Audible (e.g., a warning beep)
- Haptic (e.g., vibration of the steering wheel or seat)
Control:
- Turning the steering wheel
- Braking the appropriate front wheel

Modern Technology - Rear Blind Spots

Backup Camera:
- Provides the driver with a clear view directly behind the vehicle
Rear Cross Traffic Alert:
- Warns the driver of potential rear collisions that are outside the view of the backup camera
Rear Automatic Braking:
- Detects a potential rear collision and automatically engages the brakes

Components - Rear Blind Spots

Sensors:
- Digital camera pointed to the rear of the vehicle
- Sonar or radar pointed to the side and rear of the vehicle
Information Provision:
- Visual (e.g., a the view from the camera)
- Audible (e.g., a warning beep)
- Haptic (e.g., vibration of the steering wheel or seat)
Control:
- Braking