AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMAKERS
Racing to create Safety Driven Technologies
The automotive industry continues to be committed to the development of innovative, state of the art vehicle safety technologies.
VAISHALI UMREDKAR

armakers are racing to create a vehicle that will never crash, but can it be done and will drivers accept a computer that overrides their driving? Less than 30 years ago, "clunk clicking" ourselves into our car seat belts seemed like the cutting edge of road safety technology. Now the arrival of crash avoidance technology systems that can alert drivers to danger and even take action to prevent accidents from happening promises to cut the number of crashes on our roads. So confident is Volvo of the power of its technology, it has pledged that beyond the year 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of its new cars. In essence, the Swedish manufacturer is aiming to build a vehicle that will fully protect its occupants and crash less Systems that monitor blind spots and track the alertness of drivers, and electronic stability control - which can detect and help prevent a skid - are already being introduced to many new vehicles. Some cars also now have adaptive headlights that improve nighttime visibility by pivoting around bends, as well as instruments that warn of a potential collision or when a vehicle drifts out of a motorway lane. The manufacturers are also developing adaptive cruise control, which can automatically maintain a safe speed and distance from other vehicles, and intelligent speed adaptation, which can, in its most active form, prevent a driver exceeding the speed limit. Research into effectiveness is in its infancy.

Safety is one of the most important issues in the automotive market today. More vehicles on the road and higher speeds increase the potential for accidents, while more comfortable cars mean that drivers can lose their sense of risk. An ageing population can also contribute to a higher rate of accidents. Semiconductors are stepping up to meet these challenges and make cars safer. As crash detection begins to merge with other electronics in the vehicle, such as active safety systems, communications, and advanced driver assistance, the automobile is becoming more autonomous and more intelligent. Electronic systems that can act faster than the driver will be able to take control to reduce the severity and frequency of accidents, saving lives on the roads. Consumers are currently focusing on safety-driven technologies and indicates they would like their cars to be equipped with more communication- and information-

So what are the latest technologies?

The commonly used safety technologies like seat belt and airbag will work only after the accident happens. Today, the new technologies that are emerging are more focused on avoiding the accidents or cutting down the impact of it significantly. The article lists below are few such technologies that have high potential in becoming as common in automobiles as seat-belts today.

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Semiconductors are stepping up to meet these challenges and make cars safer. As crash detection begins to merge with other electronics in the vehicle, such as active safety systems, communications, and advanced driver assistance, the automobile is becoming more autonomous and more intelligent. Electronic systems that can act faster than the driver will be able to take control to reduce the severity and frequency of accidents, saving lives on the roads.
related capabilities in the future creating the connected vehicle. Safety driven technologies are capturing the imagination of consumers around the world, whether in developed or emerging markets. The key challenge for automakers will be keeping pace with the ever-changing technologies car-buyers want and capitalizing on the tremendous growth potential that the market represents. Below are few such technologies that have high potential in becoming as common in automobiles as seat-belts today. Sensors determine the unique driving profile in the first 20 minutes of drive. A sensitive sensor monitors the steering movements and vehicles speed. When the car travels between a speed of 50 to 112mph, the current steering behavior is compared to the profile, the system identifies the drowsiness and provides an audible warning with a message displaying Time for Rest? with a coffee cup sign. Volvo has a similar Driver Alert Control (DAC) system that works when cars speed exceeds 65 kmph. It makes an alarm when the driver gets too close to the markings of another car. Similarly BMWs Lane Departure System uses a camera to monitor the lines on the road ahead, and makes the steering wheel rumble if a driver crosses a line without a turn signal. Yawn detection technology, is almost similar to attention assist technology, in which an eye tracker alerts the driver by giving away an alarm. Sensors detect the lip movement and eye lid movement. If the driver closes his eyes for longer than a userdefined interval the camera detects and sounds an alarm. The cameras evaluate more than 200 images per second to identify the line of vision, even when a drivers head moves to right or left.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Traditional cruise control was first used in 1958 Chrysler model cars. It was helpful in long drives, but the driver has to judge the closing distance between his vehicle and the one that is in the front. Adaptive cruise control system was developed to overcome this drawback. When the ACC system is activated, a light-based microwave radar unit that is located in front of the vehicle scans for a distance of nearly 500 feet in front of the vehicle and if the system identifies an object, it then calculates the distance and relative speed. Then the on-board computer automatically sends a message to apply brakes to keep up a preprogrammed distance behind the object.

City safety technology

This technology avoids collisions between vehicles to cut minor accidents in city traffic. Volvo came up with this technology through its 2010 XC60 model. City safety technology uses an optical radar system to monitor moving or static objects up to 20 feet ahead of the car. If the sensor detects that the collision is about to occur, City Safety uses a hydraulic pump to apply the brakes on its own. This technology works when vehicles move at a speed less than 20mph. Statistics from Volvo shows that more than 75% of collisions occur when vehicles move at a speed less than 20mph. Engineers from Volvo predict this technology reduces such collisions by nearly 50%.

Night vision detection

with

pedestrian

Attention assist technology

This is a new technology from Mercedez-Benz, which uses a computer that records drivers individual profile based on steering angle and other parameters like speed of the vehicle at the beginning of the drive and then monitors these signals.

This system works with the help of two technologies: near infrared system (NIR) and far infrared system (FIR). Far infrared system detects the thermal emissions from the objects and surfaces of road and generates images, while the Near Infrared System actively illuminates the objects in the near infrared spectrum and captures the reflected radiations.

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This system helps to overcome the problem caused by darkness as it detects the person and warns the driver. If the driver fails to apply brake, the car takes over and stops before the impact occur. If the driver turns the wheel, which the car interprets as he is avoiding the impact, the car avoids automatic braking.

Rain light sensor

Rain light sensor controls the auto-light system and rain-sensitive wiper system. Regarding the auto-light function, the rain-light sensor distinguishes between entering a tunnel and passing under a bridge, using front illumination sensors. It avoids the blinking in the head light when the vehicle passes under the bridge. The rain-sensitive wipers have lenses to ensure uniform distribution of sensitivity for raindrops and fixes the time for the first wipe when there are few raindrops on the glass.

Automatic high-beam control

This system switches off the high beam automatically when the car encounters oncoming traffic or when another vehicle ahead comes into sight or when the approaching road is adequately illuminated. Later the system automatically switches from low beam to high beam. The system is controlled via a camera which is integrated into the interior mirror to monitor brightness and road traffic. The thermal imaging camera detects people, animals and objects that emit heat from a distance of up to 300 meters, then transmits a high-contrast image to the Central Control Display. As a result, the driver is informed of any potential danger that he is unable to detect with his naked eye.

MyKey technology
According to NHTSA, teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding, not interested to wear seatbelt. To help the worried parents, Ford introduced MyKey technology. The MyKey system allows the parent to program any key through the vehicle message center, which updates the SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System. When the MyKey is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, and enables certain default driving modes, including belt minder with audio mute and a message Buckle up to unmute Radio, and earlier low-fuel warning. If Mykey is in ignition, features such as Park-aid, blind spot information system with cross traffic alert cannot be deactivated. With this technology, parents can set the top speed limit up to 80 mph, can limit the audio volume to 44% of the total volume.

Blind spot detection and rear cross path detection technology

Highway congestion is the main reason behind blind spot-related accidents. Automakers are now searching for a suitable technological solution. Presently radar systems are the most effective alternative. The blind spot system consists of two radar sensors joined to a control module and two LED warning indicators placed in the side rear-view mirrors. The sensors monitor the vehicles in the adjacent lanes, thus creating a digital picture of the vehicles surrounding. The control module processes the digital information. When any vehicle enters into the blind spot, the control module warns the driver by lighting the warning indicator in the appropriate side mirror. In rear cross path detection system, the system uses the radar sensors to look to the sides for oncoming vehicles. If someone is in your path of travel, the system audibly warns you of impending disaster.

Run flat tires

A normal tire depends on the internal pressure along with the sidewall construction and multiple steel belts to support the shape. The air inside the tire acts as a pillow against bumps and uneven surfaces. When air leaves the tire, it looses its ability to hold the vehicles weight. It means that the tire goes flat. A run flat tire improves the standard tire by adding supporting sidewall structure allowing the tire to reach to its nearest service station without any pressure in the tire. It uses tire pressure monitor system(TPMS) to warn the driver about the pressure in the tire. Run-flat tires helps the driver to continue his drive without changing the wheel for over 50miles and at a speed less than 55mph. This technology also helps in saving the space for luggage as it avoids

Around view monitor

This system provides birds eye view of the car and surroundings to its driver. Nissans around view monitor setup uses 4 ultra wide angle resolution cameras that are installed on all 4 sides of the car to give a 360-degree view of the vehicle.

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spare wheel. Run flat tire offer a better level of safety than a conventional tire if it has a puncture. It balances the vehicle when the air pressure in the tire goes to zero. somebody next to you. Blue-tooth in automobiles enhance simplicity of making or taking a telephone call and allow the driver to focus on driving correctly. It is indisputably a superior alternative than not employing one. Some cars come with blue-tooth systems as standard equipment. Four years ago, only some auto manufacturers, such as BMW, Lexus and Chrysler offered Bluetooth in certain models. Now, many car makers are providing it as a factory-installed option, not only for high-end cars, but also in affordable models such as Nissan Sentra and Ford Focus.

GPS technology
Satellite technology was originally developed for the Department of Defense, and later used in telephones and finally it is available in cars. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, provides the location on the map anywhere at anytime and under any atmospheric conditions with the help of 30 satellites revolving around the Earth. Navigation systems are helpful not only in unfamiliar areas but also can act as significant time saver that helps you to avoid congested traffic, or to find a gas station when you run out of fuel, a restaurant when you are hungry.

Vehicle 2 vehicle communication system

Future cars may not fly in air but may communicate with each other. Federal Government wants to reduce collisions through vehicle 2 vehicle communication system or vehicle 2 infrastructure integration. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that connectedvehicle technology could help prevent up to 81% of crashes that dont involve an impaired driver. All these technologies are the result of competitive innovation among auto makers to make driving of their customers more safer. Apart from gaining customer loyalty, these technologies do save more and more lives and limbs due to accidents while driving.

Blue-tooth Technology
Cell phones have become essential instrument in our everyday lives, even while driving. However, there are laws and regulations in many regions against the use of a cellular phone while operating a car. By using a blue-tooth device, drivers will not need to grasp the phone to have a conversation. Your hands stay put on the steering and eyes on the street. In reality the process is the same as talking to

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