Is There Hope for Intelligent Driving Systems? - Contemporary Systems
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Contemporary Systems
In this section we are going to discuss contemporary systems. First of all, safety features are split into two categories - active and passive. The latter includes built-in features, such as seatbelts and airbags that work passively to prevent injury. Active systems use designs that depend on incoming feedback from the environment. They act differently based on the acquired information in order to enhance safety.
Pre-crash systems are based on a set of features which, when combined, are able to reduce the damage caused by a possible collision. To accomplish this, manufacturers decided to incorporate sensors to detect possible crashes and then do something about them.
One of the most outstanding commercially available pre-crash systems is marketed by Mercedes-Benz under the name "Pre-Safe®." It's a true milestone in breaking systems, especially since it is correlated with Brake Assist Plus. It detects the slightest possibility of when the car might collide with the vehicle in front of it, calculates the appropriate amount of breaking force required to prevent the crash, and notifies the driver.
Moreover, if the driver does not react to the warning signals then the system acts in accordance with the predictions and automatically decelerates the car. However, should the driver regain attention and press the brake pedal, then full control is given back to the driver, of course. The system is based on two near-range radars.
The system goes further; in case an accident isn't possible to avoid, the seatbelts are tightened, the position of seats is adjusted, and all of the windows are closed, including the sunroof. Airbags aren't neglected either. All in all, this system reduces the risk of read-end collisions and improves the overall safety of the car.
Other manufacturers like Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Nissan Motors, and Volvo have designed and integrated safety pre-cash systems of their own. They all vary as to seatbelt tightening and optimal braking-force support.
Another impressive system is based on Driver State Sensors (DSS-R). It's an automatic cost-effective sensor solution that monitors the state of the driver. Thus, a system that's based on DSS-R is able to detect the slightest signs of fatigue, such as micro-sleep signals. Additionally, it can also monitor the driver's head movement to prevent driver distractions, such as when their attention isn't on the road.
The system is very sophisticated because it is able to operate seamlessly with eyeglasses or sunglasses (IR transparent) regardless of day/night conditions (uses Infra Led illumination). It is totally integrated into the vehicle, requiring zero interaction. As soon as micro sleep signals are detected, the system acts based on its settings.
(Photo Courtesy of Seeing Machines, DSS)
Then we have optional night-vision features. One of the most ground-breaking systems based on an IR thermal imaging driving system is called the FLIR PathFindIR. It enhances visibility up to 2,000 feet with a 36 degree field-of-vision and provides razor-sharp images regardless of weather conditions, including fog, snow, rain, or dust.
It's a rather expensive night vision system, with a sales price of $4,150+, but it's definitely worth its price, especially if you find yourself driving in not so adequate conditions (night-time or bad weather). Check out the attached pictures below to see the most magnificent difference- notice the humans in the second picture.
(Left is the visibility with conventional light projectors; right is FLIR powered)
Last, but definitely not least, we know about navigation aid systems, such as GPS. And here's an article I wrote recently on the subject. It's an amazing feature, since it gives you access to road maps from all over the world.
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