Description and principle of operation of the blind spot monitoring system
Content
Each driver had a situation when a car suddenly jumped out of the next row, although everything was clean in the mirrors. This is often due to the presence of blind spots in any car. This is the space that is not available for driver control either through windows or mirrors. If at such a moment the driver gape or jerked the steering wheel, then there is a high probability of an emergency. In modern cars, the blind spot monitoring system helps to solve this problem.
What is a blind spot monitoring system
The system is positioned as an additional attribute of active safety. In some cars, such complexes are already supplied as standard from the factory. But not so long ago, separate systems appeared on the market that can be installed on the car yourself or in the workshop. Many drivers liked this innovation.
The blind spot monitoring system is a set of sensors and receivers that work to detect objects that are out of the driver's view. In terms of functionality and principle of operation, they are similar to the well-known parking sensors. The sensors are usually located in the mirrors or on the bumper. If the presence of a car in the blind zone is detected, then the driver is given an audio or visual signal in the passenger compartment.
Principle of operation
The first versions of such systems did not differ in the accuracy of detection. A danger signal was often given, although there was none. Modern complexes are more perfect. The probability of a false alarm is very low.
For example, if the rear and front sensors detect the presence of an object, then the function will not work. Various immovable obstacles (curbs, fences, bumpers, buildings, other parked cars) are eliminated. The system will also not work if the object is fixed first by the rear sensors, and then by the front ones. This happens when overtaking a car by other vehicles. But if the rear sensors record a signal from an object for 6 seconds or more, this means that the car is delayed in an invisible area. In this case, the driver will be notified of the potential danger.
Most systems are customizable at the request of the driver. You can choose between visual and audible alerts. You can also set the function to be active only when the turn signal is on. This mode is convenient in an urban environment.
Elements and types of blind spot monitoring systems
Blind Spot Detection Systems (BSD) from different manufacturers may differ in the number of sensors used. The maximum number is 14, the minimum is 4. But in most cases there are more than four sensors. This makes it possible to provide the "parking sensors with blind spot monitoring" function.
The systems also differ in the type of indicator. In most purchased models, the indicators are installed on the side posts to the left and right of the driver. They can give sound or light signals. There are also external indicators that are located on the mirrors.
The sensitivity of the sensors is adjustable in the range from 2 to 30 meters and more. In city traffic it is better to lower the sensitivity of the sensors and set the indicator light.
Blind spot monitoring systems from different manufacturers
Volvo (BLIS) was one of the first to implement blind spot monitoring in 2005. She monitored blind spots on the left and right side of the vehicle. In the primary version, cameras were installed on the side mirrors. Then only radar sensors began to be used, which calculated the distance to the object. Rack-mounted LEDs alert you to danger.
Audi vehicles are equipped with Audi Side Assist. Also used are radar sensors located in the side mirrors and bumper. The system differs in the width of the view. The sensors see objects at a distance of 45,7 meters.
Infiniti vehicles have two systems called Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI). The first uses radar and warning sensors. The principle is similar to other similar systems. If the driver, despite the signal, wants to make a dangerous maneuver, then the BSI system will turn on. It acts on the controls of the car, anticipating dangerous actions. There is also a similar system on BMW cars.
In addition to factory complexes, there are various options for individual control systems. The price will depend on the quality and configuration. The standard package includes:
- sensors;
- wiring cables;
- central block;
- indicators or LEDs.
The more sensors there are, the more difficult the installation of the complex will be.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of such systems is obvious - driving safety. Even an experienced driver will feel more confident while driving.
The disadvantages include the cost of individual systems that affect the price of the car. This applies to factory models. Inexpensive systems have a limited viewing radius and can react to foreign objects.
