What Is A Vehicle Blind Spot Detection system?
It is common to miss a car approaching quickly. Usually, you may fail to see cars in the following positions:
- From behind in the left lane
- In the blind spot next to your car
- In heavy traffic
- On multi-lane freeways or highways
- In urban traffic.
The vehicle blind spot detection system can monitor these areas. It helps the driver by reducing stress and avoiding risky situations. Sensors monitor the road area behind and next to your vehicle. Also, it alerts you if you attempt to pull even with the lack of a gap.
The area alongside and just behind the vehicle is a constant source of danger and causes serious accidents. Hence, vehicle blind spot detection systems monitor areas and warn of upcoming collisions to make lane changing safe.
How Do Vehicle Blind Spot Detectors Deal With Blind Spots?
A blind spot is an area along the rear sides of your vehicle that you cannot see. Your blind spot may be small or large, depending on the size of your vehicle. Staying aware of what is happening around you is an excellent way to view your blind spot. Therefore drivers should check vehicle rearview and side mirrors. As well as look over each shoulder before changing lanes. Despite your great effort, you may still struggle with a blind spot.
The detection system employs active sensors such as infrared beam-based distance, laser, visual, and radar to detect targets. The blind spot area was the viewing angle on the vehicle’s left and right sides. The external and internal mirrors did not cover it. Following are the advantages of the radar system
- Simple to apply
- Improved detection performance in the short and middle ranges
- Better resolution and lower cost for measuring range distance;
- A plane antenna is small in size.
Types of Blind Spot Detection Systems
Pre-Installed Systems
The most common type of blind spot monitoring system is one that automakers include as standard equipment or as an option at certain levels. While most automakers are beginning to offer these systems for free, the majority still reserve them for more pricey vehicles. As a result, they are typically custom-tailored for the specific model, with few being adaptable with older vehicles.
Aftermarket System
Aftermarket blind spot monitoring kits are a small market. Still, it is growing as more startups and major automotive companies offer custom-designed kits for a wide range of vehicles. Many of these kits are universal in application, so you don’t have to worry about your vehicle’s make, model, or year.
The system can reduce stress levels by providing extra eyes on the road. There are various kit options available. Most kits have similar features, but the indicators may differ.
What if you have an older vehicle and would prefer not to purchase a new one? Numerous reputable companies sell aftermarket blind spot monitoring kits for various vehicles. The kits are available in big-box stores and online. Before buying and installing a blind spot monitoring system, read reviews.
Vehicle Blind Spot Detection System Pricing
The functionality and accuracy of low-cost blind spot monitoring systems are typically limited. Most vehicles have a few sensors and basic indicators. but they are still not as precise as factory-installed blind spot monitoring systems found in newer vehicles
$250 – $500:
Blind spot monitoring systems of this range improve the accuracy of the included sensors. But most still fall short of the performance of advanced systems found on most modern vehicles.
$500 and up:
Consider this range if you want the most dependability and accuracy. Sensor accuracy is high here. Internal controls use advanced algorithms to minimize false triggers as much as possible.
Key Features Of Vehicle Blind Spot Detection System
The system can provide you with the following features:
Radars
Radars are the blind spot monitoring system’s eyes. It can “sense” the environment using electronic waves. A blind spot system will typically employ two or more sensors to cover different sides of the vehicle. It will activate the indicator when something enters the radar’s “view” at or above a certain speed.
Indicator
Notification is essential for any blind spot monitor system; otherwise, you’d have no idea when radar collapses. Indicators come in various shapes and sizes, but most aftermarket kits use a combination of visible led lights and an audible alarm to alert you.
Improves response time
Blind spot monitors allow you to identify potential risks faster. It will enable you to step on the brake or turn the steering wheel more quickly.
Avoids collisions
A blind spot detector can help you avoid colliding with another vehicle traveling in the same direction or the center lane.
It improves your driving awareness.
A blind spot detection system constantly monitors areas that are difficult to see while driving.
Helps drivers of larger vehicles
You probably know how difficult it is to see around a larger vehicle. By examining the unseen areas, the monitor can reduce your stress levels.
Other Considerations
Accuracy
The accuracy of the sensors is something that varies slightly between systems. High-quality sensors tend to be more accurate. Accuracy for vehicle blind spot detection systems is essentially how well the sensors can ignore false triggers. Hence, keeping false trigger rates low requires an advanced controller that can identify false triggers.
Installation
Expert installation is usually the best option if you want good results. But many kits make it possible to install the individual components yourself.
Functions Of Vehicles Blind Spot Detection system
A transceiver, antenna, and signal processing module comprise a radar system. The target detection architecture was implemented using a tiny microprocessor in the developed signal processing module.
A typical blind spot detector uses electronic devices like radar sensors. They are on the vehicle’s sides, rear bumpers, or rearview mirrors.
There are two main ways to measure distance with radar. The first method, known as direct propagation, measures the delay associated with receiving the reflected signal. It can be linked to the distance of the reflecting object as a function of the speed of light. Instead, the time lag between wave transmission and reception.
The second method is the indirect propagation method, also known as the Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave method. A modulated frequency is sent and received for indirect propagation.
This system sends out some signal ( radar) and how long it takes for the signal to bounce back from the surface of the nearest object and return to the sensor. Based on the time it took for the signal to return, the distance to the nearest object the signal bounced off of can be calculated. If there is no object in the sensor’s line of sight, the signal will be in the environment and not return to the sensor, indicating that no objects are nearby.
Radar signals are excellent at detecting objects that reflect much electromagnetic radiation. They are good at detecting objects that are at several centimeters. Because they operate at wavelengths of a few millimeters.
When these sensors detect another vehicle arriving, they alert by making audible noises. Few systems will provide a haptic warning by vibrating the steering wheel or the driver’s seat.
Latest Vehicle Blind Spot Detection Systems Available In Market
The following are some of the latest vehicle blind spot detection systems available:
Line Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Millimeter-Wave Radar
It detects moving targets that enter the subject vehicle’s rear blind spot alarm area, including the left, right, and behind areas. The system control algorithm determines whether there is a risk of a collision in the rear blind spot.
Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave Radar
The frequency difference between the transmitted source and the received signal is used in this radar to determine range and velocity because the bandwidth of a received beat signal can be reduced to less than a dozen MHz regardless of the transmitted bandwidth.
Vision-Based System For Blind Spot Detection
A camera is mounted in a car’s sideways mirror to visually detect cars that are in the blind spot and cannot be seen by the driver. Cars in the blind spot detect by providing computer vision and a two-stage data technique for reliable vehicle detection.
Rear And Side Detection System
The rear and side detection system includes a 76GHz, single-beam mono-pulse radar. It alerts the driver to nearby vehicles when changing lanes via audible chimes or visual indicators. Plus, It helps to avoid disturbance warnings. It performs the following in addition to blind spot detection
- rear pre-crash sensing
- rear cross-traffic alert
- lane change merge assist functions
Key Benefits
The key benefits of the rear and side detection system include:
- Target discrimination of higher quality
- Improved Doppler discrimination
Two-Step Passive Blind Spot Detection Systems
It detects other vehicles and provides this information to the driver.
Three-Step Active Blind Spot Detection Systems
It employs a process that performs the same function as passive systems but goes one step further. These systems completely avoid the other vehicle. The system can provide you with the following features:
Detection
The systems use cameras and radar technology to detect objects in specific locations. The step is usually triggered by an action, such as using a turn signal or driving at a certain speed.
Notification
How does the system notify you when it detects another vehicle is within your perimeter? When the system detects another vehicle, it alerts the driver through visual and audible warning. Depending on the manufacturer and system’s model, it transmits the information to the driver in various ways.
Tips for Using a Vehicle Blind Spot Detection System
You may have been driving without a blind spot monitoring system for a long time. However, you can get used to this new safety device by following a few simple steps:
Before Starting On a Long Journey
Take a few test drives in your vehicle. Change lanes and become familiar with the technology so that it does not appear unusual to you on a busy highway. Take your time changing to the system.
Take Proper Care of The Camera Systems.
It’s easy to ignore that your car’s cameras and sensors should function properly and be free of debris and dust. Check them every few days and wash them down as necessary.
Trust Your Instincts
Even if your vehicle has blind spot monitoring, you should still use your best judgment.
What Cars Have Blind Spot Detection Systems?
Several automakers provide various types of vehicle blind spot detection systems. Volvo and Ford use an automatic vehicle blind spot detection system in their vehicles. It monitors the approach of an object on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. The system employs radar, which causes an led on the A-pillar to glow when it detects a hidden vehicle. Radar-based detectors in Ford, on the other hand, are on the outside rearview mirror.
Certain vehicles, such as the Infiniti M-Series, have an alternative source, such as a blind spot that requires sufficient space. The detection system not only alerts the driver when the car reaches the blind spot. But it also provides steering wheel resistance if the driver ignores the alert.
An Audi side assist’s blind spot detection system can detect vehicles reaching from far. It also flashes a light in an external rearview mirror. Nissan, Mercedes, Chrysler, and other producers have their systems for monitoring blind spots.
These blind spot detection systems are not available in all vehicle models. Currently, these systems are only available as an option in luxury vehicles as part of a larger safety package. However, they are a few thousand dollars more expensive than traditional safety systems. Also, with a decrease in the cost of safety systems, most new vehicles will certainly include blind spot detection systems.
Why Buy A Blind Spot Detection System?
Blind spot monitoring systems are useful, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. According to them, blind spot monitors reduced the number of lane-related collisions by 14% and injuries in these types of accidents by 23%.
If you are in the market for a new car, you may have the option of purchasing one with a blind spot monitoring system. Alternatively, your car dealer may offer blind spot monitoring as an optional extra to your purchase. It could even be part of a safety package with many technological features to help you avoid accidents.
How Does Blind Spot Detection Work For Heavy Commercial Vehicles?
Driver inattention is a problem for both heavy goods vehicles and passenger car drivers. Outcomes of traffic accidents involving heavy goods vehicles and other road users are more serious.
Two radar sensors on each side of the vehicle act as electronic sights. It observes the environment in the lanes nearby to the vehicle. Also, it monitors the entire length of the trailer and the area immediately behind it. Its obstacle detection functionality focuses on the training truck’s blind spots. There is a blind spot near the vehicle’s nose in the frontal area. It is impossible to see obstacles less than 1.5 meters from the driver’s seat. Other blind spots can be found on the left and right sides of the cabin.
Corner Radar Sensor For Commercial Vehicles
This corner radar sensor, explicitly designed for heavy commercial vehicles, allows fast, robust, and highly accurate object detection and tracking. This sensor’s long-range, wide field of view, high angular resolution, and new sequence modulation make it ideal for use in safety-related driver assistance functions.
Conclusion
For more than two decades, automakers have analyzed blind spot detection systems. Staying aware of what is happening around you is a good way to view your blind spot. The radar blind spot detection system effectively detects blind spots on the road. In addition, it also has a very quick response time.
Blind spot detection systems use a variety of sensors system to alert about objects beyond the driver’s field of vision. Sensors detect the presence of things and interact with this information to the driver via visible and auditory signals. In contrast to vision sensors, radar sensors can ensure system reliability regardless of weather or road conditions. Furthermore, radar sensors can target position and velocity, reaching vehicles in the blind spot zone.
The best safety features in the world are no substitute for responsible driving. These systems aren’t total preventive solutions to blind-spot issues you encounter on the highway. But they can provide you with timely information to help you drive smarter. Because it was pricey, this technology was initially limited to luxury and higher-end vehicles. However, blind spot detection systems are now standard equipment in nearly every new vehicle.
