Blind spot monitor
The blind spot monitor is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear. Warnings can be visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile.[1][2]
However, blind spot monitors are an option that may do more than monitor the sides and rear of the vehicle. They may also include "Cross Traffic Alert", "which alerts drivers backing out of a parking space when traffic is approaching from the sides."[1][3]
History
If side view mirrors are properly adjusted on a car, there is no blind spot on the sides.[3][4][5][6] This method was first revealed by George Platzer in a 1995 paper presented to the Society of Automotive Engineers,[3][4][6] but the method is frequently overlooked in driver's education classes and takes some getting used to. Calculated elimination of blind spots by trained drivers is inexpensive and obviates the need for expensive technological solutions to that problem, provided drivers take the time to set up and use their mirrors properly.[3]
Platzer received a patent for his blind spot monitor, and it has been incorporated into various products associated with Ford Motor Company.[3] The blind zone mirror has been touted as "an elegant and relatively inexpensive solution" to this recognized problem.[3]
Blind Spot Warning
- Volvo
BLIS is an acronym for Blind Spot Information System, a system of protection developed by Volvo. Volvo's previous parent, Ford Motor Company, has since adapted the system to its Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands.
This system was first introduced on the redesigned 2007 Volvo S80 sedan and produced a visible alert when a car entered the blind spot while a driver was switching lanes, using two door mounted lenses to check the blind spot area for an impending collision.
- Mazda
Mazda was the first Japanese automaker to offer a blind spot monitor, which they refer to as "BSM" (Blind Spot Monitoring). It was initially introduced on the 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring and remained limited to only that highest trim level through the 2012 model year. For 2013, BSM was standard on both the CX-9 Touring and Grand Touring models.
Mazda also added BSM to the redesigned 2009 Mazda 6. Blind spot monitoring was standard equipment on the 6i and 6s Grand Touring trim levels, and was an available option on some lower trim levels. Mazda has since expanded the availability of BSM, having added it to the feature list of the Mazda3, CX-5, MX-5 Miata, and the upcoming CX-3, often as part of an option package.
- Ford
Ford uses the acronym BLIS for its blind spot detection. The system is active both in "drive" and "neutral" transmission gears, and is turned off when in reverse or park gears.[7] On Ford products, the system was first introduced in the spring of 2009, on the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid, and 2010 Lincoln MKZ.
- Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi offers a Blind Spot Warning (BSW) on the Pajero Sport launched in 2016.[8]
Blind Spot Intervention
In 2010, the Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M for the first time offered counter steering capabilities to keep the vehicle from colliding.[9]
See also
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
- Automatic parking
- Backup collision
- Backup camera
- Blind spot (vehicle)
- Car safety
- Collision avoidance system
- Dry steering
- Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESV)
- Intelligent Parking Assist System
- Intelligent car
- Lane departure warning system
- Laser rangefinder
- Objects in mirror are closer than they appear
- Omniview technology
- Parking
- Parking sensors
- Precrash system
- Rear-view mirror
- Side-view mirror
- Sonar
- Vehicular automation
- Wing mirror
References
- 1 2 Ford Motor Company (2008). "See It, Hear It, Feel It: Ford Seeks Most Effective Driver Warnings for Active Safety Technology. Increased warnings indicate potentially hazardous lane changes". Gale, Cengage Learning/Free Library. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
- ↑ Automobile Blind-Spot Monitoring System, Tri-City Insurance News, January 27, 2006 Archived December 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jensen, Christopher (August 18, 2009). "Are Blind Spots a Myth?". The New York Times. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
- 1 2 Platzer, George (February 1, 1995). "The Geometry of Automotive Rearview Mirrors - Why Blind Zones Exist and Strategies to Overcome Them – SAE Technical Paper 950601". Detroit, Michigan: Society of Automotive Engineers. doi:10.4271/950601. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
- ↑ "How To Eliminate The Dreaded "Blind Spot"". Retrieved August 9, 2013.
- 1 2 Quiroga, Tony; Philpot, Chris, Illustrator (March 2010). "How to Adjust Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots". Car and Driver. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert | Vehicle Feature Video | Official Ford Owner Site". ford Owner. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
- ↑ "2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Make Global Debut". autoindustriya.com.
- ↑ Kiino, Ron; Walker, William, Photos (November 2009). "First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M Prototype Gutsier V-6, a Big V-8, and Even a Hybrid". Motor Trend. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
External links
- YouTube Ford How-to video: "BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert "
- Google patent search of "Blind spot monitoring system"
- "The danger of blind zones The area behind your vehicle can be a killing zone". Consumer Reports. Consumers Union. March 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2013.