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Blind-Spot Technology
An Introduction


Prof. David Bernstein
James Madison University

Computer Science Department
bernstdh@jmu.edu

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Motivation
Back SMYC Forward
  • Vehicle Blind Spots:
    • An area around the vehicle that cannot be observed
  • Locations:
    • Forward (e.g., caused by the A-pillar in the windshield)
    • Side (e.g., caused by the angle of the side-view mirror)
    • Rear (e.g., caused by the angle of the rear-view mirror or the position of head rests)
  • Traditional Technologies:
    • Parabolic mirrors
Modern Technology - Side Blind Spots
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  • Side Blind Spot Warning:
    • A visual (typically always), audible/haptic (typically only when signaling or drifting/sliding) warning when a vehicle is in the blind-spot
  • Side Blind Spot Collision Avoidance:
    • Steers the car away from the vehicle in the blind spot
Components - Side Blind Spots
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  • Sensor:
    • Sonar or radar pointed to the side and rear of the vehicle
    • Optional lane departure technology or steering sensor to determine if the vehicle is moving into the blind spot
  • Information Provision:
    • Visual (e.g., a light on the side-view mirror or A-pillar)
    • Audible (e.g., a warning beep)
    • Haptic (e.g., vibration of the steering wheel or seat)
  • Control:
    • Turning the steering wheel
    • Braking the appropriate front wheel
Modern Technology - Rear Blind Spots
Back SMYC Forward
  • Backup Camera:
    • Provides the driver with a clear view directly behind the vehicle
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert:
    • Warns the driver of potential rear collisions that are outside the view of the backup camera
  • Rear Automatic Braking:
    • Detects a potential rear collision and automatically engages the brakes
Components - Rear Blind Spots
Back SMYC Forward
  • Sensors:
    • Digital camera pointed to the rear of the vehicle
    • Sonar or radar pointed to the side and rear of the vehicle
  • Information Provision:
    • Visual (e.g., a the view from the camera)
    • Audible (e.g., a warning beep)
    • Haptic (e.g., vibration of the steering wheel or seat)
  • Control:
    • Braking
There's Always More to Learn
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