Due to an earlier analysis of the interrelation between
collisions and advanced driver reaction a significant number of
accidents could be avoided through timely threat recognition and
appropriate maneuvers for collision avoidance. This may be achieved
either by suitable warning to the driver or by automatic support to
longitudinal or lateral control of the vehicle. A precondition for
the registration of the dangerous situation is the incorporation of
appropriate sensors. This leads to an surround sensor vision system
accompanied by a matched human machine interface.
Many vehicles readily offer ultrasonic reversing aids as add-on
systems. Furthermore, long-range radar systems for adaptive cruise
control are now coming on the market. New sensor technologies, such
as short-range radar and video, which are currently under
development, open up a plurality of novel functions thus enhancing
driving safety and comfort. As a first step, functions for driver
warning or information, e.g., lane departure warning, distance
warning, are being introduced. In a second step, functions which
intervene with vehicle dynamics through brake, steering and
acceleration, will open up new perspectives for collision
mitigation and collision avoidance.