Electronic Applications for Enhancing Automotive Safety

In this paper, the author analyzes automotive safety issues with respect to the application of electronic technology and presents several development targets for the future. The functions expected of the automobile have been changing steadily in Japan. Environmental concerns, for instance, have taken on increased importance and must be factored into vehicle design during the development process. Safety and security issues also impose rigorous requirements on vehicle design. Various efforts are under way to apply electronic technology to driver support systems and devices with the aim of enhancing safety, though numerous problems remain to be solved.