Delphi's Collision Avoidance Systems Take Accident Prevention To the Next Level
23 February 1998
Delphi's Collision Avoidance Systems Take Accident Prevention To the Next Level
TROY, Mich., Feb. 23 -- Delphi Automotive Systems adds
another level of safety to vehicles with the development of its family of
collision avoidance systems shown today at the 1998 SAE International Congress
and Exposition in Detroit.
The Delphi collision avoidance systems include adaptive cruise control,
collision warning and collision intervention. The systems are designed to
help prevent vehicle crashes through the combination of object detection
sensors and automatic control of brakes, throttle, steering, and suspension.
The collision avoidance systems being developed by Delphi help drivers
avoid crashes by detecting impending collisions or unsafe driving conditions;
assess the threat and issuing mechanical, visual and/or audio warnings; and
assist the driver during potential crash situations.
Delphi's advanced collision avoidance systems help prevent crashes,
according to Michael J. Burns, vice president and general manager of Delphi
Delco Electronics Systems. "These innovative systems effectively move vehicle
safety technologies beyond crash survival systems, like seat belts and
airbags, to provide a means to mitigate accidents," Burns said.
"These collision avoidance systems help take safety to the next level --
where the emphasis is on prevention," Burns said. "Obviously, the best
outcome of an accident is the one that's avoided."
The collision warning technology being developed by Delphi consists of
forward-, side- and rear-detection systems. The forward-looking radar system
(FLR) is designed to increase a driver's awareness of objects in the vehicle's
forward path.
The first forward-looking collision avoidance system available to
consumers will be adaptive cruise control (ACC), which performs two functions
for drivers. Using a radar sensor mounted to the front of the vehicle, ACC
helps drivers maintain a proper speed and distance from the vehicle in front.
When cruise control is engaged, the ACC system uses throttle control and
limited braking to adjust the cruise speed, thereby reducing the need to
manually accelerate with changes in traffic flow. ACC also alerts the driver
through an audio warning that manual braking and/or another form of driver
intervention is necessary to avoid a possible collision.
The second collision warning system -- side detection -- uses sensors to
recognize objects on either side of the car and to alert drivers to the
presence of vehicles during lane changes to avoid sideswipe accidents.
The third system is a back-up aid system designed to help drivers avoid
backing into objects. This system uses ultrasonic and radar sensors mounted
in the rear bumper area to alert drivers with an audio warning when objects
are in their path.
Collision intervention systems go beyond collision warning by providing
limited automatic assistance to the driver during potential crash situations.
Such assistance may range from slowing the vehicle to a stop, to controlling
steering, to helping the driver stay in the proper lane.
From object-detection sensors to vehicle-control systems to display
systems, Delphi Automotive Systems has the design and manufacturing expertise
in each of the key subsystems required for the collision avoidance family.
Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is the
world's most diversified supplier of automotive components and systems. With
the recent integration of Delphi Delco Electronics Systems, Delphi operates
208 manufacturing facilities, 46 ventures and 27 technical centers in 36
countries. Regional headquarters are located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo.
Delphi can be found on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com.
"NEXT CENTURY WINNERS" FACT SHEET
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEMS
NEWS Delphi develops a family of forward-, rear- and side-detection
collision warning systems to detect objects and warn drivers of potential
accidents.
OPERATION
Forward-Looking Radar Detection System
* System utilizes a 76-GHz microwave radar sensor to detect objects up to
150 meters in front of the vehicle regardless of vehicle speed.
* Warning signals that the driver receives vary based on the closeness of
the object detected.
* If the driver does not respond to visual warnings, an audio warning is
issued through the audio system -- the system can also be programmed to
pulse the brakes or vibrate seats or a combination to provide additional
tactile feedback to driver.
* All-weather operation.
* System can track multiple targets.
* Collision warning system is self-diagnosing.
Side-Detection System
* The Side-Detection System utilizes microwave radar to detect vehicles
traveling in the blind spot areas.
* All-weather performance.
* Warns drivers through visual indicators in the side view mirrors.
* Audible signals are given in addition to visual indicators when the turn
signals are activated.
* Does not interfere with radar detectors or other electronic systems.
* Meets FCC requirements.
Rear Back-Up Aid System
* Detects objects within rear zones of coverage that may be out of
driver's view.
* Automatically activated when the vehicle is put in reverse.
* Detects both stationary and moving objects.
* Can detect objects within five meters of the vehicle.
* All-weather operation.
BENEFITS
Forward-Looking System
* Improves highway safety by reducing the risk of forward collisions.
* Aligns with government vision for Automated Highway Systems.
Side-Detection System
* Improves driver awareness of vehicles traveling in blind spots.
* Discriminates target reports of valid concerns only.
* Automatic operation when vehicle is moving.
Back-Up Aid System
* Assists in parking situations.
* Provides warnings to prevent backing accidents.
* Aids in detecting objects in blind spots behind the vehicle.
SOURCE Delphi Automotive Systems
