Have a FaceBook, Twitter, or other social networking account?

Link them to your fanatic account!

Add An Account

TAKE ME TO...
Automotive Technology
AUTO: Nissan Testing Anti-Crash System
Moving Object Detection alerts driver to pedestrians using existing Around View Monitor.
Nelson Ireson  | http://motorauthority.com  |  Posted July 30, 2010   Smyrna, TN
An Infiniti EX equipped with Around View Monitor cameras can warn its driver of the presence of moving objects, such as pedestrians. (Photo: Infiniti)
Computer-controlled collision avoidance systems aren't brand new, but nor are they entirely beyond the testing stage, either, as Volvo's infamous demonstration proved just a few months ago; auto journalists in Sweden were treated to an S60 smashing into the back of a truck when the crash-avoidance system failed to intervene.

Nissan's announcement of its Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Concept stands to push the technology beyond the luxury segment and into everyday cars, and maybe soon.

The system works like just about every other one shown to date: radar detects a slower/stopped vehicle or obstacle in front of the driver, measures distance and compares that with driver reaction, and if it thinks a collision is imminent, begins applying the brakes. When it determines the driver still isn't reacting properly, the system ramps up brake effort to full emergency braking during the final approach to ensure the collision doesn't happen. Nissan says the system can completely avoid rear-end accidents at speeds up to 36 mph.

Along with the application of brakes, the system sounds an audible warning and flashes a visual indicator on the dash. It also tightens the driver's seat belt to help secure them in the seat and mitigate any injury in the event the system can't stop the car in time to avoid the accident.
Nissan hasn't given a timeline for when the technology might move from concept to production stage, but it's already pitching it as part of its Safety Shield family of technologies to help assist drivers in "high risk situations."

The Moving Object Detection (MOD) system, on the other hand, works with the aid of cameras, specifically Nissan's Around View Monitor, which shows the surroundings of the car from a top-down view. When the computer detects moving objects in the vicinity of the vehicle, it flashes a notification on the display screen and sounds a buzzer to warn of the hazard.

Intended to help supplement the driver's own vision in parking or low side-visibility intersections, the system will can help reduce both pedestrian and traffic collisions by alerting the driver to things that might not have been visible when they looked over their shoulder just moments before.

Because the MOD is an update to the Around View Monitor system, we can expect to see the new tech arrive in production cars sooner rather than later, though again Nissan hasn't given a time line or product plan as yet.

Play! SPEED Fantasy Racing and Super 7 Sweep
nelson_ireson's avatar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nelson Ireson

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR
Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | FAQ | Terms of Use | NEW Privacy Policy | Ad Choices | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | National Geographic | IGN | AskMen
The Motor Sports Authority, SPEED and associated logos are registered trademarks of Speed Channel Inc.
All Rights Reserved © Speed Channel, Inc. 2012

All external links will open in a new browser window. SPEED.com does not endorse external sites.