SUBARU DEBUTS NEXT GENERATION EyeSight SYSTEM
Cherry Hill, N.J. -
Subaru of America, Inc. has announced the debut of a new and improved
version of its popular EyeSight driver assistance system. The new
system now features color stereo cameras that deliver an approximately
40 percent longer and wider detection range, brake light detection and
can now fully function when the speed differential between the Eyesight
equipped car and another vehicle is up to 30 mph, up from 19 mph. The
current generation Eyesight system earned the highest rating given by
the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), superior, when the
IIHS conducted it first test of accident avoidance technology last year.
Combining safety and convenience features, the Subaru EyeSight system is
one of the most affordable crash avoidance technologies available in
the U.S. market. On sale for almost two years in the U.S. the system has
been widely praised by safety experts and customers. Research shows
that nine out of ten Subaru customers who purchased the EyeSight system
would recommend it and more than half say that the system has helped
avoid an accident.
Also debuting in Subaru models later this year are three additional
technologies; blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross
traffic alert. These new systems will be introduced on Subaru’s product
line-up starting in 2014.
Eyesight Features
The new Eyesight uses two color cameras developed by Subaru and
functions more smoothly and has a quicker reaction time. EyeSight is
mounted inside the car on the upper edge of the windshield and the
housing for the new Eyesight system has been made 15 percent smaller.
Locating the system within the vehicle reduces the potential for damage
that could occur in bumper-mounted systems. The EyeSight system
processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as
well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. The video information
is relayed to the EyeSight computer, which is also networked with the
car’s braking system and electronic throttle control. EyeSight is also
capable of detecting pedestrians in the vehicle’s path and can activate
in order to mitigate or even avoid the collision. Under certain
circumstances, Eyesight is able to bring the car to a complete stop,
thus avoiding a collision.
The Eyesight system integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision
braking and vehicle lane departure warning. At relative speeds under 30
mph, EyeSight’s Pre-Collision Braking System can detect vehicles in the
car’s path and, if the driver has not applied the brake, the system can
do so to slow the vehicle or bring it to a full stop to help avoid the
potential collision. Pre-Collision Braking is always on in the
background to act as a second set of eyes for the driver. It can also
be turned off temporarily for off-road or rough road travel.
Lane departure warning monitors traffic lane markers and lines and can
detect if the car begins to wander outside the intended lane without a
turn signal being used, or begins to sway within the travel lane. Using
the turn signal cancels the warning.
Adaptive Cruise Control is intended for freeway use and can maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking or accelerating the car
to maintain the driver-selected target speed and traveling distance.
Adaptive Cruise Control operates from 1-90 mph and can fully bring the
vehicle to a stop if the system “locks on” to a vehicle ahead. As an
added convenience, Adaptive Cruise Control assists the driver in “stop
and go” traffic by maintaining distance from the vehicle ahead.
New Technologies for 2015 Model Year
Blind Spot Detection
This driver assistance technology senses cars coming up in the vehicle’s
blind spot and if the turn signal is on, it alerts the driver not to
change lanes. The driver is warned by a flashing light on the side view
mirror and the alert stays active until the car in the adjacent lane is
in view. Subaru BSD uses radar sensors on the side and rear of the car.
Lane Change Assist
The lane changes assist system warns the driver of a fast approaching
vehicle on either side of the car. It only flashes an alert in the side
view mirror when the turn signal is engaged and has a range of 230 ft.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear cross traffic alert uses rear facing radar to detect vehicles
approaching from behind on either side of the vehicle such as when
reversing out of a parking space at the mall. The radar sweeps 230 feet
on either side of the vehicle to detect an approaching vehicle and
triggers a warning light on the dash. The system can also detect cars up
to 23 ft behind the vehicle.
Cautions
EyeSight, Blind Spot Detection, Land Change Assist and Rear Traffic
Alert are not designed as a substitute for due care and attention to the
road. The systems may not react in every situation. There are certain
operational limitations, such as when weather conditions obscure the
view of the cameras. Even with the advanced technology used, a driver
with good vision and who is paying attention will always be the best
safety system.
