Object Detection Description and Operation (with Forward Collision Alert, UEU): Notes
The forward collision alert system is a convenience feature of the front view camera that issues a warning to the driver when a potential collision risk exists. The front view camera is located behind the windshield, looking out at the road ahead and detecting vehicles directly ahead, within a distance of approximately 60 meters (197 ft). At night or in poor conditions, the distance may be reduced to approximately 40 meters (130 ft). The forward collision alert system is always active and operates at speeds above 40 kph (25 mph).
When the front view camera module detects a vehicle in the path ahead, the green vehicle ahead indicator in the vehicle direction display is illuminated. When following a vehicle ahead too closely, the red collision alert indicator will illuminate and stay on until the following distance is increased. The green vehicle ahead indicator will then be illuminated again. When approaching another vehicle too rapidly, the collision alert symbol will flash in the vehicle direction display and an audible alert sounds. Forward collision alert does not warn the driver of any objects that are not detected as a vehicle, like e.g. pedestrians, animals, signs, guard rails, bridges, construction barrels or other stationary or slow moving objects. The forward collision alert timing sensitivity to control the distance to the vehicle ahead can be set using the forward collision alert switch in the left steering wheel controls.
In some cases the camera may detect a vehicle that is not in the path ahead or the system may occasionally provide unrealistic alerts. This could respond to a turning vehicle ahead, guard rails, traffic signs or other stationary objects. This is normal operation, the vehicle does not need service. Forward collision alert may sometimes set unnecessary alerts to turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes, objects that are not vehicles or shadows. These alerts are normal operation and the vehicle does not need service.
The forward collision alert system is made up of the following components:
- Front view camera module
- Forward collision alert switch
- Instrument cluster / Vehicle direction display
- Radio
Front View Camera Module
The front view camera detects vehicles in front of the host vehicle. The front view camera module communicates via serial data to the instrument cluster to illuminate the appropriate indicators in the vehicle direction display. The front view camera module also communicates via serial data with the driver information center to display messages and the radio to request audible alerts.
Forward Collision Alert Switch
The forward collision alert switch provides an input to the front view camera module to select between four alert timing sensitivity settings. These setting will change the sensitivity for both the following too closely and forward collision alert indicators. In addition to the sensitivity setting, the alert distance will change based upon vehicle speed. The front view camera module provides a signal voltage to the normally open switch. When the switch is pressed, the signal circuit is pulled to ground through a resistor, indicating to the front view camera module that the system has been requested to change the alert timing sensitivity. The first button press shows the current alert timing setting on the driver information center. With every button press, the alert timing sensitivity is changed. The current alert timing setting will be maintained until it is changed. The preset alert timing setting is displayed in the top line of the driver information center. The position of the forward collision alert switch can vary with different vehicles. For the exact position please refer to the owner's manual.
Instrument Cluster
The vehicle direction display contains the indicators for the collision alert system and are controlled by the instrument cluster via serial data messages from the front view camera module. The green vehicle ahead indicator indicates to the driver that the front view camera system has detected a vehicle in the driving path ahead. The red collision alert indicator will illuminated continuously if the system determines that the vehicle ahead is too close. When approaching another vehicle too rapidly, the red collision alert symbol will flash.
Radio
The radio controls the audible alert for the forward collision alert system and is activated via serial data from the front view camera module. If the host vehicle is approaching another vehicle too rapidly, the radio will command an audible alert to the driver.