System Description [03/2012 - ]

GENERAL
- The blind spot monitor is a system that assists the driver in making the decision to change lanes. The system uses quasi-millimeter wave radar to detect vehicles that are traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in the outer rear view mirror assembly. The system advises the driver of the existence of a vehicle by illuminating the blind spot monitor indicator on the outer rear view mirror assembly.
- If the turn signal is operated while the blind spot monitor indicator on an outer rear view mirror assembly is illuminated, the indicator starts blinking to give additional warning to the driver.

FUNCTION OF COMPONENTS

Component	Function
Blind Spot Monitor Sensor	Consists of a 24 GHz radar module and an integrated processing module. Illuminates the outer rear view mirror indicator on the outer rear view mirror assembly when a vehicle is present in the blind spot area. Changes the outer rear view mirror indicator on the outer rear view mirror assembly from illuminated to blinking when a turn signal is received from the headlight dimmer switch assembly (turn signal light switch). Dims the outer rear view mirror indicator on the outer rear view mirror assembly.
Outer Rear View Mirror Indicator	Turns on or blinks the indicator based on a signal from the blind spot monitor sensor.
Outer Mirror Control Computer Assembly	Receives a signal from the blind spot monitor sensor and sends the signal to the outer rear view mirror indicator.
Blind Spot Monitor Main Switch (Warning Canceling Switch Assembly)	Turns the blind spot monitor on or off.
Headlight Dimmer Switch Assembly (Turn Signal Light Switch)	Sends a turn signal to the blind spot monitor sensor.
Combination Meter Assembly (Multi-information Display)	Turns on the blind spot monitor ON/OFF indicator light in the combination meter assembly based on a signal sent from the blind spot monitor sensor via CAN communication. Displays an error message on the multi-information display if the blind spot monitor detects a malfunction while it is operating.
Main Body ECU (Multiplex Network Body ECU)	Sends the destination information and the dimmer signal to the blind spot monitor sensor via CAN communication.
Brake Actuator Assembly (Skid Control ECU)	Transmits a vehicle speed signal to the blind spot monitor sensor via CAN communication.
ECM	Sends shift position signal (R) and HV flag signal to the blind spot monitor sensor via CAN communication.
Spiral Cable with Sensor Sub-assembly	Detects the angle of the steering wheel and sends the resulting signals to the blind spot monitor sensor via CAN communication.

OPERATION DESCRIPTION

Operation conditions of the blind spot monitor system:
- The blind spot monitor main switch (warning canceling switch assembly) is on.
- Vehicle speed is more than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph).
Conditions in which a sensor can detect a vehicle
The blind spot monitor system indicates detection of a vehicle in the detection area when either condition is met:
1. When a vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane overtaking this vehicle.
2. When a vehicle is detected entering the detection area because it changed lanes.

Detection area

Fig 1: Identifying Detection Area

Vehicles in the following areas can be detected:

*a	Within approx. 3.5 m (11.49 ft) from the side of the vehicle
*b	Within approx. 3 m (9.85 ft) behind the rear bumper
*c	Within approx. 1 m (3.29 ft) forward of the rear bumper

OPERATION OF OUTER REAR VIEW MIRROR INDICATOR ON OUTER REAR VIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY
1. The outer rear view mirror indicator on each outer rear view mirror assembly operates as follows:
  
  Fig 2: Outer Rear View Mirror Indicator
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  - When the blind spot monitor main switch (warning canceling switch assembly) is turned on, the outer rear view mirror indicator on each outer rear view mirror assembly illuminates for 3 seconds (initial check).
  - While the system is operating, when a sensor detects a vehicle in the blind spot area, the outer rear view mirror indicator on the outer rear view mirror assembly illuminates.
  - While the system is detecting a vehicle in the detection area and the indicator is illuminated, if the turn signal is turned on, the indicator starts blinking.