AUTOMOTIVE ASSISTED DRIVING TECHNOLOGY

Automotive Assisted Driving Technology



Automotive Assisted Driving Technology

The modern world has progressed so rapidly that we are no longer surprised by the sheer sophistication of new technology. With extremely high tech innovations available on everyday objects - even something as inexpensive as a mobile phone - it is no wonder we are beginning to take all this for granted. Micron Technology is one of the leading providers of image sensor and advanced memory solutions. With R&D centres all over the world, the company specialises in image sensors not only for the automotive industry, but also extraordinarily sophisticated ones for mobile phones. Micron's latest attiring is an image sensor designed to promote safer driving. With vehicles becoming increasingly technically advanced, imaging technology has become a key feature that provides drivers with an intuitive look at the drive ahead or the view behind (Prosser 2010, 24-29).

With this new sensor, automotive manufacturers can design in camera functionality for side-view mirror replacement and assistance, or provide a reversing camera so the driver can clearly see what might be next to the car and behind it. Imaging technology is used in cars primarily for scene viewing and understanding applications. Micron has designed its line of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors to increase the driver's awareness of his surroundings. Technology guided safety systems are a highly desirable feature for automobiles and CMOS Imaging plays an integral role in advancing the vision assistance function (Grace 2002, 35-39)

The sensors also capture information about environmental conditions and send information to the vehicle's data systems to provide input for potential actions, such as safer deployment of a vehicle's airbag. Codenamed MT9V125, the new sensor supplements Micron's current portfolio of automotive CMOS image sensors and IT memory and is designed specifically for scene viewing applications, providing outstanding image quality.

The MLE infrared temperature sensors from Calex Electronics are designed to he used in areas that are not accessible to other temperature sensors. These two-part units have small separate sensing heads connected to their larger electronics modules by a flexible cable. This allows the beads to he used in confined spaces, where many infrared sensors cannot fit. Thanks to their ingenious design, these small heads can also move relative to their electronics modules, without interference to their readings. This allows them to be used on moving arms and machinery, to get into areas and take readings that other temperature sensors cannot. While the MLE sensing heads are small, they are also tough. A stainless steel housing sealed to IP65 gives them good protection from the rigours of use in heavy industry, and allows them to be washed down with other equipment when hygiene is important. They can also operate in elevated ambient temperatures up to 70°C without the need for any additional cooling (Jack 2000, 114-120).

Stimulus-Central Processing-Response (S-C-R) Compatibility

Driving an automobile imposes a particular load on visual perception and manual response channels. Traffic density or controlling in-vehicle systems ...