Blind spot monitor

For other uses, see Blind spot (disambiguation).

File:Volvo BLIS.JPG

Blind spot detector on side mirrors

The blind spot monitor is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear. Warnings can be visual, audible, vibrating or tactile.

However, blind spot monitors are an option that may include more than monitoring the sides of the vehicle. It can include "Cross Traffic Alert," "which alerts drivers backing out of a parking space when traffic is approaching from the sides."

History

If side view mirrors are properly adjusted in a car, there is no blind spot on the sides. This method was first revealed by George Platzer in a 1995 paper presented to the Society of Automotive Engineers. The method is frequently overlooked in Driver's education classes, and takes some getting used to. Calculated elimination of blind spots by trained drivers is cheap, and obviates the need for expensive technological solutions to that problem, provided drivers take the time to set up and use their mirrors properly.

George Platzer received a patent for the blind spot monitor, and it has been incorporated into various products associated with Ford Motor Company. The blind zone mirror has been touted as "an elegant and relatively inexpensive solution" to this recognized problem.

Blind Spot Information System

BLIS is an acronym for Blind Spot Information System, a system of protection developed by Volvo. Volvo's previous parent Ford Motor Company has since adapted the system to its Ford, Lincoln (automobile), and Mercury (automobile) brands.

This system was first introduced on the redesigned 2007 Volvo S80 sedan and produced a visible alert when a car entered the blind spot while a driver was switching lanes, using two door mounted lenses to check the blind spot area for an impending collision.

Mazda was the first Japanese automaker to offer a Blind spot monitor, which they refer to as BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring). It was initially introduced on the 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring and remained limited to only that highest trim level through the 2012 model year. For 2013, the CX-9 Touring and Grand Touring both have BSM standard.

Mazda also added BSM to the redesigned 2009 Mazda 6. Blind spot monitoring was standard equipment on the 6i and 6s Grand Touring trim level, and was an available option on some lower trim levels. Mazda has since expanded the availability of BSM, having added it to the feature list of the Mazda3, CX-5, MX-5 Miata, and the upcoming CX-3, often as part of an option package.

On Ford products, the system was first introduced in the spring of 2009 on the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid and 2010 Lincoln MKZ.

Mitsubishi now offers a Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system on the newly launched Pajero Sport.

Blind Spot Intervention Systems

In 2010, the Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M will for the first time counter steer the vehicle to keep it from colliding.

See also

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
• Automatic parking
• Backup collision
• Backup camera
• Blind spot (vehicle)
• Car safety
• Collision avoidance system
• Dry steering
• Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESV)
• Intelligent Parking Assist System
• Intelligent car
• Lane departure warning system
• Laser rangefinder
• Objects in mirror are closer than they appear
• Omniview technology
• Parking
• Parking sensors
• Precrash system
• Rear-view mirror
• Side-view mirror
• Sonar
• Vehicular automation
• Wing mirror

External links

• YouTube Ford How-to video: "BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert "
• Google patent search of "Blind spot monitoring system"