Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 32B) 32B • OCTOBER 6, 2008 In-car monitoring systems help keep drivers alert Tony Lewin autonews@crain.com Drivers who are inattentive, tired or asleep at the wheel cause a quarter of all serious road accidents, according to Mercedes-Benz research. To reduce the number of these accidents, automakers are starting to fit their cars with devices that use noises and signals to get drivers to refocus attention on the road. Drowsy drivers are an even bigger cause of accidents than those who have consumed alcohol, says Mercedes-Benz. The automaker’s new E-class sedan, which will be launched in March, will offer the company’s Attention Assist system. In Europe, the E-class system will follow the 2007 launches of Lexus’ driver attention monitor on the LS sedan and Volvo’s Driver Alert Control on the S80 sedan and the V70 and XC70 wagons. Volvo’s is the simplest of the three systems available. It operates as an extension of the vehicle’s camera-based lane departure warning system. Volvo says that about 10 percent of its customers choose option packages that include the driver monitor. Driver monitors should spread into volume models as forward-facing cameras become prevalent in those segments, says David McClure, director of telematics at the consultancy SBD in England. “Applications like this, which don’t add any expensive extra sensors but use existing data for extra functionality, are of strong interest to vehicle manufacturers,” he says. Camera systems are already much cheaper than radar. McClure says automakers would be able to add the monitoring function at little additional cost. Lexus’ system warns of potential trouble if the camera monitoring the driver’s face determines that he or she is distracted. Driver monitoring systems differ The three driver monitoring systems available in Europe operate on different principles. 1. Mercedes-Benz’s Attention Assist builds up a profile of the driver during the first minutes of a journey. It analyzes the driver’s steering, acceleration, braking and use of other controls. When that behavior begins to change because of fatigue — usually signaled by frequent small steering corrections — the system sounds an alert and triggers a warning message in the instrument panel. Mercedes spokesman Norbert Giesen says this warning will take the form of a coffee cup — the same symbol used by Volvo for its Driver Alert Control. 2. With Volvo’s system, data from a forwardfacing camera are shared by several systems. Driver Alert Control views the scene ahead, identifying lane markings and other vehicles. Algorithms analyze driver reactions to movements of other vehicles and monitor the distance from the lane markings. This allows the system to determine vehicle positioning and whether driver responses match those of an alert or a tired individual. “Driver impairment monitoring requires a moderate increase in processing power over baseline lane departure warning,” says Michael Thoeny, director of global safety electronics at Delphi Corp.’s Electronics & Safety Division, which supplies the Volvo system. “Newer features such as pedestrian detection and traffic-sign recognition require significantly more processing power.” A bar display on the Volvo instrument console rates driver attentiveness on a scale of one to five, sounding an alarm and illuminating the coffee cup symbol when it thinks the driver needs to take a break. 3. On the Lexus LS, an infrared camera on the steering column recognizes the face of the driver looking straight ahead. If the driver looks away and the vehicle’s radar determines a possible collision, the system sounds an alarm to regain the driver’s attention. If the driver still fails to react, automatic braking can be triggered. The Lexus system, supplied by Aisin Seiki, could be seen as offering the advantage of operating both when drivers are distracted and when they’re tired. But the Volvo and Mercedes systems can claim the big plus of warning drivers before an accident even threatens that they are becoming too tired to drive. — Tony Lewin Volvo’s Driver Alert Control monitor uses data from a forward-facing camera to determine if the driver is tired. If so, a coffee cup and a message appear. Signs of trouble Driver monitor systems look for Minor steering errors followed by larger corrections Lack of response to other vehicles Changes in eye movement Dangers of drowsiness Research shows the longer the drive, the higher the risk. 25% of serious highway accidents are caused by overtired drivers. Long-distance driving at night increases the risk of falling asleep. After 4 hours of driving, reaction times can be 50% longer, doubling the risk of an accident. After 6 hours, the risk is 8 times higher. Source: Mercedes-Benz Camera-based system At the heart of Volvo’s driver monitor is the camera-based system supplied by Delphi Corp. The system oversees functions such as lane departure, collision warning and automatic braking. These functions rely on input from image recognition software supplied by Netherlands-based Mobileye and its EyeQ vision processor chip. Mobileye also provides the camera to Delphi for the Volvo system. Delphi spokesman Milton Beach says Volvo’s in-house algorithms control the driver monitor. The same computer controller was shared by all these systems, he says. Beach declined to reveal the incremental cost of adding monitoring to the existing system. Volvo bundles the driver monitor and lane departure warning systems in a package that costs 700 euros (about $1,000) in Germany. Speaking from Israel, where Mobileye research is centered, Chairman Amnon Shashua said his company is working with automakers on seven programs for new models launching between 2009 and 2012. “Features like traffic-sign recognition are likely to become standard fit for Europe,” Shashua said. If that happens, more cars will have the front-facing cameras that are capable of working as driver monitors, as well as reading signs and lane markings. Checking for clues Mercedes has opted for a system that, like Volvo’s, assesses how the driver is handling the car. “We decided not to use a camera to monitor the driver’s eyes,” spokesman Norbert Giesen says. “It was difficult with people wearing glasses, and there was also a problem with the facial characteristics of some drivers.” Mercedes developed a system that monitors inputs from the vehicle’s existing sensors to look for changes in driving patterns linked to the driver’s tiredness. “We analyze all the vehicle’s inputs, especially steering movements and ESP (electronic stability control) activation,” Giesen says. “The hard thing is to decide which ones to rule out.” Apart from requiring a much more sensitive steering-angle sensor, no extra sensors were needed, he says. The Lexus approach, now dating back two years, is different. Its device, supplied by Aisin Seiki, monitors the driver’s face rather than the vehicle’s behavior. The system is bundled with object-monitoring and lane-keeping systems and costs 2,600 euros ($3,800) in Germany. “Systems like those on the Volvo and Mercedes have the brighter future,” says SBD’s McClure. “It’s effectively a no-cost option once you have the basic functions in place.” c Model Mix Which brands and models are selling best in your state? How many are hybrids? JATO can help you to assess your market position by delivering a timely and complete set of volume statistics by state and by engine type. 248 409 5286 http://www.jato.com/usa http://www.jato.com/usa
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Many dealers floored by floorplan limits, costs THE GREAT COLLAPSE September was awful, and 2009 looks ugly GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now Versical, Nussel take new Automotive News posts GM to shut Ohio SUV plant 2 years ahead of plan VW commits to minority purchasing goals in Tenn. Chrysler exec to outline EV strategy at green conference Automakers are high on electrics Dealers give mixed reactions to Chrysler incentive program Chrysler boosts 2009 vehicle prices Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores Mazda Kiyora Toyota, Audi mull tiny cars for U.S. Audi to decide next year on U.S. production Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 Coupelike styling is back in a big way Honda Insight target price: Around $19,000 Mercedes plans U.S. sales of hybrids in S, E, C classes BMW is working on 2 small crossovers VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans Let's get clunkers off the road and spur the economy Europe: Still very different from us It could improve Caddy's image Shouldn't Cadillac try something new? A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs Government's a player in Europe, too The Chevy Cruze should be big news Simple steps would revive industry Ford stops buying nonessential factory supplies Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress Automakers find India tough market to conquer Mahle CEO: Most engines will be smaller by 2012 GM begins streamlining purchasing TL stretches factory's flexibility Personnel Study: Dealers gain on independent shops Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles No label Flashes of genius, years of turmoil VW seeks excitement with Routan, CC, Rabbit Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups 2010 redesign planned for Bentley flagship Alfa beyond Competizione Ferrari: Recession-proof and turning ... green? Maserati: Sporty gets even sportier Uncertainty surrounds Volvo's product plan Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? Audi longs to join luxury big-leaguers in U.S. BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons Under new owner, Aston Martin back in the race Lagonda's forte: Luxurious sedans that go very fast Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan 250-mph Bugatti boosts the excitement Mercedes returns to the luxury suite Mini follows BMW's lead Smart ambitions, like car, remain small Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn Driver monitoring systems differ High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains IAC will open first India plant Supplier personnel Engineers call for common electric car standards Land Rover aims to boost the fuel economy of its SUVs Maybach adds open-top 62S Landaulet Saab gets a crossover in 2009; everything else is on hold Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end Dealers Economic winds batter Sept. sales Jaguar Land Rover joins group Ford aids minority suppliers CarMax plans 600 job cuts Ruling could ease disputes Feds seek more time for roof strength rule Suzuki seeks floorplan credit partner for dealers Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans $25 billion: How'd they do that? Peapod: Innovator's little big idea FOR SALE: Heard condos, mansion, jet Is film a flash in the pan? Ford hopes so VW: Next New Beetle will be 'more mature' Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers are high on electrics (Page 3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 7) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 8) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 9) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 10) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 11) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 12) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 13) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 14) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 15) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GM begins streamlining purchasing (Page 16D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 17) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 18) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 19) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles (Page 20) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Flashes of genius, years of turmoil (Page 21) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups (Page 22) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 23) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 24) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 25) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 26) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 27) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 28) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 29) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons (Page 30) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan (Page 31) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Smart ambitions, like car, remain small (Page 32) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn (Page 32A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Driver monitoring systems differ (Page 32B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains (Page 32C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Engineers call for common electric car standards (Page 32D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end (Page 33) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 34) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 35) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 36) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 37) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 38) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 39) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 40) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 41) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 42) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Feds seek more time for roof strength rule (Page 43) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 44) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 45) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 46) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 47) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 48)
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