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Volvo Cars' world-first BLIS technology uses two digital cameras and advanced
computer software to recognise the presence of another vehicle or motorcycle in
the driver's blind spot.
BLIS is undeniably leading-edge technology, and Volvo Car Australia will
offer BLIS as an option on its large platform sedans, wagons and SUV models at a
cost to consumers that will ensure the safety technology is rapidly accepted.
"BLIS is yet again another safety innovation developed by Volvo Cars," said
Steve Blyth, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia. "Since 1957 when Volvo
Cars introduced the three-point seatbelt, we have consciously made safety a
priority. We are conscious of the fact that while BLIS is a world-first
technology, it also has to be affordable technology. We will introduce BLIS as
an option early in 2005 for $1200."
The $1200 price is inclusive of GST and Luxury Car Tax.
Advanced systems such as BLIS are vital to Volvo Cars' ongoing strategy of
remaining world leader in the field of safety.
BLIS Sees Cars and Motorcycles
To improve offset rear vision (blind
spots), Volvo Cars began fitting wide-angle door mirrors for the driver’s side
in 1979 – the first car maker to do so.
Still focused on improving driver visibility, Volvo Cars is taking one step
further with a camera-based monitoring system that keeps a watchful eye on the
'blind' area alongside and offset rear of the car.
When another vehicle (motorcycle, car or truck) enters this zone – an area of
9.5 metres by 3.0 metres – a yellow warning light comes on beside the
appropriate door mirror in the driver's peripheral view. The driver is thus
given an indication that there is a vehicle very close alongside. This visual
information gives the driver added scope for making the right decisions in such
driving situations.
The Technology of BLIS
A digital camera is installed on each door
mirror. Each small camera captures 25 images per second, and by comparing each
frame taken, the computer system is able to recognise that a vehicle is within
the BLIS zone.
The system's software is programmed to identify cars as well as motorcycles,
in daylight as well as at night. Because BLIS is camera-based, it has the same
limitations as the human eye does. This means the system will not function in
conditions of poor visibility, for instance in fog or flying snow. In such a
case, the driver receives a message that BLIS is not in action.
BLIS will not react to parked cars, road barriers, lampposts and other static
objects. The system is active at all speeds above 10km/h. It reacts to vehicles
that are driven a maximum of 20km/h slower and a maximum of 70km/h faster than
the car itself.
BLIS can be deactivated via a button in the centre console.
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