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More comfort, more performance, more safety. Precisely these are the demands
BMW Group products consistently meet and fulfil at all times – even where the
general conditions for mobility are not always perfect.
Growing traffic density and the consequences thereof such as traffic
congestion and longer travelling times, as well as the greater complexity of
many traffic situations, are making driver assistance systems increasingly
attractive and useful. These systems give the driver helpful information, make
it easier for him to take the necessary decisions, and support him in handling
both difficult and complex traffic situations.
Particularly the manufacturers of premium cars play a leading role in the
development of innovative assistance functions. Indeed, outstanding competence
in research and development is the prerequisite for the development and regular
use of “intelligent” driver assistance systems.
At the BMW Group Innovation Day 2006 on driver assistance systems, the BMW
Group presents the latest research and development projects offering benefits
soon to be enjoyed in regular production and in some cases scheduled to enter
production directly in the near future. The event also presents new methods for
developing and testing assistance systems.
Development focusing on human needs
The BMW Group subdivides driver assistance systems into three categories:
stabilising, manoeuvring, and navigating the vehicle.
In developing all of these systems, each and every step from the original
idea to series production requires a high standard of know-how in technology.
Further essential requirements are the ability to analyse and properly interpret
traffic situations, and to understand the behaviour of motorists and other road
users. This is the only way to develop assistance systems precisely tailored to
the specific problems and requirements of road traffic, fully accepted by the
motorist and operating without the slightest effort on the part of the user –
preferably in an intuitive process.
Driver assistance systems meeting the demanding standards of the BMW Group
must therefore not only be highly effective and absolutely reliable, but also
particularly easy to use, highly practical, and fully functional.
All this makes the development of new driver assistance systems an integrated
process of the BMW Group, focusing on the wishes and requirements of the
individual. To ensure that the systems marketed are genuinely reliable and fully
mature, the BMW Group’s development specialists use one of the most advanced
driving simulators in the world as well as an Absorber Hall built specifically
for determining the electromagnetic compatibility of new components and of the
entire vehicle in specific, dynamic situations.
A special Usability Lab serves furthermore to provide all the conditions and
prerequisites needed for the development of optimised control concepts.
Using these and other facilities, the BMW Group’s research specialists are
able to follow scientific criteria in developing concepts for intuitive
operation of new functions and at the same time test the effects of various
information or warning signals.
The underlying philosophy applied in all cases is to consider which
information the driver is able to “digest” also under difficult conditions – and
the knowledge gained in the process goes straight into series production. So
depending on current conditions, driver assistance systems, whether already
completed or scheduled for completion in future, will deliver optical,
touch-related, or acoustic signals. To arouse attention, for example, the
RoadPreview function informs the driver by means of illuminated graphics on the
Head-Up Display that the road ahead is winding and full of bends. Lane Departure
Warning, in turn, advises the driver to correct the position of the steering by
generating a vibration signal on the steering wheel itself. Acoustic warnings,
finally, are used only for acutely dangerous situations requiring the driver’s
full concentration and his quickest possible response.
Rapid development of automotive electronics
Progress in the area of driver assistance systems is connected closely with
the ongoing development of automotive electronics. The main challenge is to
detect, transfer and process data and information though electronic supervision
and management. Using sensors or camera systems, therefore, the latest
electronic technologies being developed by BMW serve to gather information on
driving conditions or the general scenario around the car. Then, processing this
data, these new systems are able to give the driver information enhancing his
overall perception and increasing his awareness at the wheel. As a result, the
driver becomes even more skilful and competent in handling complex or
potentially dangerous traffic situations.
Highly developed computers and electronic control systems are able,
furthermore, to use such data not only in generating signals and information for
the driver, but also as the foundation for direct commands sent to various
systems and components within the car. DSC Dynamic Stability Control, to mention
just one example, is a particularly well-known and highly appreciated active
system of this kind, which has long proven its qualities in series production.
One typical application is the use of DSC sensors to register any oversteer or
understeer of the car, whenever necessary applying the brakes or reducing engine
output immediately. This optimises the car’s stability on the road before even
the driver has recognised the need to take such action.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go likewise in development supports the
driver in handling less pleasant and more tedious tasks: In this case a control
unit coordinates all ongoing, successive acceleration and brake manoeuvres in
stop-and-go traffic all the way to a complete standstill of the vehicle.
Modern driver assistance systems therefore develop their qualities in all
kinds of situations but in a clearly defined manner. They support the driver
whenever things become difficult, warn him of possible hazards, and relieve him
of many tedious chores.
The driver always remains in control
The fundamental principle applicable to all functions is that the driver
retains his active role and responsibility, remaining in control of the car and
its functions at all times. And a further point is that generally driver
assistance systems only take effect when activated by the driver.
The driver naturally retains his final decision in the assessment of traffic
situations. Should ACC Active Cruise Control, for example, start to accelerate
the car after a vehicle ahead has moved out of the car’s direct lane, the driver
is able to reduce speed again immediately to let another motorist merge into his
own lane.
Consistent application and implementation of these principles always pays
off. And as a result, driver assistance systems developed and introduced in
series production by the BMW Group are acknowledged not only as innovative, but
also as attractive and mature, making a practical and, therefore, much
appreciated contribution to superior motoring at all times.
Note to editors: the complete international press kit is available
upon request.
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