Blind Spot Detection

A system alerting drivers to the presence of vehicles in the rearward blind spots

Let Valeo show you what you do not see!

Enhanced driving security, confidence and comfort. Anticipation for collision avoidance and mitigation.

The system monitors all objects from the rear view mirror to one car length behind the rear bumper. Vehicles being passed, on-coming traffic and infrastructure are recognized but not reported by the system since the driver has already seen them. The driver is notified of any potential risk, such as a vehicle in a blind spot, by an icon in the outside rearview mirror.

Blind spot detection—an innovative new function to enhance active safety during lane changes

Fast, useful lateral surveillance

Changing lane is a delicate maneuver for motorists driving among other vehicles moving at different speeds. They are also hampered by a side "blind" spot, an area of poor visibility between their lateral field of vision and the zone covered by the rearview mirror. Valeo's blind spot detection system can alert drivers to the presence of another vehicle in the side blind spot. This alert gives the driver improved information with which to make better lane change decisions.

Two radar sensors, one on either side of the car, detect and track obstacles. When a sensor detects the presence of a vehicle (a car, lorry, or motorcycle) in the blind-spot alert zone, the system can alert the driver with a light located in the outside wing mirror.

The usefulness of this new Valeo system was recognized by a PACE Award in 2007. Valeo's blind spot detection is available on General Motors brands, Cadillac and Buick, and is also fitted on the new Jaguar XF.

Operating principle

The Valeo Raytheon radar sensor operates in a narrow bandwidth of the 24GHz frequency. The sensor electronically sweeps narrow beams of radar through a field of view of 150 degrees and to a maximum potential range of 50 meters. In the Blind-Spot Detection application, the sensor specifically monitors and alerts only on the ISO specified blind-spot zone 3.5 meters from the side of the car and from the B-Pillar back 6 – 9 meters. The sensor can alert the driver on vehicles entering the alert zone from the rear, merging in from another lane or those stagnating in the alert zone. The sensor ignores infrastructure such as parked cars and guard-rails or barriers.

Valeo radar technology can provide valuable driving assistance in most weather conditions.

The radar sensors are typically mounted behind the rear fascia. The sensors are low in mass and size and do not interfere with the vehicle styling. The driver information alert is customizable by the automaker if needed.

The advantages of Blind-Spot Detection

Advantages for the automaker

• The narrow bandwidth at 24 GHz assures the automaker of spectrum approval without restriction in Europe.
• The radar functions regardless of the host vehicle speed.
• It can be used in most weather conditions.
• The system does not affect the vehicle's styling.

Advantages for the user

• The information from the Blind-Spot Detection system assits the driver in changing lanes in almost all driving conditions .
• The presence of a vehicle in the side blind-spot alert zone is indicated immediately.
• The radar can detect cars, trucks and motorcycles.
• Both sides of the vehicle are monitored.

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