Very often, the cause of a traffic accident is the maneuver of changing lanes from one lane to another. On many modern cars systems have appeared that allow these maneuvers to be performed with greater security. These are so-called lane change assistance systems. They are also called blind spot information systems, safe lane change systems, etc. They all serve one purpose - to warn of the danger of a collision with cars in the blind spot.
Which manufacturers offer lane change assistance systems?
Various automakers use own developments in the field of reconstruction assistance. Volkswagen and Audi use the Side Assist system in their cars. By car BMW brand There is a LCW (Lane Change Warning) system. IN Japanese concern Mazda has developed a Rear Vehicle Monitoring system. American automobile giant Ford uses the BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System). Volvo – BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). Mercedes-Benz Concern– Blind Spot Assist or BSA system. In the premium segment, Porshe has developed a high-quality lane change assistance system - it is called SWA.
Side Assist – a system from Audi
The Side Assist system developed by Audi has been recognized several times as the most reliable. For example, the European Independent Committee for car safety in 2010, Side Assist was recognized as the best such system. Radars are used as sensors in the Side Assist system. They control the space behind and on the sides of the car. If the driver initiates a lane change maneuver, the system triggers a warning signal if there is any traffic obstruction.
Structurally, Side Assist is designed as follows. There is a system on/off button on the turn signal handle. The radars are located in the side mirrors on the left and right. There are also built-in signal LEDs that turn on if there is a risk of collision when performing a maneuver. A warning indicator is also installed on the instrument panel.
To turn on the system, you need to click on the button on the turn signal lever. In this case, Side Assist will only start working at a speed of at least 60 km/h. Special radars installed in the side exterior mirror housings emit a radio signal into blind spots. Based on the reflection of the signal, the system determines the presence of vehicles interfering with the maneuver. In addition to radars, ultrasonic sensors or video cameras can be installed.
Radars from left and from right sides cars work separately. They are able to analyze incoming information. For example, the system can distinguish between moving objects, that is, cars, and stationary ones, such as barriers, fences, poles, trees, parked cars, and so on. If the Side Assist electronics decide that the maneuver is dangerous, the lamp will turn on. Works warning light in two modes. If the indicator is constantly on, then some object is in the dead zone. And if you start changing lanes when there are obstacles, the lamp will flash. The system determines the moment of changing lanes by turning on the turn signals. If you turn in left lane, then information from the right radar will not be taken into account. This indication is very convenient, as it allows you to monitor the situation at all times in order to select in advance the moment to safely perform the maneuver.
Features of Volvo's BLIS system
Volvo's BLIS system works on a different principle. The radar function in it is performed by a miniature digital camera that can shoot up to 25 frames per second. This implementation has significant drawback– the camera will have low efficiency in bad conditions weather conditions, for example, in a rainstorm or snowstorm. The BLIS system is turned on using a button located on the instrument panel. The automation starts working at a speed of 10 km/h.
Lane Change Warning (SWW) is a new system driver assistance. Lane change warning assists the driver when changing lanes. To achieve this, the lane change alarm monitors traffic from behind and to the side using 2 radar sensors.
The lane change warning system offers the following benefits:
- The lane change warning system can recognize traffic situations that may pose a hazard when changing lanes. In this case, the driver receives information and warning on 2 levels (warning light in the outside mirror, vibration in the steering wheel).
- Similar traffic situations appear, for example, when approaching quickly remote cars. The driver cannot independently assess such situations, especially in the dark. Radar sensors operate completely independently of lighting conditions.
- Cars located in a blind corner pose an additional danger. The driver can only recognize the danger if he acts with extreme caution. The lane change warning system's radar sensors recognize other vehicles in the adjacent lane until approximately the middle of their vehicle.
Traffic situation with warning signal given by lane change warning system
| Designation | Explanation | Designation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left turn signal on | 2 | The warning light in the driver's side outside mirror flashes rapidly |
| 3 | Warning light in the outside mirror from the side front passenger burns with less intensity | 4 | The steering wheel vibrates |
| 5 | Car with lane change warning system | 6 | A car moving at the same speed right lane driving in a lane change zone |
| 7 | Car moving with higher speed in the left lane in the lane change zone | 8 | Lane change zone |
| 9 | Blind angle area for outside mirror |
Brief description of the node
The following SWW nodes are described below:Driver Assistance Control Panel
By pressing a button in the driver assistance system control unit, the lane change warning system is switched on and off.
For exampleF01
For example F01:
The control panel is connected to the FRM via a LIN bus. The signal sent via the bus from the FRM to the ICM control unit indicates that the key has been activated. The ICM control unit only allows the track indicator to turn on when the system is operating properly. Only in this case does it provide a positive confirmation via a bus signal to the footwell module (FRM) to activate the function key illumination. If there is a fault in the system, the function lighting remains off despite pressing the button. Based on this, the driver understands that the lane change warning system is not available.
The following illustration shows an improved version of the driver assistance system control unit.
The driver assistance system control unit is located in the center console near the hazard warning light switch. The driver assistance system control unit is connected via a 6-pin plug connection.
For exampleF15
By pressing a button in the driver assistance system control unit, the lane change warning system is switched on and off. At the start of the journey, all driver assistance systems are active.
For example F15:
The control unit is connected to the Body Domain Controller (BDC) via a LIN bus. Bus signal from the BDC to the control unit of the integrated control system chassis(ICM), reports key activation. The ICM control unit only allows the track indicator to turn on when the system is operating properly. Only in this case does it provide a positive confirmation in the form of a signal transmitted via the bus to the Body Domain Controller (BDC) to activate the functional key illumination. If there is a fault in the system, the function lighting remains off despite pressing the button. Based on this, the driver understands that the lane change warning system is not available.
SWW: Lane Change Warning Master ECU
The Lane Change Warning (SWW) control unit SWW is both a radar sensor (24 GHz) and an electronic control unit. The ECU is located at the rear right above the bumper support beam. The radar sensor is not visible from the outside; it is covered by the bumper.
Radar sensors operate regardless of weather conditions. Reliable detection occurs over a distance of approx. 60 meters.
For exampleF01
Only the master control unit has an ECU address and a diagnostic address and is therefore an ECU.
Mounting elements for radar sensors do not allow mechanical adjustment. Instead of mechanically adjusting radar sensors (such as the long-range radar of active cruise control), it is necessary to record the correction angle via the diagnostic system.
Lane change warning system actuator
The SWW actuator is only a radar sensor and is not a control unit. However, this radar sensor has a programmable memory and its own processor. The radar sensor is installed at the rear left above the bumper support beam. The radar sensor is not visible from the outside; it is covered by the bumper.
For exampleF01
The radar sensor is used to generate and transmit radar waves. It has a built-in receiver circuit. Transmission and reception are carried out through a planar antenna.
The mounting elements for radar sensors do not allow mechanical adjustment. Instead of mechanical adjustment of radar sensors (eg long-range radar of active cruise control), it is necessary to record the correction angle via the diagnostic system.
Radar sensors have different mounting points. Therefore, they cannot be confused.
Warning light in the exterior mirror
There is one triangular warning lamp in the left and right exterior mirrors. The warning light can be activated with different intensities. The ICM control unit transmits the command with the required intensity to the FRM. The command is transmitted via the LIN bus to the electronic unit of the corresponding exterior mirror. When activated by a width modulated signal, the LEDs of the warning lamps light up.
For exampleF01
If the turn signal is installed and the overtaking vehicle is in the critical zone at that time, the warning light in the mirror housing flashes (with varying intensity).
With F15: At night, the brightness of the warning lamp is adjusted by the signal from the rain/light/fog/sun sensor. The rain/light/fog/sun sensor is connected to the Body Domain Controller (BDC).
The lane change warning system can emit a warning signal starting at a speed of approx. 30 km/h.
Vibration generator in the steering wheel
The vibration drive is located in the steering wheel spoke. The purpose of the vibration drive is to force steering wheel vibrate. Driver assistance systems - lane departure warning and lane change warning - use this vibration to warn the driver of dangerous situations.
An electronic unit located inside the steering wheel also controls the vibration generator. The command to activate the vibration drive is sent by the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) via the FlexRay bus to the steering column switch center. The steering column switch center transmits this requirement via the LIN bus to the steering wheel electronics.
If the turn signal is installed and the oncoming vehicle is in the critical zone at that time, the steering wheel vibrates.
In addition to the lane change warning system, the lane change warning system (KAFAS control unit) also uses a vibration generator to generate a warning signal to the driver. The systems use different vibration amplitudes. The vibration generator activation coordination system is built into the ICM control unit.
System functions
The following functions are described below:- functional network connection;
- Limits functionality systems
Functional network connection
Implementing SWW requires complex complex system with control of individual functions via other ECUs. The following two figures show the functional integrated diagram.
For exampleF01
| Designation | Explanation | Designation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Driver's outside mirror | 2 | Central Gateway Module (ZGM) |
| 3 | Car Access System (CAS) | 4 | steering column switch center (SZL); |
| 5 | Junction Box (JBE) | 6 | |
| 7 | Rear power distributor | 8 | Lane change warning control unit SWW (master) |
| 9 | 10 | ||
| 11 | 12 | Footwell module (FRM); | |
| 13 |
For exampleF15
| Designation | Explanation | Designation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Driver's outside mirror | 2 | Rain/light/sun sensor |
| 3 | Front power distributor | 4 | Body Domain Controller (BDC) |
| 5 | Front passenger outside mirror | 6 | Fuse in the Body Domain Controller |
| 7 | Trailer Connection Module (AHM) | 8 | Rear power distributor |
| 9 | Lane change warning system actuator | 10 | Lane change warning master control unit |
| 11 | switch block in the driver's door; | 12 | Driver Assistance Control Panel |
| 13 | steering column switch center | 14 | Instrument cluster (KOMBI) |
| 15 | Central information display | 16 | Head unit (HU-H, HU-B) |
| 17 | Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) | 18 | Hub |
Road user registration
Both radar sensors (master and actuator) perform this function largely independently of each other in their specific area of operation. First, the position of the participants taken into account is determined traffic in the longitudinal and transverse direction.
Based on this, road users are assigned a lane. In this case, a distinction is made between one's own lane, left or right adjacent lanes and lanes located further away. If road users are in a lane change zone, approaching speeds are also taken into account in relation to own car. If one road user is in the blind corner area, it is enough to recognize its presence. The exact position or speed is not a decisive factor for the warning signal.
Determining whether a warning signal is required
The need for a warning signal is determined by the SWW master ECU. The master control unit uses both data about road users, determined by it independently, and data from the actuator.
Based on the distance (in the longitudinal direction) and the approach speed, the time remaining before the lane change is cancelled. If this time is reduced for at least one registered road user threshold value, a decision is made about the need to issue a warning signal. The presence of one road user in a blind corner immediately leads to the need to issue a warning signal.
The warning signal is suppressed if the master control unit receives trailer connection information from the trailer connection module (system message automatic diagnostics). The trailer body significantly limits the range of radar sensors.
Lane change warning system is faulty, deactivated or limited
Instructions for service
General instructions
No calibration of radar sensors is required. When replacing a radar sensor or working on its mounting, a service function must be performed. As a result, the correction angle will be recorded in the radar sensors.Diagnostic guidelines
The following service function is available for SWW via the diagnostic system:
- Commissioning SWW sensors (= lane change alarm)
Path: Service functions> Driver assistance > Lane change warning system
We reserve the right to make typographical errors, semantic errors and technical changes.
One of common reasons An accident is caused by a car changing lanes from one lane to another. In most cases, accidents occur due to the fact that the driver, having decided to change lanes, simply does not notice the other vehicles, moving in a parallel direction. The driver assistance system when changing lanes, like Side Assist in Audi and Volkswagen, as well as analogues in Mazda, Mercedes, BMW, Ford cars (providing monitoring of blind spots, informing about the blind spot, safe lane changing) warns the driver O possible collision when performing a maneuver.
Different car brands There are analogues of this system:
- Rear Vehicle Monitoring (or RVM) is a driver assistance system when changing lanes in Mazda;
- Side Assist - for Volkswagen and Audi;
- Lane Change Warning - for BMW;
- Blind Spot Assist - Mercedes lane change assistance system;
- Spurwechselassistent (SWA) - Porsche;
- BLIS (or Blind Spot Information System) - from Volvo;
- BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) - on Ford cars.
Audi's driver assistance system when changing lanes, called Side Assist, works on the principle of monitoring areas of traffic located in close proximity to the side and rear of the car. Using radar and a warning signal, the device informs the driver of the threat when trying to leave their lane.
How does the driver assist system work when changing lanes?
The system consists of the following autonomous devices:
- Buttons for turning on the system, which is located on the steering wheel.
- Radars mounted in exterior rear view mirrors.
- Electronic control units, one on each side.
- Warning light sensors ( signal lights) located on the exterior rear view mirrors.
- Control lamps located on the instrument panel.
The system is controlled using a switch in automatic mode when driving speed exceeds 60 km/h. At the same time, to identify cars in the immediate vicinity, a radar begins to work, the sensors of which send radio waves that irradiate the “blind” zone near the car. It is worth noting that in some systems it is possible to replace radars with installed video cameras or ultrasonic radiation sensors.
Installed one on each side electronic components controls perform an analysis of reflected rays, which serves as the basis for the following indicators:
- Control of moving cars.
- Identification of fixed objects, which may include fences, poles, cars in a parking lot, etc.
- When the system is activated, the indicator lights up.
The control indicator located on the instrument panel operates in two modes: information and warning.
When informing, the indicator light is in constant light mode when searching for a vehicle in an invisible zone.
In warning mode, when you try to change the lane, the light starts to flash, indicating the presence of a foreign object in the invisible zone.
Unlike Side Assist system from Volvo BLIS monitors the stealth zone not with radar, but with a digital camera that takes pictures at a speed of 25 frames/min. Especially good result shows a digital camera in conditions limited visibility. But Mazda's RVM system emits a beep when it detects another vehicle in the blind spot.
Automotive lane change assistance systems
Very often, the cause of a traffic accident is the maneuver of changing lanes from one lane to another. Many modern cars have systems that allow these maneuvers to be performed more safely. These are so-called lane change assistance systems. They are also called blind spot information systems, safe lane change systems, etc. They all serve one purpose - to warn of the danger of a collision with cars in the blind spot.
Which manufacturers offer lane change assistance systems?
Various automakers use their own developments in the field of assistance during rebuilding. Volkswagen and Audi use the Side Assist system in their cars. BMW cars have the LCW (Lane Change Warning) system. The Japanese concern Mazda has developed a Rear Vehicle Monitoring system. The American automobile giant Ford uses the BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) system. Volvo – BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). Mercedes-Benz concern - Blind Spot Assist or BSA system. In the premium segment, Porshe has developed a high-quality lane change assistance system - it is called SWA.
Side Assist – a system from Audi
The Side Assist system developed by Audi has been recognized several times as the most reliable. For example, the European Independent Committee for Automotive Safety recognized Side Assist as the best in 2010. similar system. Radars are used as sensors in the Side Assist system. They control the space behind and on the sides of the car. If the driver initiates a lane change maneuver, the system triggers a warning signal if there is any traffic obstruction.
Structurally, Side Assist is designed as follows. There is a system on/off button on the turn signal handle. The radars are located in the side mirrors on the left and right. There are also built-in signal LEDs that turn on if there is a risk of collision when performing a maneuver. A warning indicator is also installed on the instrument panel.
To turn on the system, you need to click on the button on the turn signal lever. In this case, Side Assist will only start working at a speed of at least 60 km/h. Special radars installed in the side exterior mirror housings emit a radio signal into blind spots. Based on the reflection of the signal, the system determines the presence of vehicles interfering with the maneuver. In addition to radars, ultrasonic sensors or video cameras can be installed.
Radars on the left and right sides of the car operate separately. They are able to analyze incoming information. For example, the system can distinguish between moving objects, that is, cars, and stationary ones, such as barriers, fences, poles, trees, parked cars, and so on. If the Side Assist electronics decide that the maneuver is dangerous, the lamp will turn on. The signal lamp operates in two modes. If the indicator is constantly on, then some object is in the dead zone. And if you start changing lanes in the presence of obstacles, the lamp will flash. The system determines the moment of changing lanes by turning on the turn signals. If you are turning into the left lane, the information from the right radar will not be taken into account. This indication is very convenient, as it allows you to monitor the situation at all times in order to select in advance the moment to safely perform the maneuver.
Features of Volvo's BLIS system
Volvo's BLIS system works on a different principle. The radar function in it is performed by a miniature digital camera that can shoot up to 25 frames per second. This implementation has a significant drawback - the camera will have low efficiency in bad weather conditions, for example, in a rainstorm or snowstorm. The BLIS system is turned on using a button located on the instrument panel. The automation starts working at a speed of 10 km/h.
One of the most common causes of accidents serves to change the vehicle from one lane to another. In most cases, accidents occur because the driver, having decided to change lanes, simply does not notice other vehicles moving in a parallel direction. The driver assistance system when changing lanes, like Side Assist in Audi and Volkswagen, as well as analogues in Mazda, Mercedes, BMW, Ford cars (providing monitoring of blind spots, informing about the blind spot, safe lane changing) warns the driver about a possible collision when performing a maneuver.
Different car brands have their own analogues of this system:
Rear Vehicle Monitoring (or RVM) is a driver assistance system when changing lanes in Mazda;
Side Assist - for Volkswagen and Audi;
Lane Change Warning - for BMW;
Blind Spot Assist - Mercedes lane change assistance system;
Spurwechselassistent (SWA) - Porsche;
BLIS (or Blind Spot Information System) - from Volvo;
BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) - on Ford cars.
Audi's driver assistance system when changing lanes, called Side Assist, works on the principle of monitoring areas of traffic located in close proximity to the side and rear of the car. Using radar and a warning signal, the device informs the driver of the threat when trying to leave their lane.
How does the driver assist system work when changing lanes?
The system consists of the following autonomous devices:
1. Buttons to turn on the system, which is located on the steering wheel.
2. Radars built into the outside rear view mirrors.
3. Electronic control units, one on each side.
4. Warning light sensors (signal lights) located on the outside rear view mirrors.
5. Control lamps located on the instrument panel.
The system is controlled using a switch in automatic mode when the speed exceeds 60 km/h. At the same time, to identify cars in the immediate vicinity, a radar begins to work, the sensors of which send radio waves that irradiate the “blind” zone near the car. It is worth noting that in some systems it is possible to replace radars with installed video cameras or ultrasonic radiation sensors.
Electronic control units installed one on each side produce an analysis of reflected rays, which serves as the basis for the following indicators:
1. Control of moving cars.
2. Identification of fixed objects, which may include fences, poles, cars in the parking lot, etc.
3. When the system is activated, the indicator lights up.
The control indicator located on the instrument panel operates in two modes: information and warning.
When informing, the indicator light is in constant light mode when searching for a vehicle in an invisible zone.
In warning mode, when you try to change the lane, the light starts to flash, indicating the presence of a foreign object in the invisible zone.
Unlike Side Assist, Volvo's BLIS system monitors the stealth zone not with radar, but with a digital camera that shoots at a speed of 25 frames/min. A digital camera shows especially good results in conditions of limited visibility. But Mazda's RVM system emits a beep when it detects another vehicle in the blind spot.
