Cars That Can See Round Corners?

New camera system takes the stress out of situations with reduced visibility

By Tom Mack

Exiting a blind intersection can be a nerve-wracking experience for drivers, young and old alike, as they inch forward into traffic and strain to see and hear oncoming vehicles.

So, too, if you’re coming out an alley, laneway or driveway with walls, hedges or other visual obstructions impairing your lateral vision. Even leaving a parking space in a mall can be problematic, what with slab-sided SUVs, minivans or pickup trucks blocking your line of sight as you try to pull out.

Photo: Ford Motor Co.

That’s why it’s good news to learn Ford is introducing a new camera technology that can see around corners, even when drivers cannot, to help avert accidents.  

The innovative Front Split View Camera, available on the all-new 2015 Edge and slated for the 2016 Explorer – as well as Ford’s Galaxy and S-MAX models in Europe – displays a 180-degree view from the front of the car, using a video camera in the grille. At a blind junction or exiting a driveway, the camera enables drivers to easily spot approaching vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. 

“It’s not just blind junctions that can be stressful, sometimes an overhanging tree, or bushes can be the problem,” said Ronny Hause, engineer, Driver Assistance Electronic Systems, Ford of Europe. “Simply driving off driveways can be a challenge. Much like a rear-view camera, Front Split View Camera is one of those technologies that people will soon find indispensable.”

The new system is activated at the push of a button. A 1-megapixel camera in the front grille enables drivers to see a real-time 180-degree view – both left and right – on the vehicle’s eight-inch colour touchscreen.

Graphic: Ford Motor Co.

Drivers can track road users that approach from either side and pass in front of their vehicle. The camera, just 33 mm wide, is kept clear by a specially designed retractable jet-washer that operates automatically when the windscreen wipers are activated.

“From sunrise to sunset we tested the camera on all kinds of roads, congested urban streets and areas with a lot of cyclists and pedestrians,” Hause said. “Tackling tunnels, narrow alleys and garages in all light conditions also meant we could ensure the technology worked well even when sunlight was shining directly into the camera.”

Pulling out on a blind intersection can be a tricky manoeuvre for new and experienced drivers alike. The best approach has traditionally been to simply lean forward to get the best view while creeping forwards with the windows wound down to listen for approaching vehicles, but cyclists are a particular risk as they can’t be heard. Nor can a potential new hazard – electric cars.

Photo: Newspress

This technology will certainly make emerging from anywhere with a restricted view much safer and the experience less nerve-wracking for those behind the wheel. Though one wonders why a similar rear-bumper system isn’t available too. After all, most of us drive into a vacant space in shopping centres or parking lots and reverse out when leaving. The latter can be a problem if your car has a large vehicle parked on either side to impede vision.