Car technology that sees around corners

Ford is introducing new camera technology that can see around corners, even when drivers cannot, to help avert accidents.

The Front Split View Camera displays a 180° 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, Driver Assistance Electronic Systems, Ford of Europe.

“Simply driving off driveways can be a challenge. Much like a rear-view camera, the Front Split View Camera is one of those technologies that people will soon find indispensable.”

The first-in-segment technology is activated at the push of a button. A 1-megapixel camera in the front grille enables drivers to see a real-time 180° view — both left and right — on the vehicle’s 8″ colour touchscreen.

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

According to Ford, data recorded by the European Road Safety Observatory SafetyNet project indicated that about 19% of drivers involved in accidents at junctions experienced obstructions to view.

“From sunrise to sunset we tested the Front Split View 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.”

The new technology will initially be available on Ford models such as the Galaxy and S-MAX.

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Image courtesy of Ford.