Physics.edu
Blind Spot Protection System
Written by N.N
Source:http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=77044&d=1428248204
The purpose of the Blind Spot Protection System (BSPS) is to allow the driver to make more informed decisions by giving the driver views from all directions, to ensure there are no blind spots. This reduces the chances of accidents, injuries and related areas.
The Blind Spot Protection System, also known as BSPS, was an idea that came from George Platzer who was famously known for his paper to the Society of Automotive Engineers. This paper can be seen as a crucial step to the development of the Blind Spot Protection System, of which it states 'If side mirrors are properly adjusted in a car, there are no blind spots on the sides'. This information is key to the safety of the car's occupants and is usually brushed upon in driving classes so Platzer came up with an idea to help prevent injuries sustained via blind spots. He came up with a system known as the Blind Spot Protection System. Platzer recieved a patent for this system soon after and incorpoated his ideas with products from Ford Company. BSPS has since been a car safety feature that has improved situations for many drivers and is still on the path to further improve.
Normal side mirrors can be helpful to a driver when trying to determine whether or not they should turn out or if there is an approaching vehicle but the images are usually distorted and can make it difficult to judge distances. BSPS comes in handy as it signals to the driver when objects or other vehicles are in a certain proximity to the car, and can also alert drivers backing out of a parking space when traffic is approaching from both sides (Cross Traffic Alert) without the driver having to determine information for themselves from a simple mirror.
BSPS is a vehicle based sensor device that can emit warnings to the driver in many forms, such as visual, audible, vibrating or tactile (affecting the sense of touch). Cameras are also used in BSPS, especially in larger cars as the rear end of the car is hard to see (parking, reverse etc.). The driver is fully aware of their surroundings with the help of BSPS and can make more informed decisions on the road. Unfortunately, the system can typically be overridden if it malfunctions. This is a threat to the efficieny and the level of protection provided by the system but companies are trying to work out how to prevent this from happening and further improve the system.
Currently, there is not enough data or evidence to determine whether blind spot detection results in fewer accidents or injuries on the road but let's hope that with a little fixing up and improvements, BPSP will be a car safety feature we can rely on for safety of our passengers, ourselves and our future generations.
