ACM TechNews

Nissan Goes High-Tech to Stop Accidents, Inefficient Driving

IDG News Service (08/04/08) Williams, Martyn

Nissan has developed two systems intended to keep drivers safer and preserve energy by communicating safety and fuel-efficiency information to drivers through force feedback in the pedals and steering wheel. The first system, called side collision prevention, uses millimeter-wave radar to monitor the driver's blind spot. The system indicates the presence of an object with a small light positioned near the side-view mirror, and works with other systems in the car to sense when a dangerous maneuver is being attempted. When a driver attempts to change lanes when a car is in the blind spot, an audible warning sound alerts the driver and the steering wheel gently resists the turn. The resistance is light enough that the driver could change lanes in an emergency, but is effective at letting the driver know there is another car in the area. The second system, called eco-pedal, monitors the car's fuel consumption and transmission efficiency during acceleration and cruising to determine the optimal acceleration for the best fuel efficiency. The system illuminates the dashboard to indicate when the car is driving within the "eco-driving" range, and begins to flash when the car moves out of the optimum range, and turns orange when the car is being driven inefficiently. If the driver insists on accelerating, the resistance in the pedal can be pushed through without significant effort, but the pedal's resistance also makes it easier to hold the accelerator in the optimal position and drive using the least amount of fuel.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/149405/2008/08/.html

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