Volvo invents BLIS: Blind Spot Info System, actual happiness still not attainable
Volvo has come up with a camera-based system to detect the presence of vehicles in either rear blind spot. When a vehicle occupies the appropriate position, a light flashes on the A-pillar to say, "Hey, you, don't change lanes, ok?" The digital camera mounted beneath the sideview mirror continuously monitors a 31ft. x 9.8 ft. area by taking 25 pictures per second, and then calculating changes between frames. It won't work in heavy fog or snow, or when traveling much faster or slower than surrounding vehicles. Autoweek questions a few of the BLIS's attributes: first, the A-pillar warning light is convenient but it still adds an extra place to look after scanning dash and mirrors, thus requiring extra concentration. Secondly, even though Volvo claims otherwise, the BLIS continually warned of parked autos in the test car's blind spot. The system will be introduced on 2005 S60, V70 and XC70s— regular old mirrors will still be standard, but being alert and coherent while driving is apparently still an option.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
B Money 11:10PM (12/18/2005)
Cartalk's website has detailed instructions on setting your mirrors so you don't have any blind spots:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/mirrors/
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David Thomas 11:10PM (12/18/2005)
ever had the mirror knocked off while parked on the street? usually costs a few hundred bucks no matter what. I'd guess one of these would be a few thousand dollars!
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Alan Bedenko 11:10PM (12/18/2005)
Looks like an answer to a question everyone already knew the answer to. (Whew.)
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