The number of functions and safety features packed into current automobile dashboards is quite astounding when compared to vehicles of a mere 15 or twenty years ago. State-of-the-art safety systems have become standard as a necessity for consumer and commercial vehicles.
As vehicle safety technologies advance, more traditional devices, such as the loud beeps of reverse driving alarms, have been replaced with directional 'white' sound that can only be heard in the danger zone to reduce noise pollution. Brigade Electronics, is thought to be the company that pioneered this technology. Now the company's objective is to reduce driver overload and in-vehicle distractions by creating integrated technologies that work side by side to complement each other, without the need for additional in-vehicle monitors or separate buzzers. Henry Morgan of Brigade Electronics Canada claims, “Research has shown that workers in the transport sector suffer above average levels of stress, so it is really important that technology assists drivers and improves vehicle safety without making the job more difficult.”
Brigade's Backeye 360 camera monitor system, for example, was created to solve issues caused by blind spots without drivers having to check numerous mirrors. Henry continues, “Mirrors and single-view cameras help to see blind spots, but research shows that in the time it takes to scan four mirrors, assess and then react to hazards, even at speeds as low as 5 km/hour, a vehicle could travel as far as 10 meters. Backeye 360 solves this issue by providing a comprehensive 360° view of the surroundings in a single image.”
Products that work collaboratively are also important in enhancing safety. Henry added “Research has been conducted into the dangers of in-vehicle distractions for drivers so we develop products to address this. For example, if Brigade's Backeye 360 system is installed and the vehicle operator then wants to add a Brigade Ultrasonic Detection System, the last thing a driver wants is additional displays and buzzers to assess. Our products complement each other so they can be seamlessly integrated without the need for complicating the driver's experience.”
For more info, peruse the Backeye 360 datasheet with video demos.
Brigade Electronics Inc.
Portland, IN
260-766-4343