GM's European division, Opel, will soon introduce a new version of the Insignia luxury sedan. What makes it special? Well, this car features a very interesting and innovative technology. It's a sophisticated camera that helps the driver read speed limit and no-passing signs.
Depending on light conditions, the system can recognize and repeatedly read signs from 100 meters away. It starts by focusing on circular patterns then identifies the numbers inside them via contour comparison. If a picture matches an image of a road sign in the car's software, the sign is displayed on the instrument panel.
Mounted between the rearview mirror and the windshield, the Opel "Eye" also checks whether drivers unintentionally leave their chosen lane on the highway. Should a driver start to fall asleep behind the wheel, for instance, the system will send a visual and auditory warning signal. It can be switched on and off at all times via a button on the dashboard.
With these new features, Opel aims to enhance driving excitement by assisting drivers without reducing their level of control. It therefore represents a major safety advancement.
Cars with auto-pilot?
Think about it: what prevents manufacturers from designing cars that drive by themselves? Certainly not technology. Companies have already come up with adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Some systems even anticipate corners and slow the vehicle down in advance.
If one decided to combine intelligent cruise control with Opel's new camera, the result would be a car that recognizes the road and the traffic, adjusting to speed limits and the vehicles all around. What else could you ask for? Self-parking cars? No problem, Lexus already offers such a technology with their LS flagship sedan.
Really, is there anything cars can't do these days?
photo:Opel
Depending on light conditions, the system can recognize and repeatedly read signs from 100 meters away. It starts by focusing on circular patterns then identifies the numbers inside them via contour comparison. If a picture matches an image of a road sign in the car's software, the sign is displayed on the instrument panel.
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Mounted between the rearview mirror and the windshield, the Opel "Eye" also checks whether drivers unintentionally leave their chosen lane on the highway. Should a driver start to fall asleep behind the wheel, for instance, the system will send a visual and auditory warning signal. It can be switched on and off at all times via a button on the dashboard.
With these new features, Opel aims to enhance driving excitement by assisting drivers without reducing their level of control. It therefore represents a major safety advancement.
Cars with auto-pilot?
Think about it: what prevents manufacturers from designing cars that drive by themselves? Certainly not technology. Companies have already come up with adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Some systems even anticipate corners and slow the vehicle down in advance.
If one decided to combine intelligent cruise control with Opel's new camera, the result would be a car that recognizes the road and the traffic, adjusting to speed limits and the vehicles all around. What else could you ask for? Self-parking cars? No problem, Lexus already offers such a technology with their LS flagship sedan.
Really, is there anything cars can't do these days?
photo:Opel
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