Insignia receives a front camera system
One of the most eagerly awaited business cars of the year – the Vauxhall Insignia will feature a front camera system.
The dual-function camera reads speed limit and no-overtaking signs and displays them on the instrument panel, but also alerts drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Known as Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning, the two systems should improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costly speeding tickets.
Hans Demant, Managing Director of GME Engineering said: “These new features follow Vauxhall’s philosophy of enhancing driving excitement by assisting drivers without reducing their level of control. That means the system gives drivers information, but it doesn’t intervene.”
Depending on light conditions, the Traffic Sign Recognition function begins to repeatedly read signs at 100 metres. It starts by focusing on circular patterns then identifies the numbers inside them via contour comparison. When a match is found in the car’s software, the sign is displayed in the instrument panel; it will even prioritise a no-overtaking sign over a speed limit warning sign.
When the Lane Departure Warning function is turned on, it uses a second signal processor and software to read traffic lanes and record a driver’s normal lane-changing behaviour, taking into account steering input and indicator usage. If any deviation is detected, an audible and visual warning is sent from the instrument panel, preventing hazardous situations, such as a driver falling asleep at the wheel.
Simon McBride
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