ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM (ADAS): MEANING & TYPES

Advanced driver assistance system is a great discovery in automotive safety, and it saves many lives every year. Studies show that ADAS might stop about 20,841 deaths each year, which is a huge 62% of all traffic fatalities. Because of its huge impact on road safety, ADAS is becoming a must-have in new cars, making driving safer and smarter.

In this guide, we’ll explore ADAS, its working, the different systems it includes, its benefits, and how it’s changing the way we drive.

Let’s dive in –

What is ADAS?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which refers to a set of systems and sensors integrated into a vehicle to support the driver in driving tasks. These systems utilize cameras, radar, and other sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide alerts, warnings, and corrective actions when needed.

Over the years ADAS technology has made advancements offering a wide array of features from basic functions like backup cameras and blind spot monitoring to more advanced capabilities such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. The primary goal of ADAS is to enhance the driving experience and enhance road safety.

ADAS systems are typically classified into levels based on their functionalities and the automation levels they offer. While basic systems provide driver assistance through alerts and warnings advanced systems can take control of driving functions like braking or steering in situations. The sophisticated ADAS systems can simultaneously manage acceleration, braking, and steering for autonomous driving in specific conditions.

How Does Advanced Driver Assistance System Work?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) use a variety of sensors and technologies, including SoCs (systems-on-a-chip), to gather information about the vehicle’s surroundings and the driver’s actions.

These SoCs are a collection of chips used to implement autonomous application solutions, linking sensors to actuators via interfaces and high-performance electronic control units (ECUs). They then use this data to provide alerts, and warnings, and even take corrective actions when necessary, to assist the driver and enhance road safety.

These camera-based sensors act as an extra set of “eyes” for the driver. These cameras are strategically placed around the vehicle to monitor the front, rear, sides, and interior cabin. They capture real-time video and images, which are then processed by the vehicle’s onboard SoCs.

In addition to cameras, ADAS also utilizes other types of sensors, such as radar and lidar (light detection and ranging), all connected to the SoCs. Radar sensors use radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance and speed, while lidar uses laser beams to create a detailed 3D map of the vehicle’s surroundings. These sensors complement the cameras by providing additional data points, especially in low-visibility conditions like bad weather or darkness.

For example, if the cameras and sensors detect that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane without the turn signal activated, the ADAS system can provide a warning to the driver or even gently steer the vehicle back into the lane (a feature known as lane-keeping assist).

Similarly, if the sensors detect an imminent collision with another vehicle or obstacle, the ADAS system can alert the driver and, if necessary, automatically apply the brakes (a feature called automatic emergency braking) to mitigate or prevent the collision.

Types of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

ADAS automotive encompasses various features and functionalities, each designed to assist drivers in different driving scenarios. Here are some common types of ADAS systems:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

ACC maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle in front by automatically adjusting the speed of your car. It uses radar or camera sensors to detect vehicles ahead and adjust the speed accordingly. Advanced ACC systems can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and accelerate again when traffic starts moving.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

LDW systems alert the driver when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, while LKA takes it a step further by providing gentle steering input to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. These systems use cameras to detect lane markings and monitor the vehicle’s position within the lane.

Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)

Anti-lock braking systems use sensors, such as radar or cameras, to detect imminent collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. If the driver fails to respond in time, the system automatically applies the brakes to mitigate or avoid the collision altogether.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

BSM systems use radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and provide visual or audible warnings to alert the driver before making a lane change. Some advanced systems can even provide steering assistance to help avoid collisions when changing lanes.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)

RCTA uses sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the side while you’re backing up, helping to prevent collisions in parking lots or driveways. These systems can provide visual and audible warnings, and some can even automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent.

Parking Assistance

These systems use cameras and sensors to guide parallel or perpendicular parking maneuvers, making it easier to park in tight spaces. Some systems can even take over the steering and acceleration/braking functions to automatically park the vehicle.

Driver Monitoring Systems

These systems use cameras and sensors to monitor the driver’s behavior and alertness, providing warnings if the driver appears distracted, drowsy, or impaired. They can also detect if the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel, which is important for semi-autonomous driving modes.

Night Vision and Pedestrian Detection

Advanced ADAS systems can use infrared cameras or other sensors to detect pedestrians, animals, or obstacles in low-light conditions, enhancing visibility and safety during nighttime driving. These systems can provide visual warnings or even automatically apply the brakes to avoid collisions.

Forward Collision Warning

This ADAS automotive feature uses sensors to monitor the road ahead for potential collisions with other vehicles or obstacles.

If a collision risk is detected, it alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings to take action and apply the brakes. Some advanced systems can even provide automatic emergency braking if the driver doesn’t respond quickly enough.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is a safety technology that helps prevent loss of vehicle control. It uses sensors to detect when a vehicle is starting to spin out or go out of the intended path.

ESC then automatically applies the brakes to individual wheels and reduces engine power to help stabilize the vehicle and keep it on its intended course.

This advanced driver assistance system is very effective at preventing rollover accidents and avoiding collisions in slippery conditions or during evasive maneuvers.

Traction Control System (TCS)  

While ESC prevents loss of control, TCS is an ADAS feature that maximizes traction to prevent wheel slip, especially during acceleration.

Sensors detect when one or more driven wheels start to spin and lose traction. TCS then automatically applies braking force and reduces engine power to those wheels to restore grip.

Traffic Sign Recognition

This feature uses cameras to detect and recognize traffic signs, such as speed limits, stop signs, and other road signs. The information is then displayed to the driver, helping to ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)

ISA systems use GPS and map data to determine the speed limit on a given road and can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to comply with the limit. Some systems can even take into account temporary speed limits or construction zones.

Why is ADAS important?

An advanced driver assistance system offers numerous benefits that make them an increasingly valuable feature in modern vehicles. Here are some key reasons why ADAS is important:

Improved Safety

The primary goal of ADAS is to enhance road safety by assisting drivers in various driving scenarios and potentially preventing accidents.

By providing warnings, automatic interventions, and enhanced visibility, ADAS systems can help reduce the risk of collisions, injuries, and fatalities.

Increased Driver Awareness

ADAS systems act as an extra set of eyes and ears for the driver, helping to monitor the surroundings and identify possible risks that the driver may have missed.

This increased situational awareness can help drivers make better-informed decisions and react more quickly to potential dangers. For example, blind spot monitoring can help drivers avoid accidents when changing lanes or reversing.

Reduced Driver Stress and Fatigue

Certain ADAS features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, can help reduce the mental and physical strain of driving, particularly during long journeys or in heavy traffic conditions. This can lead to a more relaxed and less fatigued driving experience, which can improve overall safety and reduce the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Assistance for Specific Driving Scenarios

ADAS systems are designed to assist drivers in a variety of driving situations, such as parking, changing lanes, or navigating intersections.

This can be particularly helpful for drivers who may have difficulty with certain actions or those who need additional assistance due to age, physical limitations, or other factors.

Potential Cost Savings

While ADAS systems can add to the initial cost of a vehicle, they may also lead to long-term cost savings by helping to prevent accidents and associated repair costs, & potentially lowering insurance premiums for vehicles equipped with these safety features.

Conclusion

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are rapidly becoming a must-have feature in modern vehicles, offering a wide range of safety and convenience benefits.

However, it’s crucial to remember that these advanced systems rely heavily on the precise calibration of their cameras, radar sensors, and other components. Without proper calibration, the accuracy and reliability of ADAS features can be compromised, undermining their effectiveness in enhancing road safety.

At Munich Motor Works, we understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle’s ADAS systems in optimal condition. Our skilled technicians use the latest tools and technology, including the advanced Hella Gutmann CSC Tool, to perform comprehensive camera and radar sensor calibrations.

This process ensures that your vehicle’s cameras, radar units, and other sensors are accurately aligned and adjusted to manufacturer specifications.

Remember, your safety is paramount, and at Munich Motor Works, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and expertise.