Ford Investigates Autosense Blind Spot System

DENVER, Nov. 20 -- Autosense and Ford Motor Company signed an agreement this month to promote further investigation of a blind spot detection system that has been under development and testing since 1985. The technology, labeled SideMinder and owned by Autosense, uses low power infrared/lasers to detect vehicles in the adjacent lanes and is particularly useful during lane-change and merge maneuvers while driving. An icon or light emitting diode, located in the sideview mirror tells the driver that the zone is occupied while fail-safe diagnostics alert the driver of any false readings.

Ford will investigate implementation of the system on its platforms and introduce it to subsidiaries and related companies. Autosense, a privately held corporation, holds several worldwide patents on the technology. Testing has been ongoing with Ford since 1986. ``Most drivers find the system very useful and after only a few days don't want to drive a vehicle without it,'' says Warren Hyland, president of Autosense, the development company.

``Studies indicate that 75% of large car owners and even 50% of small pickup owners would buy the SideMinder system for $200,'' says Hyland. Although several types of systems perform effectively, low cost is a key advantage of the Autosense technology when compared to similar systems under development which employ radar and camera technology.

``Lane Change systems may be the ultimate collision avoidance answer but cost is likely to limit their application to high-end vehicles for many years,'' according to Hyland. ``SideMinder, with its basis in low-cost infrared/laser technology, will provide additional application opportunities for vehicles outside the luxury segment.''

An automotive supplier or licensee with skills in high volume, low cost, electro-optic production will be required to manufacture the sensors and coordinate vehicle integration.