BMW 5 - Manual (Page 43)

BMW
Media
Information
11/2009
Page 43
A further feature of the Adaptive Headlights is variable light distribution
optimising the illumination of the road in accordance with current
requirements also on a straight route. In this case the innovative control
function operating in accordance with road speed automatically enlarges
the driver’s field of vision by enlarging the light beam appropriately.
The optional High-Beam Assistant in the new BMW 5 Series offers additional
safety when driving at night. Taking current driving conditions into account,
this system switches the high beam on and off automatically as required,
consistently giving the driver optimum visibility and at the same time relieving
him of the chore to constantly monitor the high beam in the case of oncoming
traffic. Processing images generated by a camera integrated in the interior
mirror, the High-Beam Assistant recognises vehicles driving ahead in the
same direction up to a distance of approximately 400 metres or 440 yards
and oncoming vehicles up to a distance of about 1,000 metres or 1,100
yards. A further feature is that the high-beam is switched off automatically as
soon as the surrounding light reaches a certain level of intensity and is
therefore bright enough.
Greater safety when driving at night:
BMW Night Vision even able to detect individual persons.
BMW is the world’s first car maker to offer a night vision system even able
to detect individual persons. The second generation of BMW Night Vision
available in the new BMW 5 Series as an optional extra sets new standards
in avoiding accidents when driving at night. The main feature is a thermal
imaging camera fitted at the front end of the car and naturally designed
appropriately for the new BMW 5 Series. This camera provides a video image
in real time presenting people, animals and other heat-emitting objects in high
resolution in the central Control Display, even when they are outside of the
headlight beam.
This presentation on the screen is supplemented in the case of BMW Night
Vision by the automatic detection of persons on or next to the road. To
provide this function, the video data is analysed by a control unit using
intelligent algorithms to find pedestrians and cyclists potentially on collision
course with the car.
Once the system detects a possible risk involving such persons, the driver is
warned by the Control Display and the optional Head-Up Display. This warning
is restricted to pedestrians and cyclists who, on account of the speed, steering
angle and yaw rate involved, are on a calculated collision course with the
vehicle.