Ford announced new camera technology that helps drivers see what’s coming from around the corner. The new split-view camera shows a 180-degree view of the area in front of or behind a vehicle on the 8-inch three panel screen. The views allowthe driver to know what’s in the car’s path from the sides.
Split-view uses real-time video feeds from wide-angle lens cameras in the grille and tailgate. Drivers can tell if there is an obstacle coming from either side or straight on. Split-view is activated at the touch of a button and automatically shuts off when vehicle speed reaches 6.2 mph.
A telescopic jet washer keeps the front camera clean. On the Ford Explorer there is a washer for the rear camera.
Ford plans to make front cameras available on a majority of its vehicles globally by volume by 2020.
Ford announced that next Super Duty will have up to seven cameras and all-new digital architecture.
The 2016 F-150 has up to five cameras available, the most of any vehicle in the Ford lineup. Four cameras in F-150 are mounted in the outside mirrors, and rear and front of the vehicle to enable a 360-degree view and backup view functions.
A forward-looking camera mounted behind the rearview mirror is used to activate auto high beams and lane-keeping assist, which looks for lane deviations. The driver never sees the image from this camera, but the vehicle’s computer uses the visual signal to operate the rest of the system.
Camera technology enables the Pro Trailer Backup Assist available on the 2016 F-150, which helps a customer steer the trailer with a control knob while the truck steers its wheels.
Dynamic Hitch Assist is another F-150 feature that uses cameras. It provides a center sight line in the display that helps the driver properly line up the truck to the trailer to hitch up.
Ford cameras are tested under extreme conditions – beyond what they will endure during a typical vehicle lifetime. Each camera component is subjected to more than 1,000 hours of testing to make sure it can withstand temperature changes, humidity, dust, salt and more. Ford engineers also immerse cameras to confirm the casing does not let water leak in.
Ford does warn “Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle.”
Ford introduced split view on the 2015 Ford Edge and 2016 Explorer in the United States and China. Front split view is offered on Edge. Front and rear split view comes standard in the United States on the 2016 Explorer Limited on sale now and Explorer Platinum, on sale soon. Split view will be offered on nearly all Ford SUVs globally by 2020.