Mercedes 2003 Annual Report Download - page 73
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Innovations in the F 500 Mind range from a night-vision system
with infrared laser headlights to an adjustable door with two
possible opening methods and a programmable multivision display
in the dashboard that combines the speedometer, tachometer,
navigation system and other instruments. For driving in twilight or
at night, the display can utilize the night-vision system developed
by DaimlerChrysler Research. This night-vision system enables
drivers to follow the path of the road and recognize obstacles,
pedestrians and cyclists at a distance of 150 meters. Conventional
low-beam headlights, by contrast, have a range of only 40 meters.
Instead of conventional accelerator and brake pedals, the F 500
Mind is equipped with “pressure panels.” These are installed in a
flat plate and contain pressure sensors that electronically transmit
the driver’s commands as electric signals to the engine and the
electro-hydraulic brake system when the motorist wants to
accelerate or brake. The research vehicle’s steering system is also
controlled electronically. With the F 500 Mind, DaimlerChrysler is
continuing the tradition of its widely acclaimed research vehicles,
whose many innovations offer ideas of future standard features.
Traffic safety as a holistic task. Road safety plays a major role in
DaimlerChrysler’s plans for future mobility. Our vision of accident-
free driving is intended to make a substantial contribution to
ensuring sustainable mobility. As part of our holistic approach, we
are working to continuously improve the safety standards of future
vehicles, ranging from accident prevention and crash-impact
minimization to accident rescue operations. In this way, we aim to
be a pioneer in road safety through the introduction of trend-
setting innovations.
DaimlerChrysler is at the forefront of the development of both
passive and active safety solutions. The PRE-SAFE occupant
protection system, for example, has been nominated for the “2003
German Future award”. The system is already in use in about
75,000 vehicles and has been offered as standard equipment in
the Mercedes-Benz S-Class since September 2002. PRE-SAFE can
recognize dangerous situations in advance and activate the
necessary preventive safety measures. When the system registers
the first indication of skidding, for example, it automatically closes
the sunroof, tightens the seatbelts and moves the seats into the
optimal position.
Engineers at DaimlerChrysler have also developed an assistance
system similar to ESP. Called ROLL-OVER AVOIDANCE, this system
maintains driving stability no matter what the situation. To do so,
it uses an onboard computer that continuously collects data
on the current driving situation. From this information it calculates
the vehicle’s position and center of gravity, as well as its lateral
acceleration from the steering-wheel angle and the vehicle’s
speed. If a critical level is reached or exceeded, the system inter-
venes and stabilizes the vehicles by putting on the brakes and/or
reducing the flow of fuel to the engine. Ths system was first used
by Evo-Bus and is available on the market.
With its CARE-SAFE project, DaimlerChrysler aims to enhance
traffic rescue operations. Through the selective evaluation of data
provided by the vehicle’s electronic systems on the type and
seriousness of an accident, emergency doctors and firefighters
receive important information before arriving at the scene of an
accident. Mercedes-Benz already offers an automatic emergency
reporting system called TELEAID.
An international team of researchers, engineers and designers generated the research vehicle F 500 Mind