The overtaking sensor is a device located inside the driver''s door mirror (only left-hand drive). This surveys the blind spot on the driver''s side to ensure safer overtaking or lane change manoeuvres.The device monitors the area at the side of the vehicle and notifies the driver of the presence of overtaking vehicles. In particular, the device is able to indicate approaching vehicles in the lane alongside the lane in which the vehicle on which the device is installed is driving. The vehicle fitted with the sensor can detect vehicles up to 20 m away. Notification is by means of a lighted signal that turns into a sound signal when the turn signal is on (left turn signal).Notification begins when the approaching vehicle is still visible in the door mirror. A darkened area on the TV screen demits the image acquisition field to reduce glare.The device consists of:
a microcamera inside the door mirror that is positioned to ensure scanning of areas that are otherwise hard to see,
a special control unit in the door compartment that can analyse the input signal and transmit a visual signal,
- a driver interface (positioned on the driver''s side door inner panel) that includes: an indicator led and an acoustic signal (buzzer).
The system notifies the driver of potential danger, e.g. if an overtaking vehicle draws level, by turning on a led. If the turn signals are activated (to indicate an intention to overtake) under conditions of potential danger , the control unit activates the buzzer to warn the driver that the manoeuvre is potentially dangerous.e system is enabled only at speeds higher than 30 km/h. At speeds betwen 30 and 80 km/h, the scanned area is directly proportional to speed. The scanned area reaches its maximum extent at speeds higher than 80 km/h.