Buick Encore: Object Detection and Pedestrian Protection - Description and operation

OBJECT DETECTION DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (REARVISION CAMERA, UVC)

Rear Vision Camera System Operation

The rear vision camera system consists of a video camera located at the rear of the vehicle and the navigation radio.

When the transmission is placed into REVERSE, a 12 volt signal is sent to the rear vision camera by the body control module (BCM). This signal indicates to the camera that the vehicle is in reverse and image display is requested. The rear vision camera receives ignition voltage and a constant ground to power the camera. Video signal + and video signal - circuits carry the video image from the rear vision camera to the navigation radio.

Additionally, the video signal circuits are shielded to prevent any interference which may lead to a loss of video signal resolution and a degraded video image. The shield is provided a ground path by the rear vision camera.

The following conditions may cause a degraded rear vision camera image:

• Ice, snow, or mud has built up on the rear vision camera
• Dark conditions
• Extreme light conditions, such as glare from the sun or the headlights of another vehicle
• Damage to the rear of the vehicle
• Extreme high temperatures or extreme temperature changes

If a malfunction is detected in the system, Service Rear Vision Camera may be displayed on the navigation radio as an indicator to the customer that a problem exists that requires service.

Object detection description and operation (rear park assist, UD7)

The parking assist system is designed to identify and notify the driver of an object in the vehicle path when reversing at speeds of less than 8 km/h (5 MPH). The distance and location of the object is determined by 4 object sensors located in the rear bumper. The parking assist system will notify the driver using audible beeps through the radio or haptic pulses through the driver's seat. The driver can select between audible or haptic alerts in the vehicle personalization menus. See the user's manual for more detailed information on vehicle personalization.

The parking assist system is made up of the following components:

• Parking assist control module
• Rear object sensors
• Parking assist switch
• Parking assist indicator
• Radio
• Safety Alert Seat, if equipped.

Parking Assist Control Module

The parking assist control module provides a reference voltage and a low reference to the 4 object alarm sensors. The parking assist control module receives individual signals from each of the 4 sensors and determines the location and distance of an object based on these inputs. When an object is detected, the parking assist control module will send a data message via serial data to the radio requesting an audible alert.

Object Sensors

The object sensors are located in the rear bumpers of the vehicle. The sensors are used to determine the distance between an object and the bumper. Each sensor emits an ultrasonic frequency which is reflected off any object located in front of or behind the vehicle. These reflections are received by the sensors. The time difference between the emission of the frequency and when the reflection is received is known as sensor echo time, it is used to determine the distance to the object. The sensors report this information to the parking assist control module.

Parking Assist Switch

The parking assist can be activated and deactivated by pressing the parking assist switch. By engaging the reverse gear the parking assist can also be activated. By subsequently pressing the parking assist switch the parking assist can be disabled again.

Parking Assist Indicator

The indicator in the parking assist switch shows the status of the parking assist. If the lamp is ON, the parking assist is activated.

Radio

The radio controls the audible alert for the park assist alert. If the an object is detected the radio will command beeps as an audible alert to the driver.

Safety Alert Seat

The memory seat module controls the haptic alert provided by the seats. If an object is detected, the memory seat module will command pulses to the driver's seat.

Parking Assist Operation

When an object is within the measuring range of the sensor, the ultrasonic pulse is reflected and is received by the sending or a neighboring sensor. The sensor converts this signal into a voltage signal and sends this signal to the parking assist control module. The parking assist control module evaluates the received sensor signals. As soon as an object is within the measuring range, the parking assist control module sends a message via serial data to the radio or seat module to provide an alert signal.

The parking assist system can detect objects greater than 7.6 cm (3 in) wide and 25.4 cm (10 in) tall. The system cannot detect objects below the bumper, underneath the vehicle.

The parking assist can be activated and deactivated by pressing the parking assist switch. When REVERSE gear is selected, park assist is automatically activated. By subsequently pressing the parking assist switch the parking assist can be disabled again.

The parking assist control module carries out a self test and monitors the sensors for electrical and mechanical faults. Monitored is the power supply of each sensor and the sensor signals, which need to alter when the vehicle moves. If this is not the case, the sensor is acoustically blocked or faulty. Mud, ice and snow may cause obstruction of the function of the sensors. The parking assist control module also checks whether the correct type of sensor is installed. If any of these tests fails, a DTC with corresponding symptom is set, the parking assist is deactivated and the parking assist indicator in the instrument panel cluster is activated.

Parking Assist System Driver Information Center Messages

SERVICE PARK ASSIST

The driver information center displays SERVICE PARK ASSIST when the parking assist control module detects a malfunction in the parking assist system and the system is disabled. The driver information center also displays SERVICE PARK ASSIST when a loss of communication occurs with the parking assist control module.

PARK ASSIST OFF

The PARK ASSIST OFF message is displayed in the driver information center when the parking assist system is disabled due to conditions that disable or inhibit the system. The parking assist control module requests the driver information center display PARK ASSIST OFF when it detects that one of the following conditions:

• The parking assist system is manually disabled using the parking assist switch.
• An object is attached to the rear of the vehicle, such as a trailer, bicycle rack, trailer hitch receiver, or tow bar. Also, an object extending beyond a lowered tailgate will disable the system.
• The parking assist sensors are covered by snow, mud, dirt, slush, or ice.
• The vehicle bumper is damaged.
• Excessive paint thickness on a replacement parking assist sensor.
• The parking assist sensors are disrupted by vibrations, like those caused by a large nearby vehicle or from heavy equipment such as a jackhammer.

Object detection description and operation (side blind zone alert, UFT)

Side Blind Alert Block Diagram

Fig. 20: Side Blind Alert Block Diagram

The side blind zone alert system is a feature that utilizes two side object sensor modules to provide enhanced customer convenience by sensing and reporting to the driver that an object is present in one of the driver's side blind zones. This is communicated to the driver by illuminating an icon on the left or right side view mirror, depending on what side of the vehicle the object is detected. This lane change assist system is radar based system in which the sensors transmit and receives energy that is reflected from external objects and used to determine if that object is an object of interest. Although this system is intended to help drivers avoid lane change crashes, it does not replace driver vision and therefore should be considered a lane change aid.

Side Blind Zone Alert System Components

The side blind zone alert system is made up of the following components:

• Left side object sensor module
• Right side object sensor module
• Driver outside rearview mirror
• Passenger outside rearview mirror

Side Object Sensor Modules

The side object sensor modules are located on each side of the vehicle behind the rear fascia and are not directly visible from outside the vehicle. The sensors use radar to determine the presence of objects nearby. The left side object sensor is the master that communicates on serial data. There is a private communication network between the left and right sensors. The scan tool is able to communicate only with the left sensor.

When an object is detected in the left side blind zone, the side object sensor module sends a message to the right sensor through serial data. The right sensor then supplies voltage to illuminate the visual indicator on the left side outside rear view mirror. When an object is detected in the right side blind zone, the right side object sensor will supply a voltage to illuminate the visual indicator on the right side outside rear view mirror. Each sensor is supplied B+ and ground.

Outside Rearview Mirrors

The outside rearview mirrors contain an icon that is backlit with high intensity, amber-colored LED's located on the mirror surface. The display brightness adapts to day/night conditions. The side blind zone alert indicator icon in the left or right outside rearview mirror is illuminated if the left or right side object sensor module detects a vehicle in the side blind zone to inform the driver that there is a vehicle driving in the blind zone.

Side Blind Zone Alert Operation

The side blind zone alert system shall detect and report "objects of interest" on either side of the vehicle, within a specified "blind spot" zone. The system is designed to alert the driver, with a visual display placed on the side view mirror, to the presence of objects of interest that may not be visible in the inside rearview mirror and outside rear view mirrors. Although this system is intended to help drivers avoid lane change crashes, it does not replace driver vision and therefore should be considered a lane change aid. Even with the side blind zone alert system, the driver must check carefully for objects outside of the reporting zone before changing lanes. In the event that the system senses a malfunction through its diagnostic routines, the system will be disabled and the driver will be visually notified.

When the vehicle is started, both outside mirror displays will briefly come on to indicate that the system is operating. The warning symbols will vary brightness based on the ambient light conditions. Side blind zone alert is active when the vehicle is out of park or the parking brake is off on manual transmission vehicles. When the system detects a vehicle in the side blind zone while driving forward, an amber warning symbol will light up in the appropriate outside mirror. This indicates that it may be unsafe to change lanes. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the amber warning symbol starts flashing as an extra warning not to change lanes.

The system is designed to detect objects of interest as small as a 125cc motorcycle with rider. The detection zone starts at the outside rearview mirror and extends out to 3.5 m (11 ft) at the back corner of the vehicle and 5m (16 ft) behind the vehicle at a height of 0.5 m (1.5 ft) to 2.0 m (6 ft) above the ground. The side blind zone system does not detect stationary objects such as guardrails, posts, curbs, walls, berms, bridges, or parked vehicles.

If the vehicle is towing a trailer or has an object such as a bicycle rack attached to the rear of the vehicle, the side blind zone system may not function properly and the indicators may illuminate intermittently or remain illuminated all the time. The driver information center may display "SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE".

Foul weather may affect the operation of the side blind zone system. Occasional missed alerts can occur under normal circumstances and will increase in wet conditions. The number of missed alerts will increase with increased rainfall or road spray. Heavy rainfall, as well as mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, can completely disable the system. The warning symbols will vary brightness based on the ambient light conditions.

Side Blind Zone Alert Driver Information Center Messages

SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT OFF

This message indicates that the system has been disabled through the driver information center. Refer to the vehicle owners manual for instructions on how to set personalization options on the driver information center.

SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM

This message indicates that the system requires service. When the message is displayed, the indicators may remain illuminated at all times, notifying the driver that the side blind zone system should not be relied upon when changing lanes. Check vehicle for DTCs to determine the cause of this notification.

SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE

This message indicates that the system has been temporarily disabled because the sensor is blocked or can otherwise not accurately detect vehicles or objects. Verify there is no damage to rear fascia or there are any bumper stickers that may interfere with the radar signals. Ask the customer if any of the following circumstances were present when the system became unavailable: towing a trailer, having a bike rack attached, mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, heavy rainfall, or excessive road spray.

Object detection description and operation (rear cross traffic alert, UFG)

Rear Cross Traffic Alert Block Diagram

Fig. 21: Rear Cross Traffic Alert Block Diagram

The rear cross traffic alert system is a feature that utilized two side object sensor modules to provide enhanced customer convenience while backing up by sensing and providing warnings to the driver on impending rear cross traffic. The rear cross traffic alert system is designed to detect and track moving objects as small as a 125cc motorcycle with rider within a specified coverage zone behind the vehicle. The system is designed to alert the driver, with a visual display and either an audible sound or a haptic warning, if equipped and enabled, to the presence of moving objects of interest that may cause a collision with the host vehicle. Although the system is intended to assist drivers in backing up, it does not replace driver's vision. The driver is responsible to check carefully for objects outside of the coverage zone (e.g., a fast approaching vehicle) for a safe backing maneuver.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert System Components

The side blind zone alert system is made up of the following components:

• Left side object sensor module
• Right side object sensor module
• Visual Display Icons located on the infotainment display screen
• Audio system chime
• Haptic safety seat (if equipped)

Side Object Sensor Modules

The side object sensor modules are located on each side of the vehicle behind the rear fascia and are not directly visible from outside the vehicle. The sensors use radar to determine the presence of moving objects nearby. The left side object sensor is the master that communicates on serial data. There is a private communication network between the left and right sensors. The scan tool is able to communicate only with the left sensor.

When a moving object is detected in the left rear cross traffic zone while the engine is running and the transmission in reverse, the side object sensor module sends a serial data message to the human interface module and memory seat module to provide alerts. Each sensor is supplied B+ and ground.

Display Icons

The rear cross traffic alert system visual alert display consists of two visual icons, one on each side of the display screen of the rearview camera display, that are used to alert the driver on rear cross traffic from each side of the host vehicle respectively. In addition to visual indicators, the audio system will beep (if enabled) and the haptic safety seat will vibrate (if equipped and enabled). Refer to owner's manual for vehicle customization

Audio or Haptic Notification

The alert output type can be driver selected to either audio or haptic. The chime location will be left rear for left rear cross traffic alert and right rear for right rear cross traffic alert. The haptic seat system response will be to generate 3 repetitions of haptic vibration in the left rear area of the seat for left cross traffic alert and right rear area of the seat for right cross traffic alert. If there is a problem with the haptic seats, the audio chime will be substituted.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert Operation

The rear cross traffic alert system is designed to detect moving objects of interest as small as a 125cc motorcycle with rider. The detection zone extends approximately 30m (99 ft) from the rear corner of the car and covers an area from behind the vehicle to 125 degrees towards the front at a height of 0.45m (1.5 ft) to 2m (6.5 ft) above ground. The system operates when vehicle speed is 10 kph (6 mph) or less and is designed to detect objects moving at speeds up to 36 kph (22 mph).

When the vehicle is backing up, the side object sensors receive energy that is reflected from external objects and determine if the objects are objects of interest or not. The system may at times detect pedestrians, shopping carts, or similar moving objects. This is normal and should not be considered as a false alert or problem with the system. The rear cross traffic alert system will estimate vehicle travel trajectory and use the information in conjunction with object travel trajectory information to determine if there is a potential collision between the vehicle and the object of interest. The rear cross traffic alert function will only alert on objects of interest that pose a potential collision with the host vehicle. The system is not designed to provide an alert to objects that have no potential collision with vehicle. In addition, the system will not alert to stationary objects such as signs, parked cars, etc.

If the vehicle is towing a trailer or has an object such as a bicycle rack attached to the rear of the vehicle, the rear cross traffic alert system may not function properly.

Foul weather may affect the operation of the rear cross traffic alert system. Occasional missed alerts can occur under normal circumstances and will increase in wet conditions. The number of missed alerts will increase with increased rainfall or road spray. Heavy rainfall, as well as mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, can completely disable the system.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert Driver Information Center Messages

REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT OFF

This message indicates that the system has been disabled through the driver information center. Refer to the vehicle owners manual for instructions on how to set personalization options on the driver information center

SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM

This message indicates that the system requires service. Since the side object sensors are also used for side blind zone alert and/or lane change alert, these feature will also be inoperative. Check vehicle for DTCs to determine the cause of this notification.

SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE

This message indicates that the system has been temporarily disabled because the sensors are blocked or can otherwise not accurately detect vehicles or objects. Verify there is no damage to rear fascia or there are any bumper stickers that may interfere with the radar signals. Ask the customer if any of the following circumstances that present when the system became unavailable: mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, heavy rainfall, or excessive road spray.

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