Electronic horizon: Flexible implementation of predictive driver assistance features

Digital maps and navigation systems are not only a great assistance for the driver himself. An increasing number of vehicle functions in the domains of energy efficiency, safety and comfort, called ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), use information about the driving route and its environment from the digital maps. The map data thereby dispose of a much greater range and complete the information provided by the usual radar, video and ultrasound sensors. For example, digital maps can provide the topography and curvature of the route ahead over several kilometres in order to efficiently control engine and gearbox. This so-called electronic horizon provides the developer with the possibility of looking ″around the corner″, among others. The camera installed behind the windshield for traffic sign recognition can only register objects in the field of view of the vehicle. If however, the driver wants to turn at the intersection, indicating this with his turn lights, the maximum admissible speed after the turn may be determined from the map data before the camera even has the opportunity to register the relevant sign.