Although it has a reputation for being one of the least used in BMWs at all, eye movements must now be able to activate the turn signal in future models.
BMW has been granted a patent for a new technology that automatically activates the turn signals based on the direction of the driver's gaze.
The function is an extension of the existing use of eye-tracking technology in some of BMW's models, where it is already used for e.g. lane changes.
That's what Carmoses writes.
BMW calls the advanced driver assistance system ADAS. With the new system, the car's turn signals can be switched on automatically if the driver's eye movements indicate that they intend to follow an instruction from the navigation.
This is how the system works
According to BMW, the system is activated when the navigation is used to guide the driver towards a destination. Eye tracking detects whether the driver is looking at the road and then analyzes whether the driver's gaze follows the next navigation instruction.
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If the technology assesses that the driver is about to perform an action on the steering wheel that matches the route in the navigation system, the car will automatically turn on the turn signal.
To minimize errors and ensure that the technology works correctly, several safety measures are built in.
The system can, for example, give warnings or require confirmation from the driver in situations where doubts arise.
Furthermore, the technology is designed to adapt to the individual forager through a reference-based attention model that adjusts over time to improve precision.
Multiple uses
However, the technology is not limited to turn signals and lane changes – here are some of the other options:
- Reduce the driver's workload
- Ensure that the turn signal is activated, even if the driver forgets to do so
- Give the driver both sound and light signals when an action is required
- Make navigation more efficient and increase safety
- Utilize existing eye tracking technology in the car
BMW has previously experimented with new ways to improve the driving experience, for example with gesture control (i.e. hand movements, ed.) for certain functions. Some of these attempts have received criticism as they can seem more cumbersome than traditional buttons.
For example, the Germans have tried turning the sound system in cars up and down with circular movements of the fingers.
The new eye-activated turn signal system can be seen as a continuation of BMW's work to integrate advanced technology into vehicles, while at the same time seeking to simplify the driver's experience.
