One would think that with all the technology developments, something as simple as capturing the speed limit information displayed across roads and providing this information in a visible-without-fail manner to car drivers would have been implemented long ago. Yet the fact is that this has so far been a neglected field, leading to the drivers having to face angry police officers for over speeding. Many times, the driver might have exceeded the limit by mistake, particularly where the limit is variable depending on specific conditions.
The ‘ultimate driving experience’ car company BMW has now implemented such a system. The system works using cameras mounted on wing-mirrors. The cameras pick up speed limit displays, on metal surfaces or digital, along the road and project the information on the heads-up display. Accuracy of the information is sought to be ensured by comparing the information picked up by the camera with satellite navigation data, using the car’s computer.
The system only provides information without forcing the driver to drive at that speed.
The system comes as standard with the new BMW 7 Series and is an extra option in the 5 Series. BMW’s rival, Mercedes, is yet to offer the option, according to reports.
Read the report at CarAdvice.
Tags: BMW, car speed limit, information technology applications
