Nissan's self-cleaning camera is the clear choice for winter driving

2013/12/16

NISSAN'S SELF-CLEANING CAMERA IS THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR WINTER DRIVING

• Note's wide angle rear camera remains clear of grime thanks to intelligent built-in 'wash and blow dry' system
• Advanced image processing detects dirt on lens
• New Nissan Note brings premium technology and sharp design to the B-segment

ROLLE, Switzerland (December 16th, 2013): With so many road accidents caused by bad weather, Nissan's engineers have developed a self-cleaning camera to make sure Note drivers have a clear advantage. The intelligent self-cleaning rear view camera showcases Nissan's passion for accessible technology, intelligent design and outstanding practicality.      

The all-new Nissan Note is packed with innovative technology to make driving safer. Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection combine to form the Nissan Safety Shield, complimenting the 360-degree helicopter view offered by the Around View Monitor parking aid to break new ground in the B-segment.

But there's one small yet highly significant innovation which ensures all of these functions are fully optimised - Nissan's intelligent self-cleaning rear view camera. This fully automated system relies on advanced algorithms processing more than 3 million pixels from the rear camera every second to determine when the image is obscured.

Mounted just above the rear number plate, the clever camera is easily exposed to dirt, grit and surface water; which, if trapped, will cause the image on the 5.8-inch NissanConnect screen to be obsured - making it difficult for the safety devices to work efficiently. However, the Note's lens is under continual analysis to detect dirt and identify the type of debris causing the obstruction. Intelligent enough to know the difference between mud and water, the self-cleaning system then uses its in-built water system and compressed air blower to clear the lens.

The camera can even fend off rain - after testing revealed that the best way to keep the camera functioning was to keep it wet; a very small but steady stream of water was introduced to the system to avoid large water drops forming on the lens and interfering with the processed image.

Richard Picton, Nissan's Safety Shield engineer takes up the story: "As the long evenings close in, Nissan drivers can't afford to allow the camera's lens to get dirty, causing greater visual impairment. At Nissan, we didn't want the task of cleaning the lens to fall to the driver, so the intelligent self-cleaning system was developed."

With no input from the driver the rear camera is kept clear of accumulated dirt or water drops. Extensive digital modelling and real-world testing has proven water consumption from the system to be minimal, drawing negligible amounts from the Note's standard windscreen washer vessel.  The jet of air is fed from a tiny compressor mounted underneath the rear of the Note.

Bringing premium technology and sharp design to the B-segment is at the core of the new Note's appeal, with innovative thinking applied to all aspects of its design and engineering.

Visit http://newsroom.nissan-europe.com/ for the full story on the new Nissan Note.

Note to editors:

The Nissan Safety Shield pack comprises the following three technologies:

Blind Spot Warning 

A feature once reserved for cars in the premium sector, Nissan's system uses the rear wide view AVM camera to detect vehicles in the hidden blind spot areas on both sides of the Note. If a vehicle is detected in either blind spot, a discreet warning light illuminates in the glass of the Note's wing mirror. If the driver indicates to change lanes and the system detects a vehicle in the danger area, the light flashes and an audible warning is given.

Lane Departure Warning 

Another premium feature making its debut in the B-segment, Lane Departure Warning detects if the car is starting to drift out of lane. While you might expect a windscreen mounted camera or radar system to be required for this function, the Note again uses only its rear wide view AVM camera. Advanced computer programming detects even faint road markings allowing the car to determine if it is drifting out of position without indicating.  If it does, a warning is given to the driver to correct their road position. Cleverly, the system automatically adjusts its sensitivity when on rural roads to allow for the different required driving style.

Moving Object Detection 

Building on the capabilities of Around View Monitor, this new function effectively gives the driver a digital co-pilot to help them look at what might be approaching the path of their reversing Note. While conventional parking aids warn the driver of an object in their way, Moving Object Detection gives an audible and visual alert if someone or something is moving behind the car, for example if a child is walking towards your reversing Note. Mounted on the tailgate and having a convex lens, the rear wide view AVM camera has a sweep of vision in excess of 180 degrees, giving it an unparalleled field of vision at the back of the car. Images from the camera are displayed on the 5.8-inch Nissan Connect screen.

About Nissan Motor Co.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with approximately 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.