Ford is expanding the use of cameras on its vehicles — including a “split-view” feature that can see around corners before the driver does.
Split view uses real-time video feeds from one-megapixel, wide-angle-lens cameras in the grille and tailgate. The cameras, thanks to a 180-degree view area in front of or behind a vehicle, allow drivers to see traffic, pedestrians or obstacles that enter the vehicle’s path from the left or right. A tiny telescopic jet washer keeps the front camera clean.
The camera image is displayed on an eight-inch screen in the interior, enabling drivers to have early detection of obstacles coming from either side or straight on. Split view is activated at the touch of a button and automatically shuts off when the vehicle reaches 10 km/h.
Ford introduced split view on the 2015 Edge and 2016 Explorer. Front and rear split view comes standard on the Explorer Limited and Platinum trim levels. The Explorer also uses a washer for the rear camera.
Ford says split view or front cameras will be offered on nearly all its vehicles by 2020 and plans to make rear-view cameras standard on all of its North American light passenger vehicles by 2018. That will require Ford to order about 2 million cameras a year.
