TAKING SAFETY TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY
SEOUL, March 19, 2024 — Optical technology is revolutionizing automotive safety and convenience features, transforming the driving experience. Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has been at the forefront of this evolution, making profound advancements in incorporating cutting-edge optical technology into its vehicles.
Intelligent Front-Lighting System
Since the introduction of LED light sources, the design and utility of headlamps have taken significant steps forward, quickly replacing halogens and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps.
LEDs offer excellent visibility, quick response and high energy efficiency. As compact light sources, LEDs give automakers more freedom to design and configure their models, with the ability to be individually controlled when linked with sensors and cameras. The Group has leveraged these advanced features in its development of the Intelligent Front-Lighting System (IFS).
While high beams provide better visibility on quiet, dark roads at night, the glare they emit impairs the vision of oncoming vehicles. General high-beam assist technology addresses this issue by automatically switching off the high beams when another vehicle approaches, but the Group’s IFS takes this technology to the next level.
The IFS featured in the Genesis G80, G90, and GV80 models utilizes information from the front camera to recognize surrounding vehicles, partially dimming the LED headlamps accordingly. It maintains the high beam except for areas where other vehicles are present, allowing continuous visibility. The IFS is an improvement over high-beam assist systems that simply turn off the high beams when another vehicle is detected.
Digital Side Mirror
The Digital Side Mirror (DSM) system is another prime example of the Group’s innovative use of optical technology. DSM technology, available as an option in the Genesis GV60, revolutionizes the conventional side mirror by utilizing high-definition cameras and OLED monitors as replacements.
One notable drawback of traditional side mirrors is their limitation in providing a clear rear view during night-time or in bad weather. The high-resolution camera of DSMs, however, ensures a clear view even in low-light situations. The indoor OLED monitor effectively solves visibility issues caused by rain, snow, or other adverse weather conditions.
The DSM system further enhances safety by offering a viewing angle that is 11 degrees wider than that of conventional side mirrors, reducing blind spots and thus lowering the risk of accidents.
Benefits of DSM are also evident during parking. Vehicles equipped with DSMs can activate the rear parking screen enlargement function when in reverse. When the car is within 1 meter of an obstacle, orange parking assistance lines appear on the screen, and when within 0.5 meters, red lines show up.
With aerodynamic designs being crucial for maximizing EV mileage, DSM technology is prone to grow more significant in the EV era in terms of functionality and design.
Avoiding Collisions With Camera Assistance
Radar and ultrasonic sensors are commonly utilized in collision prevention assist functions, but the importance of cameras is growing in recent times. The Group’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system exemplifies this trend as it incorporates a high-resolution camera to scan the road, alerting drivers when danger is sensed ahead and applying the brakes if necessary.
The latest version of the Group’s FCA systems has been enhanced to include a wider detection range, encompassing pedestrians, cyclists, oncoming vehicles at intersections, and vehicles crossing the driver’s path.
Another technology that leverages front cameras is the Road-Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Preview ECS). By combining front camera data with navigation map information, the system can analyze and evaluate road conditions in real time, adjusting the suspension’s damping force accordingly.
Preview ECS comes with a high-performance electronic control unit (ECU), which performs calculations up to 100 times per second. Based on the results, Preview ECS adjusts the damping force at 0.001-second intervals, effectively reducing shock and vibration for an exceptionally comfortable ride experience.
Some latest models of the Group, such as the Genesis G90, are equipped with Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) for the front, rear and side detection areas. Models with this feature include a wide-angle camera mounted on the front grille, side mirrors and trunk lid, which identify blind spots for safer driving.
3D Instrument Cluster
As cars undergo digital transformation, analog elements within the cabin are gradually vanishing. Traditional buttons on the center fascia are being replaced by sleek touch displays. The classic engine vitality indicators represented by sharp needles on the instrument panel are being substituted with digital screens.
But not everyone is a fan of this transition. While the digital instrument panel may offer a wealth of information, some say they lack the visual appeal of its predecessor.
To address this issue, the Genesis G70 introduced the world’s first 12.3-inch 3D cluster, a feature that adds a stereoscopic effect to the car’s digital instrument panel by implementing the illusion of depth with 2D imagery. The screen is built with eye-tracking technology to accomplish the effect without the need for glasses.
Promising Future
The world of automobiles is on the brink of a transformative shift, with EVs, connected cars and autonomous driving becoming a reality sooner than we could have imagined. These advancements are fueled by cutting-edge electronic equipment that constantly evolves to meet the demands of the future.
The mobility of tomorrow holds exciting possibilities, and the Group will continue to harness its potential to develop optical technology for an improved driving experience.
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary depending on region. Please contact your local Genesis retailer for more information.