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Toyota’s Advanced Safety Vehicle features 17 systems designed to make motoring less hazardous. All the systems are electronically based. Toyota’s advanced safety vehicle Toyota has developed an experimental safety vehicle that relies heavily on electronic systems. Here’s a brief look at some of the systems that could become standard in the future. By JULIAN EDGAR It’s not generally realised, but around 20% of all road fatalities are pedestrians. To reduce the occurrence of pedes­ trian fatalities, the Toyota Advanced Safety Vehicle uses a bonnet-mounted airbag. In the event of an accident, it inflates to cushion the pedestrian’s head and body from the upper bonnet and windscreen area. To avoid the occurrence of blind spots, four on-board video cameras are used. An additional camera, sup4  Silicon Chip plemented by a milli­metre wave radar system, monitors road conditions and warns the driver to take evasive action as appropriate. This computer-based system measures the distance to and relative speed between vehi­ cles or obstacles ahead and can automatically brake the car if the driver does not respond. On a simpler level, an adjunct to the 40-year-old flashing indicator system is used. An “after you” light tells other motor­ists or pedestrians that the driver is giving way (Toyota does not mention what happens if another polite motorist is also equipped with the light)! Toyota’s Advanced Safety Vehicle also features an automatic fire extinguisher system. This is located in the engine bay and is automatically activated in the event of an engine fire. In addition, a thermal actuator automatically opens the bonnet lock, presumably to allow easier access for external extinguishers. Driver alertness Failing driver alertness is detected by a pulse rate moni­tor linked to a computer that monitors steering response. Should the driver start falling asleep, a dashboard warning display Silicon Chip BINDERS One of the new systems being trialled by Toyota is a bonnet airbag, designed to reduce injury to pedestrians in the event of a collision. is activated. If the driver still doesn’t respond, a seat vibrator is activated! Finally, an on-board accident reporting system automatical­ly calls police and emergency services in the event of an accid­ent or the driver collapsing. A black box recorder is also fitted to the car to provide evidence of driver behaviour in the event of a crash. In all, Toyota has fitted 17 new systems, all electronic based, to its experimental car. Although some of these features are unlikely to see production, a few at least will be seen in Toyota vehicles in the next SC few years. NSW POLICE SERVICE INVESTIGATIVE ELECTRONICS DESIGN (2 POSITIONS) ★ High quality ★ Hold up to 14 issues ★ 80mm internal width ★ SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover Price: $A14.95 (includes postage in Australia). NZ & PNG orders please add $A5 each for postage. Not available elsewhere. Silicon Chip Publications PO Box 139 Collaroy Beach 2097 Or fax (02) 9979 6503; or ring (02) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card number. Use this handy form  Two positions exist in the Research & Development Branch of the Special Services Group of the NSW Police Service for designers of Investigative Electronics. These professional jobs involve the concept, design, prototyping, testing, and product manufacture/assembly of equipment for use by Police in investigating crime. A wide range of technologies and deployment methods are involved, and applicants should be prepared to work in exciting and differing environments such as marine, aviation and intelligence areas. Interaction with like overseas agencies is involved, including personnel exchange, so applicants should be prepared to travel internationally, if necessary for extended periods. Demonstrated skills and experience in design and construction are required in two or more of the following disciplines:  Radio (HF, VHF, UHF and Microwave)  Video – origination, recording, transmission and reception and encryption  Audio – origination, transmission and recording, and encryption  Microprocessors (hardware and software development) Additionally, applicants should have had experience in one or more of the following fields:  Miniaturisation (surface mount technology)  GPS (Global Positioning System) technology  Video, Audio and Data encryption  Modern communications systems (satellite, data and fiberoptics)  Telephony (fixed and mobile, digital and analog) These positions represent an exciting and challenging prospect for people with the motivation and energy to be innovative and diligent in this rewarding field of activity. If you are interested in these positions please contact Mr Syd Griffith on (02) 9950 9344 or by letter to Building 4, 77 Portman Street, Zetland for further information about the job and advice on application requirements when these positions are formally advertised in around six weeks. These beautifully-made binders will protect your copies of SILICON CHIP. They feature heavy-board covers & are made from a dis­ tinctive 2-tone green vinyl. They hold up to 14 issues & will look great on your bookshelf. Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $________ or please debit my  Bankcard    Visa    Mastercard Card No: ______________________________ Card Expiry Date ____/____ Signature ________________________ Name ___________________________ Address__________________________ __________________ P/code_______ May 1997  5