How It Works

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The graphics illustrating how the image sensor works are as follows:

Detection Cone Of The Image Sensor To The Front And To Left And Right
Detection Cone Of The Image Sensor Above And Below The Horizontal
Field Of Vision Of The Image Sensor On The Windscreen
Obstructed Field Of Vision
Automatic Alignment Of The Image Sensor

Fig 1: Identifying Detection Cone (Area) Of Image Sensor

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The detection cone of the image sensor toward the front has a range of about 1000 m. The light cone of the main-beam headlights has a range of about 400 m. This ensures that the image sensor detects oncoming vehicles before their drivers can be dazzled by the light cone of the main-beam headlights.

The image sensor's detection cone extends 15° to left and right of the centreline.

Fig 2: Identifying Horizontal Detection Cone Of Image Sensor

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The graphic shows the detection cone of the image sensor above and below the horizontal. The image sensor's detection cone extends 5° above and below the horizontal.

Fig 3: Identifying Image Sensor's Field Of Vision (Light Area) On Windscreen

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The graphic shows the image sensor's field of vision (light area) on the windscreen.

The image sensor looks forward through the windscreen below the screen-printed border (black zone at the top of the windscreen). The image sensor's detection cone and the angle of the windscreen produce a field of vision on the windscreen, a window that must remain clear at all times. Obstructions in this field of vision will cause function limitations affecting the main-beam assistant.

Fig 4: Identifying An Obstructed Field Of Vision For Image Sensor

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The graphic shows an obstructed field of vision. The image sensor's field of vision could be obstructed by snow, for example, or by dirt or stickers applied to the windscreen.

A Check-Control symbol appears in the instrument cluster if the system detects an obstructed field of vision.

NOTE: Obstructed field of vision without error message from the main-beam assistant The image sensor recognises only obstructions over its entire field of vision. The image sensor is unable to detect an obstruction over only the top of its field of vision. The result is a function limitation of the main-beam assistant without Check-Control symbol. Light sources cannot be detected with complete efficiency. This can result in unsuitable switch-on and switch-off recommendations.

Fig 5: Automatic Alignment Of The Image Sensor

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The graphic shows automatic alignment of the image sensor.

The image sensor must be aligned parallel with the vehicle's centreline. If this condition is not satisfied the image sensor's detection cone is not in optimum alignment with the car's forward direction of travel.

When the car is driven at night, the main-beam assistant can automatically correct alignment up to 3° to the left or 3° to the right. This correction can compensate for minor deviations from the centreline.