Proximity Detection Systems

Some backing and safety systems use radar and ultrasonic technology. A radar system transmits a signal, which is bounced off an object. The signal is then received by a receiver. These systems alert the driver with a visual or audio warning. Some systems use both a visual and an audio warning. Radar systems must be positioned so that they do not detect harmless objects, such as the concrete slab of a driveway, which can interfere with the detection of an object or person behind the vehicle or mobile equipment. Also, the composition of an object can affect detection, with some materials being virtually invisible to radars. Like cameras, this equipment can be mounted on most vehicles and may be an option from some manufacturers.

Ultrasonic systems, such as sonars, emit bursts of ultrasonic waves in a frequency above the hearing threshold of humans. When the waves strike an object, they generate echoes used to determine the distance to the object. These systems alert the driver with a visual and audio warning. Sometimes ultrasonic systems use both a visual and an audio warning.

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