• Digital camera located under each side mirror
• Software 'reads' 25 images per second
• Sees an area of 9.5 metres by 3.0 metres
• BLIS identifies cars, trucks and motorcycles in blind spot
• BLIS is active at speed above 10km/h
• World-first technology

The camera technology and software which supports Volvo's breakthrough safety technology - known as BLIS - is remarkable. Informing a driver of potential danger is the very basis of safe driving.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will debut in Australia on the model-year '07 XC90 in September as a $1200 option. BLIS will eventually be offered across the Volvo model range, including the cool new C30.

BLIS technology uses two digital cameras (one camera mounted under each side mirror) and advanced computer software to analyse and to recognise the presence of another vehicle or motorcycle in the driver's blind spot.

Advanced systems such as BLIS are vital to Volvo Cars' ongoing strategy of remaining world leader in the field of safety and in introducing technology that assist the drive to avoid a collision.

BLIS Sees Cars, Motorcycles and Trucks

To improve offset rear vision (blind spots), Volvo Cars began fitting wide-angle door mirrors for the driver's side in 1979 - the first car maker to do so.

Still focused on improving driver visibility, Volvo Cars takes one step further with a camera-based monitoring system that keeps a watchful eye on the 'blind' area alongside and offset rear of the car.

When another vehicle (motorcycle, car or truck) enters this zone - an area of 9.5 metres by 3.0 metres - a yellow warning light comes on beside the appropriate door mirror in the driver's peripheral view. The driver is thus given an indication that there is a vehicle very close alongside. This visual information gives the driver added scope for making the right decisions in such driving situations.

Technology of BLIS

A digital camera is installed on each door mirror. Each small camera captures 25 images per second, and by comparing each frame taken, the computer system is able to recognise that a vehicle is within the BLIS zone.

The system's software is programmed to identify cars as well as motorcycles in daylight as well as at night. Because BLIS is camera-based, it has the same limitations as the human eye does. This means the system will not function in conditions of poor visibility, for instance in fog or flying snow. In such a case, the driver receives a message that BLIS is not in action.

BLIS will not react to parked cars, road barriers, lampposts and other static objects. The system is active at all speeds above 10km/h. It reacts to vehicles that are driven a maximum of 20km/h slower and a maximum of 70km/h faster than the car itself.

BLIS can be deactivated via a button in the centre console.