History of ADAS Calibration
Indianapolis | Carmel | Westfield | Zionsville | Noblesville | Fishers | Surrounding CitiesAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have transformed modern vehicles, enhancing safety and reducing accidents through features like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The journey of ADAS began with basic driver aids like anti-lock braking systems (ABS) in the 1970s. Over the decades, innovations in radar, cameras, and sensors have led to the sophisticated safety systems we rely on today.
As automotive technology advances, ADAS continues to evolve, paving the way for fully autonomous driving. At ADAS Calibration Services, LLC, we stay at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring vehicles receive precise recalibration for optimal performance.
How did ADAS systems begin?
The rise of ADAS comes from the demand for safer, more comfortable driving, as 90% of accidents stem from human error. Volvo introduced Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) in 2008, a milestone in ADAS innovation. Since then, features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot warnings have become industry standards, with AEB widely adopted by 2022. Auto ADAS systems have implemented cameras, radar, LiDAR, ans sonar to help make the roadways safer.
ADAS Calibration Steps
- Check OEM Specifications: Refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for calibration requirements.
- Inspect ADAS Components: Ensure cameras, radar, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors are undamaged and securely mounted.
- Check Vehicle Alignment: Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and has proper wheel alignment.
- Verify Tire & Suspension: Inflate tires to the correct pressure and check that suspension components are in good condition.
ADAS calibration is typically classified into:
- Static Calibration: Performed in a controlled environment using specialized targets.
- Dynamic Calibration: Requires driving the vehicle under specific conditions to allow onboard systems to self-calibrate.
- ADAS Calibration Targets & Fixtures: Position static calibration targets at the required distances and angles.
- Scan Tool Connection: Use a manufacturer-approved diagnostic scan tool to communicate with ADAS modules.
- Align Calibration Targets: Precisely position targets per manufacturer guidelines.
- Input Vehicle Information: Enter VIN or model details into the scan tool.
- Initiate Calibration Process: Follow the step-by-step instructions on the scan tool.
- Verify System Readings: Confirm correct sensor alignment through the diagnostic tool.
- Drive Under Required Conditions: Follow manufacturer-specified speeds, road types, and environmental conditions.
- Monitor System Status: The scan tool will indicate when calibration is complete.
- Perform Test Drive: Ensure all ADAS features function properly.
- Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Clear any error codes and confirm there are no new faults.
- Provide Documentation: Record the calibration process and results for compliance and future reference.
Types of ADAS Systems
ADAS enhances safety and convenience with features like Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Parking Assistance. These systems help prevent accidents, monitor surroundings, and improve driving in various conditions. Review the list below to learn more about each system.
reduces the number of avoidable crashes by bringing your vehicle to a halt when an obstacle is detected. There are forward and rear collision avoidance ADAS systems that individually prevent front and rear-end collisions.
are ADAS systems that utilize sensors to detect vehicles to the side or rear of the motorist and alert the driver of their presence via audible, visual, or haptic steering wheel warning.
helps prevent pedestrian accidents by alerting the driver to the presence of a
pedestrian in front of their vehicle.
is an ADAS system that uses a camera aimed at the driver’s face to detect signs of distracted driving or driver fatigue.
serves as a method to gauge the driver’s focus. It uses camera sensors to
assess whether the driver is looking at the road or becoming distracted. These systems can notify drivers through auditory signals, steering wheel vibrations, or flashing lights.
is an ADAS system that alerts the driver when their car is about to veer out of a lane through the use of a camera sensor that is typically mounted on the vehicle’s windshield.
is an ADAS feature that helps improve visibility at night. Examples of this
functionality include headlights that rotate as a vehicle turns to the driver’s perspective illuminated at all times and headlight systems that use sensors to adjust brightness when needed.
extends the driver’s perception beyond headlights, helping to prevent accidents, specifically with pedestrians, in low-light.
provides audible, visual, or haptic warnings when obstructions are nearing, during low-speed parking maneuvers. Other vehicles have a driverless active parking mode that can help when parking in tight spaces.
is a vehicle safety system that controls speed and distance to forward
vehicles through radar sensor and sometimes camera sensor data.
provides lateral, side-to-side automated driving steering assistance when you leave your lane.
is an advanced driver assistance system that watches for approaching cross traffic when you are in reverse. It uses radar sensors mounted on the rear corners of the vehicle to watch traffic to the sides of the vehicle.
is an ADAS system that recognizes traffic sign info and relays it to drivers
visually. This includes do not enter and stop signs, as well as speed limit signs.
systems utilize sensors to detect potential collisions with other vehicles or objects on the road.
"Vehicles equipped with ADAS features can reduce crash rates by up to 40%. Investing in calibration ensures these systems work as intended, protecting you and your loved ones on the road."
- NHTSA
Types of ADAS Sensors
ADAS relies on advanced sensors to detect surroundings and enhance vehicle safety. Camera sensors capture real-time images, while radar and LiDAR sensors measure object distance and movement. Sonar sensors use sound waves for close-range detection, and thermal imaging sensors help detect objects in low-visibility conditions. Together, these technologies ensure precise ADAS functionality for safer driving.
are positioned inside the windshield of the vehicle to capture images of the road, other vehicles, street signs, pedestrians, and other potential obstacles. These images are captured and analyzed at an extremely fast rate, allowing the vehicle’s systems to respond accordingly or alert the driver.
transmit high-frequency waves to detect objects over an extended range. The system calculates the distance between waves, telling the vehicle the direction and velocity of incoming obstacles.
are a remote sensing technology that uses a pulsed laser to detect surrounding objects. LiDAR has both camera and radar benefits — it’s extremely precise and detailed, while still having a large range.
(ultrasonic sensors) use sound waves to measure the distance between vehicles and surrounding objects. The system determines the amount of time it took for the waves to transmit and respond.
use infrared technology to create images of objects based on the heat they emit. They are used in ADAS systems to detect pedestrians and help drivers see more clearly in poor road conditions such as darkness, fog, sun glare, or haze.
The Future of ADAS
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) enhance road safety by assisting with steering, braking, and acceleration, though they are not substitutes for alert drivers. While today’s ADAS isn’t fully autonomous, advancements in AI and machine learning are making systems smarter, paving the way for safer, more adaptive driving. As ADAS technology evolves, fewer collisions, fewer injuries, and more lives saved will become the norm. At ADAS Calibration Services, we ensure vehicles operate safely through precise ADAS calibrations. We also offer calibration center licensing opportunities—Contact us today to get started!