BMW 5 Series: KAFAS

Since the requirements on the KAFAS camera have further increased in the new BMW 5 Series, the KAFAS stereo camera, familiar from the G12, is also used on the G30.

KAFAS stereo camera

The KAFAS stereo camera is calibrated within a distance of approximately 1.25 mi (2 km) during driving.

The KAFAS stereo camera is the key element of the following systems:

• Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
• Daytime Pedestrian Protection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Road Sign Recognition

The KAFAS stereo camera plays a supporting role in the following systems:

• Active Cruise Control With Stop&Go Function
• Traffic Jam Assistant
• Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance
• Intersection Warning

The KAFAS stereo camera installed in the mirror base of the interior mirror on the windscreen monitors the area in front of the vehicle.

G30 KAFAS stereo camera

1. KAFAS stereo camera
2. Rain‐light‐solar-condensation sensor
3. Photosensor for electrochromic interior mirror

The KAFAS stereo camera has a detection range of up to approximately 130 ft (40 m) ahead of the vehicle and up to approximately 16 ft (5 m) in front of the vehicle on the right and left. The overall detection range of the KAFAS stereo camera is approximately 1600 ft (500 m).

The tasks of the KAFAS stereo camera are:

• Person recognition
• Road Sign Recognition
• Lane detection

KAFAS stereo camera detection range

Functional limitations

The function of the KAFAS stereo camera and thus the function of the corresponding Driver Assistance Systems may be impaired due to the physical limits of the optical systems, for example in the following situations:

• Heavy fog, rain, spray or snow.
• Strong light in the camera lens.
• If the field of view of the KAFAS stereo camera or the windscreen is dirty.
• On tight bends.
• If boundary lines are missing, worn, poorly visible, converging or diverging, or not clearly recognizable, as may be the case when road construction is being performed.
• If boundary lines are covered by snow, ice, dirt or water.
• If boundary lines are covered by objects.
• If driving at close proximity to a vehicle driving ahead.
• If the windscreen in front of the interior mirror is misted over, soiled or covered by stickers, e.g. parking permits, etc.
• Up to 10 seconds after driving readiness is activated via the start/stop button.
• During the calibration process for the KAFAS stereo camera immediately after vehicle delivery or a camera change.

Example of limits of the KAFAS stereo camera

Due to functional limitations and system restrictions it may transpire that warnings and alerts are not issued, are issued too late or are unwarranted. Therefore, be attentive in order to be able to actively intervene at any time. Otherwise, there is a risk of an accident.

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