Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: The Difference Between Static and Dynamic ADAS

Remember the days when the idea of the internet for everyone and cars that would help you park themselves were the sound of a faraway future? Lucky for us, in 2020, both are absolutely normal. As a matter of fact, you’re probably using both technologies on a daily basis.

The parking assistants that help us parallel parking and the cruise control that makes us keep a safe distance to those on the road ahead of us: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are a vital part of most modern vehicles’ safety functions.

ADAS enhance the safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and anyone else you might be sharing the road with. They can warn drivers of potential dangers, help to prevent accidents and compensate for some of the common mistakes drivers make. And last, but not least: advanced driver-assist systems save lives.

According to insurance provider Swiss Re, a 100% adoption of forwarding collision warning, lane departure warning and blind-spot detection would reduce motorway accidents in the UK by 16.3%.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems have been around for a while: The most familiar of all is probably the anti-lock braking system, better known as ABS. Since the middle of the 20th century, ABS’ have been reducing accident frequency and severity. Since 2004, they’re mandatory on new cars sold in the European Union.

The most advanced ADAS technology can, however, be found in newer car models from circa 2010 on. One of the most popular technologies was first included in the 2013 Cadillac ATS and followed a “control and alert” strategy. “Our advanced technology doesn’t replace the eyes, ears and reflexes of the driver, but bolsters them in ways that enhance awareness”, said Don Butler, then vice president of Cadillac Marketing in an interview.

We’ve created a short guide to help you understand the different types of ADAS technologies you may find in your car and what to do when they’re not working properly.

If you’re keen to learn more about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, just continue reading!

Different types of ADAS systems and their functions

ADAS features are found in all modern cars. Any car that leaves the factory nowadays usually includes at least two or three of the following features:

• Rearview, front and side cameras
• Computer imaging technology
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• Adaptive headlights
• Autonomous braking system (ABS)
• Intelligent speed assist (ISA)
• Radars and sensors such as proximity monitoring and sensors
• Collision avoidance and blind-spot sensors
• Lane change assist systems, lane departure assist and lane departure warning (LDW)
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Automated or assisted parking

ADAS systems have four main functions:

• Adaption: To adjust settings to the surrounding environment. E.g. Adaptive headlights
• Automation: To help you with anything you as a driver can’t do yourself. E.g. the autonomous braking system (ABS)
• Monitoring: To watch the traffic, tyre pressure, and any blind spots. E.g. Rearview, front and side cameras
• Warning: To wake you up or alert you of anything unusual. E.g. Lane departure warning (LDW)

Common types of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Here are a few exemplary ADAS systems that are worth knowing:

Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Using a high-tech sensor to scan the lane markers ahead, LKA systems notify the driver if they depart a lane without indication, through visual and audible clues.

Lane Departure Warning System (LDW): The LDW system alerts the driver when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of the lane.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Just like conventional cruise control systems, ACC maintains vehicle speed. Adaptive cruise control however also automatically adjusts the speed of the vehicle to keep a safe distance to the vehicle ahead of it.

Forward Collision Alert (FCA): The FCA is an alert system that monitors three things: The vehicle’s speed, the speed of the car ahead and the distance between the two. Should the cars get too close, the FCA system informs the driver about the increased risk of collision.

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): The radar-based CMBS reduces rear-end detects an impending collision, the vehicle will automatically apply the brakes to avoid it.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS): Adaptive Front Lighting Systems optimise visibility at night by automatically adjusting the distribution of light emitted by the headlights.

What’s the difference between static and dynamic ADAS?

There are two types of ADAS. Static and dynamic advanced driver assistance systems are distinguished by the way in which they are calibrated. Calibration is the process to align the cameras and sensors of a car to a standard so that the different ADAS systems can work properly.

ADAS technology greatly contributes to the road safety of your car. But in order for it to do its job, you need to do yours. Ensuring the accuracy and functionality of the system and making sure it is in good condition at all times, is in your best interest. It’ll make every car ride safer and smarter, for you and your family.

Now, some vehicles require static calibration whilst others require dynamic calibration. Here is how the two branches of driver assistance systems differ from each other!

Static ADAS calibration is the maintenance of technological features that can be undertaken without driving the car. It should take place at the car repair and replacement specialist of your choice. Requiring sensitive, specialist tools to test modules and ensure they are working properly, this calibration usually takes a couple of hours.

Dynamic ADAS calibration or mobile calibration is conducted while the car is being driven. A specialist tests the functionality of ADAS systems at different distances to vehicles ahead, at different speeds and under changing weather or environmental conditions. During the dynamic calibration, a small handheld device is plugged into the vehicle and the ADAS program itself to uncover and solve issues that could lead to mishaps and accidents.

As part of the dynamic calibration service, the car is driven according to manufacturer-prescribed speed over a set distance in favourable weather conditions. This exposure calibrates the system at specific parameters, such as the ideal distance to the car ahead of you.

Both static and dynamic calibration is usually necessary to ensure the full functionality of the system. Especially during the time of installation and when a windshield is replaced or repaired. Only after having completed both, the car is ready to safely react and respond to unexpected issues.

When is an ADAS recalibration necessary

A rather obvious indicator for an overdue recalibration is a cracked or smashed windscreen. You may still be able to see through the windscreen and think that it’s safe to drive your car. But remember nowadays the windscreen is not just a windscreen any more. It contains sophisticated technology with a very important job: To keep you and your passengers safe. Cameras, sensors, processor – they are all parts of ADAS systems that make the replacement and repair of windscreens more complex and intricate.

As such, ADAS recalibration is essential to maintaining the proper function of your car’s ADAS technology, by setting exact baselines and enabling it to send information to and from the computer with minimal response times.

ADAS recalibration is necessary under the following conditions:

• After windscreen fittings or repairs
• If the dashboard shows a fault code
• If sensors have been repaired or replaced
• If the wheel alignment has been changed
• If changes to the suspension have been made
• If a camera has been disconnected

ADAS windscreen recalibration is an integral part of the windscreen repair or replacement process. If your windscreen is damaged or incorrectly fitted it may impact the data your car’s ADAS is receiving and transmitting. Under critical circumstances, this data can safe lives. The ADAS recalibration as part of your car glass service ensures that you’re travelling safely in every regard.

While mechanics know a great deal about cars, they aren’t always the best source of advice for windscreens. We highly recommend seeking the help of a professional car glass specialist when you’re in need of windscreen repair or replacement services.

Novus understands the precise work of restoring auto glass to its original glory. With half a century of industry knowledge behind us, trust Novus next time you’re in need of a windscreen or window service.

Our unique ADAS Windscreen Repair Resin is formulated to have the same refractive index as the windshield glass, adding a clear look to cracks in the windshield. We are proud to be the only Australian glass company to feature a resin specifically tailored to ADAS-equipped vehicles, ensuring increased clarity and top vision for customers with ADAS-equipped vehicles.

Learn more about how NOVUS can solve your auto glass service needs and make an appointment today!