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Understanding This System
The
Model A activates when the vehicle is put into reverse gear. During
operation, ultrasonic signals are transmitted from the system's sensors.
Objects behind the vehicle are then detected by these sensors, and this
information is sent to a microprocessor for analysis. The microprocessor
processes the signals from all sensors to calculate both the distance and
the closure rate between the vehicle and the obstacle(s) in the path of the
vehicle. The system’s speaker ACTIVELY notifies the driver, in a human
voice, of the distance between the vehicle and obstacle(s) behind it, in
feet, while also using beeping warning signals to ensure that the driver is
aware of the verbal warnings. The advantage of TailGauge is that it does
not rely solely on the driver to monitor any visual display or be able to
actually see an obstacle when backing up. TailGauge detects objects as far
away as 8 feet and people at around 5
feet from the rear of your vehicle (unprecedented in the reverse detection industry) and is
accurate to within 1 1/2 inches of any object detected. The system is
sophisticated, reliable, durable and smart.
Hear what the Model A sounds like
Series A
systems (Models A & A-F) include a speaker that warns about objects using
spoken words (a voice speaker). Series A systems do not include an LED
display.
What
distinguishes our systems from other systems?
Our systems incorporate “Smart Sensor
Technology”, a form of “artificial intelligence.” What does this
mean to you?
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Our systems will react differently to a
moving obstacle than to a stationary one. For example, someone walking or
running behind your vehicle would be recognized by TailGauge as a “fast
moving object”. A “fast moving object” would trigger the system to signal
a “hit” alert, while a stationary or slowly moving object at the same
distance might register without the “hit” warning. (The same “hit” alert
will sound in the event any object comes within 18” of the vehicle,
regardless of how fast either the vehicle or object is moving.)
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The TailGauge
system can distinguish between objects at different distances from the
vehicle. For example, if there is a person 5 feet away from the vehicle
and a telephone pole 4 feet away, the system will alternate between both
objects, first displaying one distance, than the other, to make sure you
see both. If the person decides to move, the system will pay more
attention to them than to the stationary pole.
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TailGauge systems can see wide objects up
to 15 feet away. They are programmed not to identify most objects at that
distance, in order to prevent unnecessary alerts. However, if the object
is wide and is in your vehicle’s path, the system is designed to register
it.
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TailGauge significantly reduces false
alarms. Our systems are programmed to ignore small pieces of trash or
leaves blowing in the wind, rain, hail, snow, etc. that might cause other,
less sophisticated, warning systems to sound a false alarm.
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TailGauge systems have been designed with
“limited peripheral vision” to provide detection of objects in a 45º field
to the left and right of the rear of the vehicle. This feature allows
TailGauge to warn you of objects next to (but behind) the vehicle without
registering objects that are not in the path of the vehicle, and thus not
relevant to the driver. If an object in peripheral view looks like a
problem, TailGauge will identify it, alert the driver, and react as though
the object might be in his/her path. In addition, TailGauge will identify
objects along the curb to help you avoid hitting them, and will provide
you an accurate reading of distance to the car behind you as you parallel
park (great for those who have difficulty judging distance while backing
up).
TailGauge Model A consists of a voice speaker, a power
unit/processor and three sensors that flush-mount on the vehicle's bumper.
It includes circuitry specifically developed to work with the electrical
systems of cars, small trucks, recreational and other “non-industrial”
vehicles.
Contents of the Model A Kit (instruction manual not shown)
How It Helps the Driver
When the
TailGauge SST determines that conditions require the driver to take
precautionary or corrective action, it alerts the driver with the voice
speaker and warning beeps. As the vehicle backs up to the obstacle(s), the
beeping speeds up and the voice speaker calls out the distance between the
obstacles and the rear of the vehicle in the following increments: "8 feet,
5 feet, 3 feet, 2 Feet, 12 inches. When the vehicle comes within 8
inces of the
obstacle, the voice speaker will say “CRASH!”, and the beep sound will
change from multiple beeps to one continuous warning tone until the driver
stops the vehicle and takes it out of reverse gear.
What the System Detects
The
system's ability to detect objects is based on both the width of the object
as it faces the vehicle and its distance from the rear of the vehicle.
| OBJECT TO BE DETECTED |
DISTANCE AT WHICH
IT SHOULD BE DETECTED |
Large
objects
(6 feet wide and wider) |
8
feet |
| Objects
2 feet wide |
6
- 7 feet |
Objects
4 - 8 inches wide
(a telephone pole or fire hydrant) |
4 - 6
feet |
Objects
2 inches wide
(a metal sign post) |
3 – 5
feet |
| Adult or
Child |
3 – 5
feet |
| Objects
narrower than 2 inches |
Might
not be detected
beyond 4 feet |
If an
obstacle which the system has identified suddenly disappears from the
system’s “view”
(Example: if a person falls to the ground behind the vehicle) our Model A
Industrial will go into “object in
blind area mode”
a mode indicated by
the voice
warning calling out the words "Object in Blind Area!".
This notifies the driver to stop the vehicle immediately, shift into
park and check behind it.
What Type of
Vehicle Is It Designed For?
TailGauge
makes various types of backup warning systems. Some are designed for private
use, while others are designed for commercial applications. The TailGauge
Model A is intended for use on passenger vehicles, light vans, mini buses,
sport utility vehicles and light trucks with closed beds. This system is
not suitable for heavy trucks, pick up trucks or any other vehicle where the
power unit will be exposed to water (unless the installer can figure out a
way to install it so that the main power unit will not be exposed to
moisture). Further, it is not intended for use in situations where the
sensors may be obstructed from a clear rear view or where they might be
damaged; either by debris from the vehicle or while the vehicle is being
loaded/unloaded.
For industrial applications, or where you wish to
install this system in a wet or otherwise harsh environment,
check
out or ask about our Model V or AF Industrial systems.
See pictures of and learn more about the Model A
For accessories for this kit,
click here
See a complete Technical Specification sheet for the Model A
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