Eyesight Function: Enhancing Subaru’s Driving Experience

Overview of Eyesight Function in Subarus

The Eyesight function in a Subaru is an advanced safety system designed to enhance driving convenience and safely. It comprises two cameras, a control system, a steering wheel control, a small display, and a host of active and passive features. This system is built to work seamlessly with the car's other functions, making driving more convenient, safe, and efficient.

Comprehensive Components of Eyesight

Cameras: Located on either side of the rear-view mirror, the two cameras provide a binocular vision system for the road in front of the car. Together, they construct a 3D model of the road, enabling the system to accurately detect lane markers and the position of other vehicles.

Control System: Hidden within the car, this computer functions as the brain of the system. It processes the information from the cameras and makes decisions based on the data to help the vehicle maintain a safe following distance and navigate the road.

Steering Wheel Controls: Positioned on the right side of the steering wheel, these controls enable the driver to activate and deactivate Eyesight, set the desired speed, and adjust the following distance. These controls allow for a simple and intuitive operation of the system.

Display: Located in the center of the driver’s console, the display shows the chosen speed and following distance. It also provides warnings in the event of potential hazards, such as an impending collision.

Passive and Active Features

Passive Features: Eyesight continuously monitors the car's position in the lane and beeps if the driver is about to move out of the lane without signaling. Additionally, it keeps track of the road ahead to alert the driver if obstacles are detected. In cases of imminent danger, it will apply the brakes automatically, with a preceding warning to avoid startling the driver.

Active Features: When active, Eyesight can maintain a speed set by the driver and adjust the following distance to maintain a safe gap from the vehicle in front. It will slow down the car to ensure it stays at the desired distance. Later versions of Eyesight will even adjust the steering to help keep the car in its lane. However, it does not do this aggressively, so the driver may not always notice it.

Driving with Eyesight

Driving Experience: Once Eyesight is turned on, it will try to maintain the desired speed and following distance without the driver having to intervene. This can significantly reduce stress during heavy traffic, as the primary job of the driver is to steer the car. With Eyesight assisting with speed and distance management, the driver can take their foot off the gas pedal, rest it on the floor, and let the system handle the rest.

Boundary Conditions: While Eyesight is highly effective, it has its limits. In heavy stop-and-go traffic, the system may need to accelerate and brake more frequently than the driver would like, especially if the following distance is set to minimum. The system will beep in various scenarios, such as when the car in front changes lanes, a car moves into your lane, or the driver catches up to another car.

Settings and Customization: The driver can customize the following distance and target speed to suit their driving preference. Additionally, the system depends on clear visibility, and if the windshield is obstructed, Eyesight will shut down, requiring the driver to take control.

User Testimony: The author of this review has found Eyesight to be invaluable, especially during long drives and stop-and-go driving. It allows the driver to appreciate the scenery or read signs while the system handles the tedious tasks. However, the driver must remain vigilant, especially in dangerous situations like heavy rain, to prevent losing visibility and control.

Conclusion

The Eyesight function in Subarus is an advanced technology that significantly enhances the driving experience. From providing a hands-free driving experience in heavy traffic to alerting the driver to potential dangers, Eyesight brings a layer of safety and convenience to every journey. While it has its limitations and relies on proper setup and maintenance, Eyesight remains a valuable feature for any Subaru owner looking to reduce stress and increase safety on the road.