Intelligent system recognizes speed limits

MUNICH — Siemens VDO has developed a system that can recognize speed limiting road signs. The system can feed its data either into a display or even into the cruise control, thus automatically reducing the vehicle's speed to the respective legal limit.

The system works with a camera that is coupled with a computer running a Traffic Sign Recognizing (TSR) software. In addition, the data obtained are aligned with the navigation system data. If a speed limit is detected, a message is displayed either in the instrument panel or in a head-up display. If desired and programmed by the driver, the data also are fed into the adaptive cruise control system (ACC) and automatically reduce the vehicle's speed.

With the system, Siemens VDO will enhance its spectrum of driver assistance systems. The system is set to enter volume production in 2008.