Description

DESCRIPTION





SmartBeam(R) automatic high beam headlamp control is an available option on this vehicle when it is also equipped with the automatic low beam headlamps, automatic wipers and the electrochromic inside rear view mirror. SmartBeam(R) enhances the headlamp system of the vehicle by assisting the driver with the task of turning the headlamp high beams ON and OFF according to surrounding traffic conditions. The only visible component of SmartBeam(R) is the molded black plastic camera pod housing and the rectangular forward-facing clear lens (3). Because the SmartBeam(R) camera looks through the windshield, the system may not function properly if this area is covered with ice, dirt, haze or any other obstruction.

The camera pod bracket is secured to the electrochromic inside rear view mirror (1) mount. The Rain Sensor Module (RSM) on the inside of the windshield glass has a pigtail wire that connects it to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the overhead wire harness. The pod houses and protects the lens, the camera circuit board and the digital imager camera that is aimed so as to view a predetermined area in the path directly ahead of the vehicle. The mounting screws and adjustment provisions that secure the camera pod bracket are concealed within a hollow in the underside of the mirror mount by a molded plastic trim cover.

The camera pod bracket adjustment provisions allow mechanical horizontal and vertical adjustment of the camera aim when the camera position is skewed beyond the ability of the camera electronics to adapt. For optimal system performance, the SmartBeam(R) camera must be calibrated (aimed) by the dealer to insure that the camera is properly centered on the road ahead of the vehicle whenever the inside rear view mirror is replaced or reinstalled. If the camera is not properly aimed the system performance may be diminished or altered.

The microprocessor-based electronics of SmartBeam(R) are integral to the circuit board contained within the electrochromic mirror. A short pigtail wire connects the camera circuit board directly to the electrochromic mirror circuit board, and a second connector receptacle (2) integral to the forward-facing housing of the electrochromic mirror connects the mirror to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the overhead wire harness.

The SmartBeam(R) is serviced as a unit with the electrochromic inside rear view mirror. If the SmartBeam(R) camera, lens, circuitry or pod is damaged or ineffective, the entire electrochromic inside rear view mirror must be replaced.