Lexus NX: System Description

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

GENERAL

(a) This system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect any obstacles at the corners and the rear of the vehicle. The system then informs the driver of the distance between the sensors and an obstacle as well as their positions by indicating them on the multi-information display (on the combination meter assembly), multi-display (on the multi-display assembly) and by sounding a buzzer.

FUNCTION OF COMPONENTS

OPERATION EXPLANATION

(a) The operating conditions of each ultrasonic sensor differ according to the installation position as shown in the table below.

When the system operates, the clearance warning ECU assembly transmits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic sensors. If these waves encounter an obstacle within one or more of the sensors ranges, the waves are reflected back to the sensors, which transmit them to the clearance warning ECU assembly.

Based on this information, the clearance warning ECU assembly sends signals to the combination meter assembly and the No. 1 clearance warning buzzer and No. 2 clearance warning buzzer. The approximate distance between the vehicle and the obstacle is then indicated, and the buzzer sounds.

HINT:

Refer to Detection Range Measurement and Display Inspection.

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COMMUNICATION SIGNALS OF COMPONENTS

(a) Initialization mode:

An ID is allocated to each sensor and sensor diagnosis is performed.

(1) When the initial check is operating (the power switch is on (IG) and the intuitive parking assist system is on), the clearance warning ECU assembly provides power to the first sensors in each series (front left sensor and rear right sensor).

(2) After the power is supplied, the front left sensor and rear right sensor enter standby mode to receive an ID from the ECU. When a certain amount of time has elapsed, the ECU sends an ID allocation signal to these sensors.

(3) The front left sensor and rear right sensors receive the ID allocation signal from the ECU and perform self-diagnosis. When the sensor self-diagnosis is complete, the ECU sends an ID allocation confirmation signal to the sensors.

(4) After the ID allocation confirmation is performed, the ECU provides power to the second sensors in each series (front left center sensor and rear right center sensor) via the first sensors. In the same manner as the first sensors, the second sensors enter standby mode. When a certain amount of time has elapsed, the ECU sends an ID allocation signal to the second sensors.

(5) The above operation will be repeated until an ID is allocated to the last sensor (front right sensor or rear left sensor). Initialization ends when ID allocation to all ultrasonic sensors is completed.

(b) Detection mode:

After initialization mode is completed, the system switches to detection mode. In detection mode, the clearance warning ECU assembly sends information request signals and sensor activation signals to the ultrasonic sensors and receives detection result signals from the sensors.

(1) The ECU regularly sends ID signals, information request signals, and sensor activation signals to each ultrasonic sensor according to the communication schedule.

(2) When a certain amount of time has elapsed (sensor detection operation is completed), the ECU sends an ID signal to the sensor to receive a detection result signal.

(3) The ultrasonic sensor sends a detection result signal or detection information signal to the ECU.

(4) The above operation is performed repeatedly for each ultrasonic sensor.

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