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ISA System - How the Intelligent Speed Assistant Works

The Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA) is one of the latest components of driver assistance systems, which is becoming increasingly important in terms of safety and compliance with EU regulations. As of July 2022, the ISA system is mandatory equipment for newly approved vehicles throughout the European Union, and as of July 2024 it will have to be present in every new car approved for sale. How exactly does the ISA system work, how does the intelligent speed control assistant differ from other systems, what benefits does it bring, and what challenges does it face? Let's find out.

What is an ISA system and what tasks does it have?

ISA system (Intelligent Speed Assistance) is a state-of-the-art technological solution whose the task is to control the speed of the vehicle in real time and alerting the driver to exceeding the speed limit. The system combines information from road sign recognition system and digital map data to determine what permitted speed applies on a given road section.

ISA intelligent speed assistant works in a way that not only informs the driver, but also, in some versions, limits engine power when it comes to speeding. Depending on the configuration, ISA system can operate in passive version (information and warning) or active (Intervention in engine operation).

How does ISA (intelligent speed control assistant) work in practice?

The operation of the system is based on a combination of several technologies. The most important elements are:

Camera mounted behind the rearview mirror, which is used to traffic sign recognition,
GPS system, which provides map data on speed limits,
Central controller, which analyzes data in real time.

After starting the engine, as well as after opening the vehicle door, the system calibrates and begins to analyze the environment. If the camera detects speed limit sign or map data will indicate a different limit, ISA intelligent speed assistant displays a warning on dashboard or home screen. In the case of speeding, the driver may receive sound signal, visual or perceptible (e.g., through the gas pedal).

Obligation to use the ISA system in the European Union

Introduction of ISA via European Union bodies aimed at increasing safety of road traffic participants, as well as adjusting new cars to the digital world and autonomous driving systems. In practice, this means:

From 2022 newly approved vehicles must be equipped with ISA system,
From 2024 each new car sold on within the European Union must have intelligent speed assistant,
Vehicle manufacturers need to adapt their production lines and systems to the new requirements.

ISA system versions - passive and active

ISA system can operate in two basic variants:

Passive intelligent speed assistant - informs the driver about speeding. A message appears on the screen, a driver's speed is compared with the limit derived from GPS data or road signs. In addition, it appears sound signal Or a flashing light.
Active intelligent speed assistant - system actively interferes with vehicle speed, limiting engine torque when the driver exceeds the speed limit. The system does not apply the brakes, but by accelerator gives resistance, discouraging further acceleration.

In both cases, the driver has the option of driving alone and can temporarily ignore the warning, however each time the engine is started The system re-activates.

What does the ISA system provide?

Intelligent speed control assistant brings many benefits:

Increases driving safety And reduces the number of speeding-related accidents,
It helps to maintain regulations in places where they are often broken,
Supports healthy driving style of the driver, limiting aggressive acceleration,
Protects road traffic participants, especially in built-up area,
Reduces exhaust emissions Thanks to a smoother ride,
It facilitates the use of modern systems, such as lane assistant or adaptive cruise control.

Disadvantages and problems with the ISA system

Despite its many advantages, ISA system is not free of flaws, and the list of them is getting longer as it becomes more widely used. Here are the most common problems reported by drivers:

Incorrect recognition of traffic signs - The camera may misread the speed limit sign, especially if the bad weather conditions, soiled or obscured signs,
Excessive interference with driver's driving style - Many users believe that ISA works too aggressively, such as limiting acceleration in situations where momentary speeding is safe,
Outdated map data - speed limit data are not always consistent with the real state,
No possibility of permanent deactivation - Even if the driver deactivates the system, each time the engine is started it re-energizes,
Concerns about privacy of drivers - Some users are concerned that data from the system may be shared approval authorities or other institutions,
In vehicles with automatic transmissions The system may act delayed or inconsistently with other supporting systems.

how isa - intelligent speed assistant works

ZENBOX PRO - a solution for those who want choice

If you are a driver who values autonomous driving and you don't want to be constrained by ISA system, you can take advantage of a solution that is gaining in popularity - the ZENBOX PRO.

ZENBOX PRO is an innovative electronic device that allows to effectively and safely deactivate the intelligent speed assistant - Without the risk of voiding the warranty or interfering with the vehicle's factory systems. After its installation:

ISA system does not activate each time the engine is started,
You have full control over vehicle speed,
You avoid annoying warnings and interference with the accelerator,
You can keep your individual driving style without unnecessary restrictions,
It works unobtrusively and does not affect other vehicle functions.

Thanks ZENBOX PRO, drivers can regain control of their vehicle and tailor it to their preferences without sacrificing the convenience of modern solutions.

In the face of widespread ISA introductions on throughout the European Union, ZENBOX PRO may be the answer for those who want to drive responsibly, but also decide for themselves how their car works.

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