ITRS is activated during the time that the car is operational; using its radar technology, ITRS constantly monitors the road ahead for possible threats by recognizing the nature of the object, its direction, distance, and speed relative to the vehicle.

If a possible collision with the object has been forecasted, ITRS’ superfast computer frequently determines the appropriate brake pressure as the vehicle approaches the flagged object (ITRS is able to track up to12 different objects simultaneously). If the calculated brake pressure required to safely stop the vehicle exceeds a preset level, ITRS will sense an imminent danger and activate the brakes, safely bringing the car to a complete stop.

However, the radar system’s performance can be reduced due to bad weather or an obstruction of its sensors with elements such as dirt or snow. In such circumstances, ITRS uses a wiper mounted on top of each sensor to clean them. As an added precaution, if the temperature of any sensor drops below freezing level, a heater is activated in order to enhance the radar’s performance in such extreme temperatures. In order not to jeopardize the safety of the driver while cleaning the sensors, ITRS switches to its thermal infrared camera coupled with target recognition software to find patterns and recognize objects from the image feed, making sure at least one layer of protection is always active. Once an object is recognized, ITRS enables the laser range finder to calculate the distance between the vehicle and the recognized object, and use this data to follow the same aforementioned procedure to track objects and determine their threat.

ITRS enhances the visibility of the driver by providing two distinct views of the road ahead using night and thermal vision feeds. The LCD panel mounted on the console allows the driver to choose what viewing mode is preferable, and then displays the appropriate camera image. With so many automated features, drivers may be uncomfortable giving ITRS full control over their vehicle, such a concern is overcome by providing a customizable menu displayed on the LCD panel. Drivers are able to either steer back the level of intervention of ITRS or entirely turn off certain features based on their comfort level or surrounding environment.

Given such complex components, in the unlikely event ITRS malfunctions, the driver will be alerted with both an audible message as well as a red indicator light on the dashboard. If the device needs to be serviced, a technician can connect to the vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit, which is available on all late model cars, and determine what component needs to be serviced based on the specific fault code provided. It is estimated that it will take about two months to gather all the necessary components and build the prototype design.