Rivoli, 02-08-2021. 

Easyrain’s proposal is enriched by an innovative safety solution with high technological content. From today the DAI, acronym of Digital Aquaplaning Information, is reality. 

Developed and patented by Easyrain, this virtual sensor is constantly analyzing the vehicle dynamics resulting from the existing road conditions and is immediately alerting the driver with different levels of warnings.  

On vehicles that have additionally installed Easyrain AIS system the DAI virtual sensor acts as an ultrafast trigger in case of aquaplaning.  

The virtual sensor DAI works through proprietary predictive algorithms that process vehicle dynamics data already available in the vehicle network without the need of any additional physical sensors.  

As a software defined module it can be integrated on all vehicles, by using an existing control unit leveraging on the platform concept. 

“We are proud to announce the first virtual sensor capable of warning the driver in wet asphalt conditions. Thanks to the DAI we are able to ensure greater safety for the driver and passengers and we are adding new predictive features to the vehicle, unique on the market. An example for that: an “Adaptive – Wet – Cruise Control”, the vehicle speed is managed in real time with the virtual sensor output of the DAI which is able to analyze the amount of water present on the road surface. In addition the DAI is a predictive virtual sensor: one of the functions – among others – is the instantaneous and automatic activation of the Easyrain AIS, the first active safety system able to counter with total effectiveness the aquaplaning phenomenon.   

The DAI can be integrated on all vehicles. Through interaction with the 5G network and the Smart Cities, the DAI could provide detailed information to warn vehicles about dangerous wet road conditions. The creation of a dedicated Cloud for wet road conditions would even extend this offering.  

We are constantly focusing on building a safer future! I would like to thank my team for the dedication during the development. This milestone represents a big step towards market entry”, declared Giovanni Blandina, CEO and Founder of Easyrain.  

DAI: technical details 

The DAI, developed and patented by Easyrain, is a virtual sensor able to make driving safe, discriminating the different levels of danger of wet asphalt and informing the driver through a system of three alerts within the vehicle HMI, customizable according to the needs of car makers. 

The virtual sensor DAI is characterized by proprietary predictive algorithms that process the vehicle dynamics information available in the car (longitudinal force, lateral force, tire slip). As a result, corrections can be either suggested to the driver or implemented directly into the vehicle setup to improve safety of driving in wet conditions. 

As a pure Software Component without the need of additional sensors, it can be integrated into all types of vehicles. 

The DAI allows the development of new vehicle functions, such as Wet Mode Information, deactivation of assisted driving and Wet Adaptive Cruise Control. 

In autonomous vehicles it adds an additional level of information of the environment in critical wet conditions not yet covered with the current sensor portfolio. 

The prevention of aquaplaning together with Easyrain AIS enables a new generation of tires with a lower Rolling Resistance reducing the CO2 footprint and extending the range of electric vehicles. 

It can be integrated with the 5G network and Smart Cities technology, ensuring the warning and sharing of safety information between nearby interconnected vehicles, as well as a dialogue with the infrastructure and prediction of the long-term deterioration of the road surface. 

Integration with the 5G network allows the data collection into the “Easyrain Cloud”, designed and developed for sharing and exchanging information about the asphalt and driving conditions both between vehicles and with the infrastructure network. 

The DAI application is designed as a component that can be managed through an OEM App-Store for connected vehicles. This enables additional safety as an upgrade and makes the introduction hassle-free. 

The three alerts system in the cluster 

The virtual sensor DAI alerts the driver with a three-level system of alerts visible directly inside the dashboard or digital cluster. The display of the warning system can be modulated and customized according to the needs of OEMs. 

• First level: “Warning! Wet Road”.The driver is in a potentially dangerous situation on wet asphalt. The utmost attention must be paid. 
• Second level: “Danger! Wet Road”.The water layer on the road surface is important. When combined with the sustained speed of the car, it determines the onset of aquaplaning. The driver is about to lose control of the vehicle. Pay close attention and slow down. 
• Third level: “Alert! Aquaplaning”.The vehicle entered aquaplaning. Tires have lost grip, unable to dissipate the excessive layer of water on the asphalt. The DAI immediately activates the AIS system.