Use 360 cameras for security.

[F150ROD]

No, I'd just get even more pissed off watching someone destroy my crap. Good in case of an accident though.

Sponsored

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

Nothing is impossible with software (Like OP, I am also a software engineer).

Software requires certian hardware requirements.

 

[Traconesu]

This is certainly possible, there are USB ports for storage, no need for onboard storage. What isn't ideal is the placement of the cameras for sentry, since when the mirrors are folded, the side views are useless. That doesn't mean they couldn't use front, rear, and bed cams at least.

Nothing is impossible with software (Like OP, I am also a software engineer).

I agree the software part would be relatively easy. I also have my mirrors autofold when locked but a software command could unfold during an event. It was just a thought that I thought would be nice. Maybe in future lightnings. I'm just a novice programmer but have written several programs for the FAA. Electronic technician by trade. Been retired since 2010. Still hanging in there at nearly 76.

 

[sean7512]

Software requires certian hardware requirements.

I am aware of that, if you can stream a video live, you can write it to USB. This is hardly a large overhead to do that, computers have been doing that since Windows 95 and the first webcams.

Hardware limitations for this are more like camera placement and strategies to keep the LVB from dying. Certainly stuff they could overcome but likely not worth it for them from a time/cost standpoint. It definitely isn't impossible though.

I would rather see them using the front/rear for drive cams, which removes the LVB complications.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I am aware of that, if you can stream a video live, you can write it to USB. This is hardly a large overhead to do that, computers have been doing that since Windows 95 and the first webcams.

Hardware limitations for this are more like camera placement and strategies to keep the LVB from dying. Certainly stuff they could overcome but likely not worth it for them from a time/cost standpoint. It definitely isn't impossible though.

I would rather see them using the front/rear for drive cams, which removes the LVB complications.

Storage wasn't the only limitation. System processing power, LVB consumption, Modem Bandwith are all that come to top of mind. The data and power consumption on the modem alone would prevent Ford from just adding this on. Look how many system updates have just been dedicated to modem and LVB management.

 

[Hammick]

Let's not forget the power infrastructure.

All that stuff would run off of the LVB and on the low end running all those cameras plus the recorder, LTE modem so you can get notifications, etc. would probably draw around 2-3A Which means the LVB wouldn't last a day.

So, bigger LVB and/or add a 2nd DC/DC for items permanently powered, add radar sensor to trigger cameras to wake up instead of always on, sure, it's all possible... but it's a lot more complicated than an afternoon of coding and showing a USB stick into the center console outlet.

Plenty of power for it. The Lightning 12v is huge compared the 12v in our Rivian R1S. The Rivian has "Gear Guard" with live view which is very similar to Tesla.

That being said, I doubt Ford will add this feature. I'm guessing '25 will be the last year for the Lightning.

 

[mr.Magoo]

Plenty of power for it. The Lightning 12v is huge compared the 12v in our Rivian R1S. The Rivian has "Gear Guard" with live view which is very similar to Tesla.

And a quick Google search implies that Rivian is suffering from the "same" issues the Lightning would gave had (12v drain, premature "wear" on the LVB, and vampire drain on the HVB) if that feature would be implemented with our current HW / infrastructure.

• When you activate Gear Guard, it now uses the high voltage battery more often to improve 12 V battery health, which reduces range while parked. When Gear Guard is off, or off at home, it does not have an impact on range.

 

[Timeless Epoch]

I think Ford could pull it off, if they were so inclined.

Cost: They already have a Premium Connectivity Service that could cover the connectivity costs. No need to give it away. I bet the renewal rate for their Premium Connectivity is rather low. Something like this could give it a huge kick in the pants.

Bandwidth: Internal bandwidth is not an issue. They already stream from at least 5 cameras simultaneously. A smart strategy would be to just pull a frame from each camera once or twice a second and analyze it for movement, and then only record if movement is detected. You can buy 4k/30 home security cameras that run on a small battery for 6+ months with this strategy.

Processing Power: The system already decodes at least 5 cameras simultaneously and blends 4 of them together into a single interpreted over head view. The cameras do not fit each other perfectly, so they have to be mapped to a 2D plane and transformed to fit to each other in realtime. A sentry system just needs to capture the raw compressed stream and would actually be lower overhead.

Storage: As other’s have mentioned, USB. Even USB 2.0 would probably have enough bandwidth at 50MB/s. It wouldn’t even be a potential issue if you consider the streaming only activated cameras strategy mentioned above.

Battery Power: This is the big question. How efficient is Ford’s compute platform? Can they power the camera’s without having to power numerous unneeded systems?

I think there is a near zero chance that Ford would entertain retro-fitting this. Tesla and Rivian seem to understand that investing in current owners is a great way of building reputation and brand loyalty. I get the feeling Ford sees current owners as “past tense” and is therefore overly focused on new customers.

This would be a huge upgrade compared to the small enhancements of going from BC 1.2 to 1.4. yet we see how that is going…

Therefore I would not be surprised to see this as a feature in an upcoming Ford EV in order to stay competitive.

 

[christopher cali]

As it's been said before (each is a stopping point)...

- Hardware is needed that currently isn't in the truck. Even the best video codecs require a significant amount of storage space. That storage space doesn't exist. They are not retrofitting every Lightning, nor are they going to sell an add-on (something Ford hasn't previously done).

- SYNC isn't designed for recording live video. Displaying, yes. Storing, no. Streaming, no. A major software rewrite would be neccisary at the minimum.

- This seems like the last gen of the SYNC models, Ford is moving to Android Automotive and will most likely support it. No love for the current Lightnings though. Maybe the 2026 models.

- Ford would be essentially giving away money by including it. Streaming video uses significant mobile bandwith. The connection between your truck and FordPass, by default, is complementary. Ford would most likely be shelling out tons from the bandwith required to carry the video signal from your truck to your app. If you asked it to only upload when in wifi it defeats the purpose of a video enabled security system. Even static images eat bandwith. Ford would need to charge people, to use a feature that Ford would have to invest substantial money and resources in to develop, to solve an issue that dissapears in 1-2 years.

- Ford's software team is backlogged on bugs and smaller, more relevant features. This wouldn't have the priority needed to complete it before the next gen vehicle or next verision of infotainment (Android Automotive vs SYNC) comes out. Why would Ford put time and money into a feature (that isn't stopping people from buying a vehicle)

I come from a software development/project management background.

Would be great.

Can't/won't be done.

It must be tough to work for Ford and have all of the life and enthusiasm sucked from your soul. Quit find a new job and some positivity.
IT CAN BE DONE! AND IT SHOULD BE DONE!

 

[JMD359]

I believe it would be a great selling point for Ford. Tesla sentry mode works great but does generate a slight draw on the battery.

A slightly larger 12v battery would solve most of those concerns for daily use anyway .

 

[nate002]

While I’d love it if Ford cameras worked like Sentry mode, that probably isn’t going to happen ever, so just get something like this and hardwire it. Sure, you won’t be able to stream from it remotely, but it will capture everything around your truck if anyone approaches.

https://a.co/d/6DTjzHf

 

[Lytning]

It might not be financially feasible, but it is absolutely doable.
It could be very easily done compared to this ...


In my Engineering career at a Fortune 100 company, I would tell the business unit leaders that anything was possible with enough time and money.

 

[Richie740]

They know whether it would or would not. That's why they don't currently offer it I would presume. Telsa drivers seem enamored with it, and dog mode. Then they complain the videos aren't clear enough to identify anyone, and it kills the battery...

The Sentry video is clear. This happened in San Jose 2 weeks ago. Tesla caught the attack and my friend is the one who confronted the guy the very next day. San Jose police arrested the assailant and is able to prosecute because it has his license plate and face.

 

[mr.Magoo]

It might not be financially feasible, but it is absolutely doable.
It could be very easily done compared to this ...

LOL!

I've used the same analogy a few times!
"C'mon, we live in an age where we (mankind) can catch rockets falling from the sky, I'm sure we (our company) can figure out how to...."

And, no, I'm not in sales I'm just an engineer trying to convince other engineers that we should do something.

Sponsored