Wireless system enhances road safety on congested streets
Share
A new driver assistance feature could allow the detection of pedestrians and cyclists on congested streets or in poor visibility conditions before the driver notices them.
Developed by General Motors (GM) researchers, the system relies on a wireless link between the driver’s dashboard and the smartphones of cyclists.
It would hinge partly on Wi-Fi Direct, the peer-to-peer wireless standard that allows devices such as smartphones to communicate directly with each other rather than through a shared access point.
The researchers have determined that Wi-Fi Direct can be integrated with other sensor-based object detection and driver alert systems already available on production vehicles.
They are also looking to develop a complementary app for Wi-Fi Direct-capable smartphones that can be downloaded by frequent road users that will help Wi-Fi Direct-equipped vehicles identify them.
The Wi-Fi Alliance, the global industry association in charge of certifying wireless standards, claims that Wi-Fi Direct devices can reach each other at a maximum distance of 200m. In addition to aiding pedestrian detection, this range could enable secure transfers of files such as MP3s or digital address book information between a home computer and the user’s Wi-Fi Direct-equipped vehicle infotainment or navigation system.
‘Wi-Fi Direct’s fast connections offer a distinct advantage in vehicle applications,’ said Donald Grimm, GM Global R&D senior researcher of perception and vehicle control systems. ‘The quicker a vehicle can detect other Wi-Fi Direct users, the greater the potential for collision avoidance.’
GM Developing Wireless Pedestrian Detection Technology
Readers' comments (5)
Anonymous | 27 Jul 2012 4:36 pm
How's this for pedestrian detection technology: look out of your windscreen and watch where you're going. Anyone that appears from behind a parked vehicle whilst reading or sending a text probably deserves to get run over, seeing as it's clearly way too much effort to stop and see if a vehicle is coming along the road.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Editor's comments | 27 Jul 2012 4:36 pm
Sadly they've yet to develop the technology to prevent people stupidly stepping in front of cars. When they do, we'll let you know.
Andy H | 29 Jul 2012 11:40 am
@Editor
2 Things:
1. Walls can help, higher the better, Barbed wire, Spikes, super teflon coated smooth surfaces and electrification should help.
2. Removal of pedestrian safety stuff in cars, ok, they can do it once, but hopefully only once. Let natural selection do the rest.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Tim Perry | 30 Jul 2012 12:43 pm
Drivers, do some form of advanced training (IAM ROSPA etc) Your enhanced observation skills will enable you to spot the wandering pedestrians and cyclists by the white wires coming out of their ears.
Trouble is of course, with earplugs in, they then cannot hear your words of advice as you pass by. That, or they don't understand Anglo-Saxon....
Tim
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Pete O | 30 Jul 2012 3:36 pm
So, the SMIDSY (Sorry mate, I didn't see you) will become SMYDHAC (Sorry mate, you didn't have any credit).
Pedestrians and cyclists are normally pretty easy to identify. The former are like car drivers but without the car. The latter are like pedestrians but with two wheels.
Having got that cleared up, it's up to the drivers to use their optical processing capability to avoid contact with either. Said driver can significantly improve their ability to process the input data in the available time by lifting their right foot.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 30 Jul 2012 4:00 pm
Ideal for carjackers! Just walk out in front of the car and bob's your uncle another phone and wallet to add to the collection.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment