Thousands of pedestrian-related road accidents occur worldwide every year, taking many lives and leaving many disabled. Automobile engineers have developed pedestrian detection technology to reduce the likelihood of such consequences.
This technology is part of the ADAS system and helps drivers avoid collisions with pedestrians. This article will discuss the principle of operation of this technology and the main advantages of its use.
What is pedestrian recognition technology?
Pedestrian Detection Technology (PRT) is a modern development implemented in the operation of various vehicles to prevent collisions between a car and a person.
It is available on all new and used models sold at dirt bike junkyards. This technology is part of the ADAS system; without it, it is difficult to imagine even a budget car today.
Although PRT is still in development, its functionality and capabilities are enough to save hundreds of human lives.
According to research by the US Department of Transportation, PRT on all cars in the country could prevent 810 fatal accidents annually. These data once again prove the effectiveness of this technology and the need for its use.
Pedestrian detection methods
PRT uses three basic methods to detect pedestrians. The first is to use mini-cameras capable of producing the highest-quality images.
These devices are located in different parts of the vehicle so that their combined operation provides a 360-degree view and allows monitoring of the situation around the car.
The second method of detecting pedestrians involves installing sensors instead of cameras, which use radio waves. They not only detect the presence of people or obstacles near the vehicle but also allow for calculating the distance to them.
Unlike cameras, sensors guarantee the accuracy of information even in harsh external conditions (for example, with poor visibility due to fog or snowfall).
The third option is to use Lidar technology. It uses a laser to create a three-dimensional image of the vehicle’s surrounding area, detecting pedestrians, other cars, and various obstacles. Lidar works effectively in any external conditions.
It is not afraid of bad weather, poor lighting, and other negative factors, so it is often used in modern models. Very often, the listed methods are combined. This makes it possible to achieve the most efficient operation of the PRT, regardless of external conditions.
How the technology works
The principle of operation of PRT is straightforward, so even novice drivers can understand it. While the vehicle is moving, the cameras and sensors continuously scan the space around the car. When pedestrians enter their coverage area, the system instantly transmits the data.
It uses modern algorithms and artificial intelligence capabilities to select the optimal solution to prevent a collision.
In some cases, the system gives the driver an audible signal about the need to reduce speed or change the trajectory of movement; in others, it independently activates the emergency braking option.
As a result of such actions, the likelihood of a car colliding with a person is significantly reduced, and the negative effect of such a collision is reduced.
Advantages of the technology
Pedestrian detection technology is popular worldwide and is actively implemented by almost all car manufacturers in various vehicles. This is a consequence of PRT’s efficiency and its many benefits. The main one among the latter is the ability to prevent collisions with a pedestrian.
Thanks to technology, drivers receive timely information about the presence of a person in the danger zone and manage to avoid impacts.
An equally important advantage is the ability of PRT to mitigate negative consequences in cases where a collision cannot be avoided.
In such situations, instant activation of the emergency braking function will reduce the speed slightly and make the impact less dangerous to the pedestrian’s life and health.
Another advantage of pedestrian detection technology is that it increases the safety of drivers and passengers. This effect is achieved by reducing the likelihood of collisions, which can negatively affect people sitting in the car.
Pedestrian detection technology is indispensable in modern cars. It prevents collisions between vehicles and people, even in cases where people cannot do it themselves.
Modern pedestrian detection methods and advanced information processing techniques can avoid many accidents, saving thousands of lives.
