Honda demonstrates new technology to prevent cars hitting pedestrians

(Phys.org) —Honda Motor Company Ltd has
posted a video on its website demonstrating
new technology it's developing to help prevent
cars from running into pedestrians. Based on
already existing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)
network technology, the system called by
Honda an advanced vehicle-to-pedestrian
(V2P) safety system aims to warn both drivers
and pedestrians carrying smartphones of a
possible collision.
V2P, like V2V uses the Dedicated Short Range
Communications (DSRC) protocol as a means
of communication. It's implemented in
hardware being developed by Honda. In
essence it's an automatic system of broadcast
and receiving of information pertinent to
drivers and pedestrians. The hardware carried
by the pedestrian is embedded in a
smartphone and constantly monitors the
position of the person holding the phone
(using already embedded GPS and
accelerometer) and the direction they are
heading. Similarly, technology embedded in a
car notes the location of the car, its direction
and speed—all while continuously listening for
broadcast information from devices held by
pedestrians. A computer in the car
constantly analyses all of the available
information and constructs virtual scenarios
in real-time. When the system projects that a
pedestrian is about to cross the path of the
moving vehicle, a warning is flashed on a
heads-up display device in the vehicle—a
message is also sent to the pedestrian—that
message information is converted to a sound
similar to the noise a truck makes when
backing up and a warning message that is
displayed on the phone's screen.
Honda says that the technology can also let
drivers know if the pedestrian is listening to
music, talking on their phone or texting—all
indications that the person is likely not paying
full attention to his or her real-world
surroundings. Also, they say the technology
can be useful in multiple scenarios such as
when an approaching pedestrian is hidden by
other vehicles or when a car is backing up.
They also report that they are developing
similar technology for cars and motorcycles,
warning both of the possibility of a collision.
Honda Demonstrates Advanced Vehicle-to-
Pedestrian and Vehicle-to-Motorcycle Safety
Technologies. Credit: Honda
Other companies such as General Motors have
also announced plans for implementing such
systems in cars in the near future. Most such
ventures are a part of single initiative being
driven by the U.S. Department of
Transportation. If the technology proves
capable of saving lives, the DoT might insist
that all cars sold in this country be equipped
with such a system, provided they can get
smartphone makers to opt in as well.