Conflict Simulation and Sensor Evaluation for the Advanced Protection of Vulnerable Road Users (APVRU) - A Foresight Vehicle Project

Modelling of conflicts between cars and pedestrians is presented in the paper. The model looks at how the velocities and distances change over the time between the pedestrian when first sensed and a potential impact, taking account of how the vehicle speed may be changing due to braking, wheel slip etc. Further work is outlined looking at the probability of conflict resolution behaviour by drivers and pedestrians.

The paper also reviews current sensor technology appropriate for detecting pedestrians in front of a moving vehicle. A sensor system is required that responds to the road environment in real-time, and intelligently analyses the data so as to predict potential collisions and determine the nature of such collisions.

A detection system combining radar detection with passive infrared detection and classification is proposed as a possible solution, meeting the requirements determined by conflict modelling and a review of the operating environment. Whilst these technologies have proven themselves in a variety of related applications further experimental work is proposed to demonstrate the feasibility of such a set-up.