Principle of Pedestrian Detection
The Night Vision 2 control unit is equipped with three processors containing software, which, in addition to image processing for display, execute an automatic person detection function. The software searches the image for objects with human shape and classifies these objects as persons.
Their position, speed and distance to the vehicle are then determined. The risk level is analyzed based on these parameters as well as on the speed and yaw rate of the vehicle and a warning is triggered.
The warning for the driver, indicating persons at risk, is given in the form a corresponding symbol in the central information display CID or head-up display HUD.
These ranges change with increasing vehicle speed and follow the direction of the vehicle as a function of the current steering angle (yaw rate).
In order not to unnecessarily distract the driver not all persons identified in the image are signalled by a symbol. Only persons who are in a certain area directly in front of the vehicle are indicated by a symbol.
The system also warns of pedestrians located in an extended area to the left and right of the vehicle and are moving towards the central area (threat of collision).
People who are within the central zone are always indicated. Persons in the extended area are only indicated if they are moving in the direction of the central area.
Under optimum conditions, the automatic pedestrian detection function operates at a distance of up to 100 m. At a driving speed in excess of 100 km/h (62 mph), the time between signalling and passing the person and therefore the reaction time for braking and evasive maneuvers is reduced.