Project

Detection of vulnerable road users in the blind spot

Code
174V02318U
Duration
01 August 2017 → 31 January 2019
Funding
Regional and community funding: various
Research disciplines
  • Engineering and technology
    • Wireless communication and positioning systems
    • Wireless communications
    • Analogue, RF and mixed signal integrated circuits
Keywords
blind spot
 
Project description

Around a vehicle, a blind spot is an area, which cannot be seen by the driver. Blind spot accidents are a frequently occurring problem. Annually, dozens of deaths are caused by this phenomenon despite legally compulsory prevention tools and large investments in raising awareness and developing prevention systems. Because this is not enough to reduce the number of accidents, proactive solutions must be found. This project evaluates a new blind spot system based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

A complete system is in this project designed with on-the-shelf products and finally realized in a proof-of-concept. The final design requirements are fixed, by figuring out where the blind spots are and which various advantages and disadvantages the existing systems have. In a further stage, the system is tested in several possible critical situations, proving that it is very robust. Both the vulnerable road user and the driver are indeed detected and alerted via a smartphone, a tag (in clothing/shoe) or a device on the bike handlebar or in a cool bracelet. The biggest advantages of the new system are the shared responsibility, the low threshold in use, low cost price, easy installation, strong visualization and correct operation in every situation.