Predictive safety systems - Steps towards collision avoidance and collision mitigation

Abstract

Sensors to detect the vehicle environment are being used already today. Ultrasonic parking aids meanwhile have a high customer acceptance, and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) systems have been introduced in the market recently. New sensors are being developed at rapid pace. On their basis new functions are quickly implemented because of their importance for safety and convenience. Upon availability of high dynamic CMOS imager chips Video cameras will be introduced in vehicles. A computer platform with picture processing capability will explore the high potential of functions. Finally, sensor data fusion will improve significantly the performance of the systems. During the "PROMETHEUS" project at the end of the 1980s the electronic components necessary for these systems - highly sensitive sensors and extremely efficient micro-processors - were not yet ready for high-volume series production and automotive applications. Now they are available.