[Quietcars] Volvo avoidance of some pedestrian

[Ken Stewart]

A key phrase in this presentation is, "straying out in
front of the vehicle".  Neither time when I was hit by
a vehicle I didn't hear, was I out in front" of it.  A
very high percentage of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts
occur when each is converging on the same place...
either when a pedestrian like a small child darts out
from behind a parked car, or, a jay-walker fails to
notice the vehicle, or, as the vehicle is making a
turn at an intersection and the driver misjudges the
exact behavior of the pedestrian (expecting him to
yield slightly by slowing slightly, or, to speed up
slightly, due to awareness of the vehicle approaching
from beside or behind him.)  A detailed report on the
Volvo innovative technology, I think it was in a
recent issue of THE ECONOMIST, acknowledged this
limitation.  The hope is that a later generation of
the radar will be able to 'spot' potential conflictts
out toward the sides of the vehicle also.  That is, in
my opinion, a daunting assignment, distinguishing
among pedestrians with a variety of future intentions,
and, inanimate objects near the trajectory of the
vehicle.  For example, how will that Volvo know
whether that entity at the edge of the crosswalk just
ahead is an aware pedestrian, a carefully listening
blind pedestrian, or, a lamp post?  Finally, I worry
about unintended consequences too... such as drivers
becoming too dependent on the technology instead of
their own alertness and human judgments.
--- Robert Wilson <bwilson4web at hotmail.com> wrote:

> 
> I spotted this bit of automotive news:
> 
> ". . .
> Volvo's longstanding
> reputation for safety is being enhanced yet again on
> the S60 Concept.
> Debuting on the concept and arriving in production
> cars later this
> year, Volvo's new Collision Warning with Full Auto
> Brake system will
> actively try to avoid collisions with other cars and
> pedestrians if the
> driver does not respond to audio and visual
> warnings. A radar unit
> behind the grille and a camera behind the rearview
> mirror work together
> to recognize the movement patterns of a pedestrian
> straying out in
> front of the vehicle and give audio warnings and
> display a red light on
> the heads-up display meant to look like a brake
> light. If the driver
> fails to react, the car will apply full brakes to
> minimize the
> collision, reducing the collision force by as much
> as 75%. If the car
> is traveling less than 12 mph, the system can avoid
> the collision
> entirely. In the event that the driver is about to
> rear-end another car
> rather than hit a pedestrian, the system can react
> in the same manner.
> If the speed difference between the cars is less
> than 15 mph, the
> system can avoid a collision altogether.
> . . ."
> 
> Obviously addressing pedestrian safety, it is part
> of the adaptive cruise control that allows cars to
> follow and automatically maintain a safe distance.
> But this technology also works to avoid pedestrians
> and other road hazards. This is a 'win-win' solution
> because it provides something for everyone.
> 
> Drivers see a reduction in their driving work load
> and improved highway fuel economy. Safety at highway
> speeds is improved by safer following distances and
> automatic reaction to changing conditions. Finally,
> all pedestrians, blind and sighted, are detected
> with automatic vehicle braking to prevent death and
> injury.
> 
> For those traveling to friends and family and also
> those who will be staying home over Christmas and
> New Years, safe journey and happy holidays.
> 
> Bob Wilson
> 
>
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