-
Home
-
Latest Headlines
-
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
Automotive Technology
AUTOS: GM Testing Smart-Phone-Based Pedestrian-Detection System
Using Wi-Fi Direct, the technology allows vehicles to locate pedestrians and bike riders who have uploaded the app to their phones.
General Motors' app-based system could detect pedestrians and bicyclists on congested streets or in poor visibility before the driver sees them. (Ilustration: General Motors)
Pedestrian-detection is nothing new; such automakers as Volvo and Mercedes-Benz have been developing the safety systems for years. So what makes General Motors' new pedestrian technology interesting?
For starters, it works via your smart phone.
GM's pedestrian-detection system is based on Wi-Fi Direct, a technology that allows wi-fi devices to communicate with one another. But this is different than having two laptops "talk" over a network. Wi-Fi Direct requires no network at all, permitting wi-fi gadgets to interact directly (as the name implies).
If you've ever used Bump or CardFlick, you have an inkling of how this works. With Bump, for example, two new friends open the requisite smart phone app, then "bump" phones to exchange contact info.
GM's new pedestrian-detection system works in a similar way. Pedestrians upload an app to their smart phones, which runs in the background anytime the phone is on. GM's next-gen cars then use Wi-Fi Direct to "see" any app-using pedestrians in their path.
The difference between short-range apps like Bump and GM's new tech is that Wi-Fi Direct can connect devices up to 656 apart. In crowded urban areas, GM vehicles could keep track of hundreds of nearby pedestrians.
This technology, which is still in the formative stages, has a number of advantages:
• It builds on GM's growing platform of vehicle-to-vehicle technology, offering new ways to identify pedestrians who might not be caught by radar or other systems.
• It doesn't require GM to develop any new hardware; it can be folded into current sensor-based systems.
• It connects to smart phones, which are rapidly becoming ubiquitous in the U.S.
• It could provide a huge benefit to people who spend a lot of time on the streets, including construction workers and delivery people. During 2010, 4,280 pedestrians and 618 bicyclists were killed after being struck by automobiles, according to GM.
• It could allow for greater interaction between cars and homes. For example, permitting GM owners to transfer music files and movies from laptops in their home offices to their cars' entertainment systems.
But the technology isn't without its shortcomings. Most notably, it requires that pedestrians download the associated app. If there's no app, Wi-Fi Direct can't communicate with it.
All in all, this sounds like a very intriguing tech development. While it's not perfect – a perfect system would be passive, requiring no input from pedestrians – it strikes us as an innovative concept that could, over time, serve as the basis for many safety improvements.
Also, pedestrian detection stands to be hugely important in the future. Between the continuing surge of urban populations and the growing popularity of super-silent hybrids and electric cars, pedestrian-detection tech will become even more crucial in preventing accidents.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
For starters, it works via your smart phone.
GM's pedestrian-detection system is based on Wi-Fi Direct, a technology that allows wi-fi devices to communicate with one another. But this is different than having two laptops "talk" over a network. Wi-Fi Direct requires no network at all, permitting wi-fi gadgets to interact directly (as the name implies).
If you've ever used Bump or CardFlick, you have an inkling of how this works. With Bump, for example, two new friends open the requisite smart phone app, then "bump" phones to exchange contact info.
GM's new pedestrian-detection system works in a similar way. Pedestrians upload an app to their smart phones, which runs in the background anytime the phone is on. GM's next-gen cars then use Wi-Fi Direct to "see" any app-using pedestrians in their path.
The difference between short-range apps like Bump and GM's new tech is that Wi-Fi Direct can connect devices up to 656 apart. In crowded urban areas, GM vehicles could keep track of hundreds of nearby pedestrians.
This technology, which is still in the formative stages, has a number of advantages:
• It builds on GM's growing platform of vehicle-to-vehicle technology, offering new ways to identify pedestrians who might not be caught by radar or other systems.
• It doesn't require GM to develop any new hardware; it can be folded into current sensor-based systems.
• It connects to smart phones, which are rapidly becoming ubiquitous in the U.S.
• It could provide a huge benefit to people who spend a lot of time on the streets, including construction workers and delivery people. During 2010, 4,280 pedestrians and 618 bicyclists were killed after being struck by automobiles, according to GM.
• It could allow for greater interaction between cars and homes. For example, permitting GM owners to transfer music files and movies from laptops in their home offices to their cars' entertainment systems.
But the technology isn't without its shortcomings. Most notably, it requires that pedestrians download the associated app. If there's no app, Wi-Fi Direct can't communicate with it.
All in all, this sounds like a very intriguing tech development. While it's not perfect – a perfect system would be passive, requiring no input from pedestrians – it strikes us as an innovative concept that could, over time, serve as the basis for many safety improvements.
Also, pedestrian detection stands to be hugely important in the future. Between the continuing surge of urban populations and the growing popularity of super-silent hybrids and electric cars, pedestrian-detection tech will become even more crucial in preventing accidents.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
Toyota FT-86 Open Concept
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
