Abstract
Due to an earlier analysis of the interrelation between collisions and advanced driver reaction performed by ENKE, a significant number of accidents could be avoided through timely threat recognition and appropriate manoeuvres for collision avoidance. This may be achieved either by suitable warning to the driver or by automatic support to longitudinal or lateral control of the vehicle. A precondition for the registration of the dangerous situation are appropriate sensors. This leads to an environmental sensor vision system accompanied by a matched human machine interface.
Many vehicles readily offer ultrasonic reversing aids as add-on systems. Furthermore, long range radar systems for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are introduced to the market now. New sensor technologies, such as short range radar and video, being under development now, open up a plurality of novel functions thus enhancing driving safety and comfort. As a first step, functions for driver warning or information, e.g. lane departure warning, distance warning, are being introduced. In a second step, functions intervening into vehicle dynamics through brake, steering and acceleration, will open up new perspectives for collision mitigation and collision avoidance.
A discussion of the most important sensor technologies and their specific features naturally leads us to applications of these sensors in various collision warning systems. Particular emphasis is put on short range radar sensors and stereo vision sensors. Due to the possibility of multi-usage the potential of video sensing is considered high for various warning functions.