Machine Vision System Can Help Smart Cars to ‘See’ Cyclists, Pedestrians

“The system’s announcement comes at a time of considerable excitement over smart and connected car technologies…”

NXP Semiconductors, LG Electronics, and automotive components supplier HELLA Aglaia have announced a new computer vision system for smart cars that is designed to detect and classify pedestrians and cyclists. Not only can the system identify such vulnerable groups on the road, but it can also activate automated emergency braking systems when necessary to help protect those individuals on the road. Additionally, the system can detect traffic signs, enable steering correction to keep a car within its lane, and alert the driver about speed limits.

The camera system is designed for integration on a car’s windshield or behind its rear-view mirror, and LG, NXP, and HELLA are pitching it to auto makers for their emerging smart and connected cars. In a statement announcing the solution, the companies said their collaboration is based on the belief “that vision platforms must be open and safe to meet NCAP guidelines and to pave the way for level 3 to 5 automated driving.” The companies also asserted that their new system has already been adopted by “a major European OEM”.

The system’s announcement comes at a time of considerable excitement over smart and connected car technologies, with a number of attention-grabbing prototypes having recently been demonstrated at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. And it comes soon after NXP’s announcement last autumn of an MCU solution aimed at smart car applications, further signalling the firm’s growing interest in this area.