The output of this design is referred to as the Pedestrian Backup Assist System, or PBAS. This system will be an additional component included in a modern automobile, and will include hardware for sensing and vehicle control as well as software for interfacing and interpretation of sensor data. All software will be a part of embedded automobile components (Electronic Control Units, as defined in 1.3).
Most back-over accidents are primarily due to a lack of situational awareness on the part of the driver. Understanding the ways in which a driver might be distracted, have decreased visibility and awareness, or both, is crucial to devising an effective mitigation strategy. In some cases the driver may be totally aware and cautious while backing up, yet is unable to see or hear a pedestrian due to vehicle configuration or environmental factors. In other cases, the driver may have all attention focused on something extraneous such as mobile phone. Different types of warnings are necessary in these varying situations. To avoid these accidents, we propose a warning system which gradually increases in intensity as the threat level increases. Such a system can either assist a driver who is actively engaged but otherwise impaired by vehicle configuration or environment, or alert a driver who is not engaged. In cases where warnings (auditory and visual) fail to elicit any mitigating response from the driver, automated countermeasures will be deployed.