Assessment of driver vision enhancement technologies

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Assessment of driver vision enhancement technologies

Denes, L.J. / Grace, R. / Purta, D.A. / Guzman, A.M.

Driver vision enhancement systems provide augmented information to improve the driver's perceptual ability when visibility is reduced. Vision enhancement is a technologically-challenging mission. Two classes of technologies are surveyed: imaging systems (visible and infrared) and radars (millimeter-wave and laser radars). Night (IR) vision and radar-based systems promise meaningful vision enhancement functionality to the driver. Available field test data give thermal imagers operating in the range of 8 to 12 microns an edge. This spectral regime has a long (miles) clear night range, adequate object discrimination and handles inclement weather conditions better than other shorter wavelength imagers. Uncooled thermal imagers, because of their potentially low-cost, are emerging as a front runner technology. All weather penetration of a radar based system is attractive for certain driving scenarios. They are not particularly adept in high resolution imaging. This combination makes them more of interest as automated warning devices. Icons replace the actual objects imaged to indicate the hazard ahead. True all-weather high-resolution vision enhancement systems are beyond near-term capabilities. Overall, vision enhancement systems under development today will have good utility with the challenge that they become affordable.