Thermal Imaging for Vehicle Safety: How irARM™ Thermal Cores Improve Pedestrian Detection

Introduction

Pedestrian safety is an ever-growing concern for vehicle manufacturers, especially as the number of pedestrian-related accidents continues to rise. According to various studies, a large percentage of these accidents occur at night or in conditions with poor visibility, making it difficult for traditional sensors to detect pedestrians in time. Thermal imaging for vehicle safety has become an essential solution for improving pedestrian detection, especially under challenging conditions.This has led to the development of advanced systems like Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB), which can detect pedestrians and help prevent collisions. As these technologies evolve, meeting regulatory standards has become increasingly important, both for safety and compliance.

FMVSS No. 127 is one such regulation that highlights the growing importance of pedestrian detection systems. Set to be enforced by 2029, this standard requires vehicles to be equipped with PAEB systems capable of detecting pedestrians, even under challenging conditions such as low lighting or inclement weather.

FMVSS No. 127, PAEB Systems, and Thermal Imaging for Vehicle Safety

The introduction of FMVSS No. 127 has paved the way for the adoption of innovative technologies like PAEB systems in vehicles. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 127 mandates that by 2029, all new passenger vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds must be equipped with systems that can detect pedestrians and apply the brakes when a potential collision is detected. These systems are expected to work effectively at speeds up to 50 km/h (about 31 mph) and in various environments, including daylight, nighttime, and inclement weather.

The aim of FMVSS No. 127 is to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries, especially at night, when visibility is poor. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nighttime pedestrian fatalities account for a significant portion of total pedestrian deaths, making this regulation a critical step toward improving road safety. However, detecting pedestrians at night and in low-visibility conditions is a challenge for conventional automotive sensors such as cameras, radar, and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)

Challenges in Pedestrian Detection

Pedestrian detection presents significant challenges, particularly in low-visibility environments. Conventional automotive sensors like cameras, radar, and LIDAR each have strengths but also limitations that can hinder their effectiveness in adverse weather or nighttime conditions. Thermal imaging for vehicle safety helps address these challenges, offering enhanced detection when traditional sensors fail.

• Cameras rely on visible light to detect objects, making them ineffective in darkness, fog, or heavy rain. While some advanced cameras use infrared illumination, their range and accuracy remain limited in extreme low-light conditions.
• Radar performs well in poor visibility and can detect objects in motion, but it struggles to distinguish between pedestrians and stationary objects like signs or barriers.
• LIDAR provides highly accurate distance measurements and detailed 3D maps. However, its performance declines in rain, snow, or fog, where laser signals scatter and reduce detection accuracy.

Given these challenges, an effective pedestrian detection system must combine multiple sensors to compensate for their individual weaknesses. However, even sensor fusion has limitations, particularly in extreme weather or nighttime scenarios where pedestrians remain difficult to detect with traditional technologies alone.

Thermal Imaging for Pedestrian Detection

Thermal imaging technology has revolutionized the way vehicles detect pedestrians, especially in conditions where traditional sensors struggle. Unlike visible light cameras, thermal cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by objects, which is primarily determined by temperature. Since human bodies are warm-blooded and emit heat, pedestrians produce a clear thermal signature that stands out from the background, even in the dark.

This capability makes thermal imaging particularly useful for nighttime driving, foggy conditions, or rainy weather, when other sensors may fail to detect pedestrians in time. Thermal imaging systems can easily differentiate between pedestrians and other environmental elements, such as vehicles, which may have similar shapes or sizes but are at different temperatures. This allows thermal cameras to provide more accurate, real-time data for systems like PAEB, enhancing the ability to detect pedestrians early enough to prevent collisions.

Furthermore, thermal imaging has the advantage of being less affected by external lighting conditions. Whether it’s dusk, dawn, or the middle of the night, thermal cameras maintain consistent performance, ensuring that the vehicle’s detection system is always operational. This makes thermal imaging a vital component of any advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), especially those designed to meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 127.

irARM™ Thermal Cores: A Solution for Improved Pedestrian Detection

Thermal imaging for vehicle safety, such as with irARM™ thermal cores like the ThruVision series, offers a high-performance solution for vehicle safety applications, particularly in pedestrian detection. These thermal cores are designed with advanced infrared imaging technology to capture clear, detailed thermal images in a variety of challenging conditions. With a range of models like the ThruVision 1280 and 640, irARM™ provides flexible options depending on the specific needs of the vehicle and its detection system.

What distinguishes our thermal cores is their superior image resolution, which ensures even the smallest thermal signatures, such as pedestrians in low-light conditions, are clearly visible. The high sensitivity of these thermal cores allows for reliable detection in complete darkness, through fog, rain, or other adverse weather conditions where traditional sensors fail. Additionally, their compact size and energy efficiency make them ideal for integration into automotive systems without compromising vehicle performance.

Integrating irARM™ Thermal Cores into PAEB Systems

Integrating irARM™ thermal cores into PAEB systems provides a seamless way to meet the demands of FMVSS No. 127 while enhancing overall vehicle safety. The advanced imaging technology of our cores seamlessly complements existing PAEB frameworks, enhancing pedestrian detection and enabling automatic braking at crucial moments.

These thermal cores are designed for easy integration with existing automotive platforms, making them an ideal choice for automakers working to comply with the regulation. Whether mounted on the front bumper or integrated into the vehicle’s camera array, irARM™ thermal cores work in conjunction with radar and other sensors to create a comprehensive safety system. They offer the advantage of being less susceptible to environmental factors like darkness or adverse weather conditions, ensuring constant operation and optimal pedestrian detection.

Conclusion

As pedestrian safety becomes an increasingly critical concern for vehicle manufacturers, the need for effective, reliable detection systems is clear. FMVSS No. 127 sets important regulatory standards for Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) systems, pushing the automotive industry toward safer technologies. By integrating irARM™ thermal cores into PAEB systems, automakers can meet regulatory requirements while improving pedestrian safety, reducing the risk of accidents, and contributing to safer roads for everyone