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Using the smartphone camera as a sensor for safety applications

Abstract:

Our goal is to study the use of ubiquitous smartphones for designing ITS applications that would improve safety, mobility and efficiency of ground transportation systems making use of their sensing, analysis, and communication capabilities. In this paper we design an implementation that makes use of the optical sensor available in smartphones for alerting users when not maintaining an established safe distance with the vehicle ahead. For proper functioning of the proposed application, the minimum requirement is the use of a device equipped with at least a back camera, that is properly mounted on the dashboard with the camera facing ahead. Thus, taking advantage of this effortless and easy setup, we capture images of the road ahead and of any vehicles in front. These images are then processed to calculate the distance from the lens of the camera to the back of the vehicle travelling ahead. A warning message is displayed on screen if the vehicle ahead and the one following it are too close to each other, thus aiding drivers in the prevention of possible accidents. This first version of the application was tested in static scenarios that did not involve any sort of motion, to validate our approach and assess its feasibility. The results obtained make us optimistic towards its possible acceptance and wide use.