Traficon is introducing a brand-new sensor to better protect the most vulnerable road users, called SafeWalk.

This intelligent sensor  is designed to detect waiting pedestrians at curbsides. SafeWalk takes Traficon’s established video detection technologies to a whole new level.

Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and riders of powered two-wheelers (PTWs) and their passengers account for around 46% of the 1.2 million global road traffic deaths every single year. In fact, according to figures sourced from the World Health Organization’s recently published Global Status Report on Road Safety, in low-income countries in South East Asia, for example, over 80% of those killed are vulnerable road users.

As a result of these shocking statistics, there is an increasing focus on vulnerable road users in terms of urban design, traffic management as well as automotive safety. In the field of intelligent transport systems, SafeWalk, the latest video detection solution from Traficon, has been designed to buck this worrying trend.

Integrating stereovision technology and intelligent detection for pedestrian presence detection at curbsides, the main goal of this new smart innovation is to improve pedestrian operations and safety at traffic signals. “By detecting waiting pedestrians and, at the same time, by managing and controlling traffic lights more dynamically, this intelligent sensor reduces unnecessary delays to both pedestrians and motorists,” says Lode Caenepeel, Traficon’s Sales Director.

By using two CMOS cameras in parallel, SafeWalk converts two-dimensional images into three-dimensional information. Such three-dimensional information is useful and necessary as it enables to distinguish between real objects and irrelevant background information (shadows, reflections). Based now on this 3D information, embedded and field-proven Traficon algorithms are able to analyze more ‘in depth’; delivering accurate information on pedestrian presence and pedestrian behaviour.

“Next to its high detection rate and high immunity to false calls, the real strength of this sensor is its higher level of logic. This product not simply senses something or an object - such as many alternative systems do - but SafeWalk detects pedestrians. It is capable of tracing these pedestrians into the predefined detection zone. As such you know when the pedestrian enters the zone, when he leaves and what exact movements he makes. All this information allows you to come to a much more intelligent system.” says Michael Deruytter, Product Manager at Traficon.

SafeWalk focuses on more efficient and safer crossings at intersections and better protection of mid-block crossings e.g. near schools, shopping centres and hospitals. “By adding this innovative pedestrian detection concept to the Traficon product range, it means we now have a complete video-based solution to make any intersection more intelligent.” concludes Mr. Caenepeel.

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Main Goals

• Better protection of all vulnerable road users.
• Reducing the number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
• Avoiding unnecessary delays to both pedestrians and motorists.

Main Applications

• Detection of pedestrians waiting to cross the road.
• Detection of approaching pedestrians intending to cross the road.
• Suitable for use at crossings or signal controlled junctions.
  

Main Technologies

• Video Image Processing Technology
• 3D Stereovision Technology
• CMOS Sensor Technology 

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