FLIR Systems showed off the latest version of their thermal imaging system for automobiles that now includes Pedestrian Detection.
First off all, the thermal imaging camera displays a clearer image at night than a human’s native vision can provide. Known as Night Vision and currently available in a select few BMW models, the image is shown in the vehicle’s in-dash monitor (which also duals as the info center).
The new addition to the system is Pedestrian Detection which if detects a heat source in the shape of a human, alerts the driver. Cool. Definitely something that needs to get embedded in all vehicles. Currently, the pricing is a bit too much ($2600 luxury add-on for some BMWs).
FLIR is working with another German vendor as well as a Japanese automaker for 2010 releases.