US 12,403,930 B2
Systems and methods for detecting and warning drivers of vulnerable road users
Morgan Lee McCann, Troy, MI (US); Steffen Peter Lindenthal, Oshawa (CA); and Norman J. Weigert, Whitby (CA)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Aug. 11, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/448,378.
Prior Publication US 2025/0050902 A1, Feb. 13, 2025
Int. Cl. B60Q 1/00 (2006.01); B60Q 1/04 (2006.01); B60Q 1/50 (2006.01); B60W 50/16 (2020.01)
CPC B60W 50/16 (2013.01) [B60Q 1/04 (2013.01); B60Q 1/525 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for warning a driver in a vehicle of a vulnerable road user (VRU) while the vehicle is moving, the system comprising:
a detection module including at least one sensor configured to detect VRUs on or adjacent to a road on which the vehicle is moving; and
a control module in communication with the detection module, the control module configured to:
receive data indicative of a detected VRU;
determine a location of the detected VRU relative to the vehicle based on the received data, wherein the location includes a driver side or a passenger side of the vehicle;
determine a confidence value of the detected VRU; and
in response to determining the location of the detected VRU, temporarily flicker an intensity of light output from at least one of a first active headlight on the driver side of the vehicle and a second active headlight on the passenger side of the vehicle only if the determined confidence value is greater than a confidence threshold, to warn the driver of the location of the detected VRU relative to the vehicle.