Pedestrian safety has been evaluated based on the mean number of pedestrian-involved collisions. Traffic conflicts have been used as a data source to supplement collision data because of their higher frequency and lower damage. Currently, the main source of traffic conflict observation is through video cameras that can efficiently gather rich data but can be limited by weather and lighting conditions. The utilization of wireless sensors to gather traffic conflict data can augment video sensors because of their robustness to adverse weather conditions and poor illumination. This study presents a prototype of a safety assessment system that utilizes ultra-wideband wireless sensors to detect traffic conflicts. A customized variant of time-to-collision is used to detect conflicts at different severity thresholds. Field trials are conducted using vehicle-mounted beacons and a phone to simulate sensors on vehicles and smart devices on pedestrians. Proximity measures are calculated in real-time to alert smartphones and prevent collisions, even in adverse weather conditions. Validation is conducted to assess the accuracy of time-to-collision measurements at various distances from the phone. Several limitations are identified and discussed, along with recommendations for improvement and lessons learned for future research and development.

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Improving Pedestrian Safety Using Ultra-Wideband Sensors: A Study of Time-to-Collision Estimation

BLE BEACONS FOR PROXIMITY-BASED AND LOCATION-BASED SERVICES Andrew Mackey Advisors: University of Guelph, 2019 Petros Spachos Stefano Gregori In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in what is called Internet of Things (IoT). IoT can be described as the interconnectedness of all things, where we as people are able to interact with our physical environment using wireless communications. One of the core wireless technologies that has been a driving force in the growth of IoT is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This thesis focuses on proximity-based and location-based services using BLE beacons and smartphone devices. Moreover, this thesis proposes that BLE beacons are capable of providing proximity and location-based services, both indoors and outdoors with a suitable level of precision and accuracy. Proximity and location using BLE beacons are realized using a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) technique. The results of numerous experiments provide sufficient evidence that BLE beacons are a viable and highly scalable option for such services in the framework of IoT. Dedicated to my parents. A caring mother who has always supported me and my father, a true man who I always have and always will aspire to emulate. . .

Andrew Mackey

Papers

BLE Beacons for Proximity-Based and Location-Based Services