REDA: A New Methodology to Validate Sensor Systems for Person Detection under Variable Environmental Conditions

Perception of the environment by sensor systems in variable environmental conditions is very complex due to the interference influences. In the field of autonomous machines or autonomous vehicles, environmental conditions play a decisive role in safe person detection. A uniform test and validation method can support the manufacturers of sensor systems during development and simultaneously provide proof of functionality. The authors have developed a concept of a novel test method, “REDA”, for this purpose. In this article, the concept is applied and measurement data are presented. The results show the versatile potential of this test method, through the manifold interpretation options of the measurement data. Using this method, the strengths and weaknesses of sensor systems have been identified with an unprecedented level of detail, flexibility, and variance to test and compare the detection capability of sensor systems. The comparison was possible regardless of the measuring principle of the sensor system used. Sensor systems have been tested and compared with each other with regard to the influence of environmental conditions themselves. The first results presented highlight the potential of the new test method. For future applications, the test method offers possibilities to test and compare manifold sensing principles, sensor system parameters, or evaluation algorithms, including, e.g., artificial intelligence.