A Method for Collision Detection Using Mobile Devices

From April 2018, all cars and light vans sold in the European Union are to have a built-in eCall system. Its task will be automatic detection of accidents and informing the emergency services. The system will be installed in new cars. The installation in older vehicles may be difficult or uneconomical. This article presents the concept of a system executing similar tasks using a mobile device. A smartphone can be used to automatically send information about the collision, but also enables automatic voice connection. This can make it possible/easier for victims to call for help. The proposed system can also perform the function of the "black box" recording information on a moving vehicle before the collision. In the proposed solution it is also possible to set up an emergency number. Instead of emergency services, relatives can be notified and, if necessary, they can notify rescuers. The article presents the results of measurements recorded using mobile device sensors which allows an algorithm to be developed that recognizes collisions and an experimental implementation of the proposed system. The collision detection method and its implementation presented in this paper use an improved motion type recognition method developed by the authors. The motion type recognition method is used to reduce the risk of a false collision detection. The method is also briefly discussed.