Traffic light detecting system and method

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for determining the status of traffic lights through a mobile device and communicating the status to the user of the device. The mobile device detects its geographical location, direction and elevation. The mobile device also receives information related to traffic lights, such as location and type. The device calculates positional deviation from the device to the traffic light and generates one or more prompts in the form of audible or tactile cues that progressively guide the user to point the device at the traffic light. The mobile device detects the image and color of the traffic light and determines the illumination and sign status of the traffic light. Then the mobile device communicates the traffic light status to the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 297,455 filed Jan. 22, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to traffic light detection systems and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to identifying the state of traffic lights using a mobile device.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Blind travelers normally use the sound of traffic to judge whether a traffic light is green when deciding to cross a street. Building devices that can read traffic lights for one who cannot see is a technical challenge. Such electronic aids that can reliably announce the state of the traffic light typically require special-purpose hardware to be installed on traffic lights, and therefore such devices are often prohibitively expensive in the pas...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a way to communicate traffic light status to a user through a new technology that generates a tactile output. This technology can help make the driving experience more intuitive and safe for users.

Problems solved by technology

Building devices that can read traffic lights for one who cannot see is a technical challenge.

Such electronic aids that can reliably announce the state of the traffic light typically require special-purpose hardware to be installed on traffic lights, and therefore such devices are often prohibitively expensive in the past.

However, such technologies typically rely on sensors.

Consequently such solutions remain out of reach of the average consumer because of the high cost.

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