Apparatus and method for identifying an overspeed condition of a vehicle

Abstract

A controller (22) for identifying an overspeed condition of a carrier (10) is adapted to identify a currently published speed limit; determine whether to identify an overspeed condition of the carrier (10) based on the currently published speed limit, a previously published speed limit, and a current speed of the carrier (10); and if it is determined that an overspeed condition is identified, transmit an overspeed warning signal to activate a warning device (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an overspeed warning system. Background Art

[0002] The present invention finds particular application in conjunction with determining when an overspeed condition is identified, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also amenable to other applications.

[0003] The carrier and operator (e.g., driver) monitoring and reporting service uses sensors on the carrier to collect data (e.g., safety data) from the carrier, transforms the data into executable information and reports the data to the owner of the carrier (e.g., fleet). In some cases, the safety data is reported by wirelessly transmitting the safety data to the owner. Such systems typically use cameras to collect images of speed limit signs along the road on which the carrier is traveling. The image of the speed limit is then processed by the monitoring service, and the current speed limit is identified. If the carrier monitoring service determines that the carrier is traveling above the identified speed limit, a report and / or warning can be recorded.

[0004] In some cases, an image of a speed limit sign that does not reflect the actual speed limit may be captured. For example, if the carrier is traveling along the main portion of the highway, an image of a speed limit sign along the exit ramp may be captured. In that case, although the carrier is still traveling on the main portion of the highway with a higher speed limit than the exit ramp, the carrier monitoring service identifies the current speed limit as the speed limit on the exit ramp. Since the speed limit on the exit ramp is usually significantly lower than the speed limit on the main portion of the highway, the monitoring system may inaccurately report that the driver is operating the carrier at a speed significantly higher than the speed limit.

[0005] The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus and method for identifying an overspeed condition. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that a controller for identifying an overspeed condition of a carrier is adapted to identify a currently published speed limit; determine whether to identify an overspeed condition of the carrier based on the currently published speed limit, a previously published speed limit, and a current speed of the carrier; and if it is determined that an overspeed condition is identified, transmit an overspeed warning signal to activate a warning device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, there are illustrated embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to illustrate embodiments of the invention.

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a vehicle passing various speed limit signs while traveling along a road in accordance with one embodiment of an apparatus illustrating the principles of the present invention; and

[0009] Figure 2 An exemplary method of identifying an overspeed condition according to one embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] refer to Figure 1 , according to one embodiment of an apparatus illustrating the principles of the present invention, is a schematic representation of a vehicle 10 with an operator (e.g., a driver) traveling along a road 12 including an exit ramp 14. The vehicle 10 passes various speed limit signs 16 while traveling along the road 12. 1，2，3，4，5 (collectively referred to as 16). In one embodiment, the mark 16 1，3，4，5 Displays posted speed limits along road 12 and sign 16 2 Displays the posted speed limit along the exit ramp 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the sign 16 1，3，4 The posted speed limit is 60 miles per hour (mph); sign 16 2 The posted speed limit is 30 mph; and sign 16 5 The posted speed limit is 70mph.

[0011] As the vehicle 10 passes each of the signs 16, an image capture device 20 (e.g., a camera) on the vehicle 10 captures a corresponding image of the sign 16. The image capture device 20 is capable of transmitting electronic signals representing the captured image of the corresponding speed limit sign 16 along the road 12. The electronic signals representing the corresponding images are transmitted from the image capture device 20 to an electronic control unit (ECU) 22 (e.g., a controller) on the vehicle 10. The ECU 22 receives the electronic signals from the image capture device 20 and identifies the posted speed limit on the corresponding sign 16. For example, from the image capture device 20 corresponding to the speed limit sign 16, the ECU 22 may receive the electronic signals from the image capture device 20 and identify the posted speed limit on the corresponding sign 16. 1 The posted speed limit associated with the electronic signal is 60 mph, starting with sign 16 2 The posted speed limit associated with the electronic signal is 30 mph, starting with sign 16 3 The posted speed limit associated with the electronic signal is 60 mph, starting with sign 16 4 The posted speed limit associated with the electronic signal is 60 mph and is 5 The posted speed limit indicated by the associated electronic sign is 70 mph.

[0012] If the ECU 22 identifies an overspeed condition, the ECU transmits an overspeed warning signal to activate the warning device 24. It is contemplated that the warning device 24 is positioned on the vehicle 10 so that the operator of the vehicle 24 is notified of the overspeed condition. For example, in one embodiment, it is contemplated that the warning device 24 is a display on the dashboard of the vehicle 10 (e.g., a light that is illuminated during an overspeed condition, a display showing the current speed and the current speed limit, and / or a message that conveys a warning to the vehicle operator of the overspeed condition, etc.). In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the warning device 24 is a sound generating device (e.g., a buzzer) that is activated to generate a noise during an overspeed condition. It is also contemplated that the warning device 24 is any combination of a display and a sound generating device.

[0013] The system for identifying an overspeed condition includes an image capture device 20 and an ECU 22. In one embodiment, the ECU 22 identifies an overspeed condition if the speed of the vehicle 10 is greater than the actual speed limit by a predetermined percentage.

[0014] refer to Figure 2 , which illustrates the use of the Figure 1 . As illustrated, the blocks represent functions, actions, and / or events performed therein. It will be understood that electronic and software systems involve dynamic and flexible processes such that the blocks illustrated and the sequences described may be executed in different orders. One of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that elements embodied as software may be implemented using various programming methods such as machine language, procedural, object-oriented, or artificial intelligence techniques. It will also be understood that, if desired and appropriate, some or all of the software may be embodied as part of an operating system for a device.

[0015] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the method starts in step 212. In step 214, a grace speed limit value is input. For example, in step 214, the ECU 22 is programmed with a grace speed limit value by the owner of the vehicle 10 (e.g., a fleet owner of heavy vehicles). In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the grace speed limit value is 60 mph.

[0016] After receiving the electronic signal from the image capture device 20, the ECU 22 determines whether the signal represents a valid speed limit sign in step 216. If it is determined that the signal does not represent a valid speed limit sign (e.g., if the signal represents a route sign, such as an interstate identification sign, a "Stop" sign, etc.), control returns to step 216. Otherwise, if it is determined that the signal does represent a valid speed limit sign, the speed limit value on the sign is set to the current speed limit sign value, and control then passes to step 220.

[0017] In step 220, a determination is made as to whether the current speed limit sign value is new. During an initial pass through the process, no previous speed limit values ​​will have been detected. Therefore, during the initial pass, any current speed limit sign value detected is considered a new speed limit sign value. During a subsequent pass through the process (i.e., after the initial pass), if the current speed limit sign value does not match the most recently detected speed limit sign value, then a new speed limit sign value is identified. For example, when the vehicle 10 is traveling along the road 12, a corresponding sign 16 may be detected. 1 , 16 2 , 16 3 , 16 4 , 16 5 The speed limit sign values ​​detected are 60mph, 30mph, 60mph, 60mph, and 70mph. In this case, the speed limit sign values ​​from sign 16 1 , 16 2 , 16 3 , 16 5 Each of the speed limit sign values ​​60 mph, 30 mph, 60 mph, and 70 mph is identified as a new speed limit sign value, and the speed limit sign value from the sign 16 4 60 mph is not identified as a new speed limit sign value. If it is determined in step 220 that the current speed limit sign value is new, control passes to step 222 to reset the grace counter, and then control passes to step 224. In one embodiment, the grace counter is reset to zero (0) in step 222. Otherwise, control passes directly from step 220 to step 224.

[0018] In step 224, a determination is made as to whether the current speed limit flag value is less than or equal to the grace speed limit value. If it is determined in step 224 that the current speed limit flag value is less than or equal to the grace speed limit value, control passes to step 226. In step 226, the grace counter is incremented, for example, by one (1). Then, in step 230, a determination is made as to whether the grace count is at least two (2). If it is determined in step 230 that the grace count is not at least two (2), control returns to step 216. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 230 that the grace count is at least two (2), control passes to step 232.

[0019] If it is determined in step 224 that the current speed limit flag value is not less than or equal to the grace speed limit value, control transfers from step 224 directly to step 232 .

[0020] In step 232 , the overspeed condition is identified and logged, and the warning device 24 is activated based on parameters (eg, the current actual speed of the vehicle 10 ) and the current speed limit flag value. Control then returns to step 216 .

[0021] As mentioned above, in Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle 10 is traveling along the road 12. When the vehicle 10 approaches the sign 16 1 When the image capture device 20 obtains the mark 16 1 The image included in the logo 16 1 The ECU 22 receives the speed limit sign value (e.g., the posted speed limit) indicated on the image and transmits a signal representing the image to the ECU 22. 1 Images and logos in 16 1 The signal on the speed limit sign value is identified and the sign 16 is determined 1 It is itself a valid speed limit sign (eg, not a stop sign) and the speed limit sign value (ie, 60 mph) is identified as the current speed limit sign value (step 216).

[0022] Since this is an initial pass through the process, no previous speed limit flag value is detected and the previous speed limit flag value from the previous flag (e.g., the first flag) is assumed to be zero (0). Therefore, the current speed limit flag value is determined to be new in step 220 and control passes to step 222 to reset the grace count to zero (0). Next, in step 224, the current speed limit flag value (e.g., 60 mph) (e.g., from the second flag (i.e., flag 16)) is reset to zero (0). 1 ) is determined to be less than or equal to the grace speed limit value (e.g., 60 mph). Therefore, control passes to step 226 to increment the grace count by one (1) so that the grace count is now one (1). Since the grace count is one (1) (i.e., not greater than or equal to two (2)) in step 230, control returns to step 216.

[0023] As the vehicle 10 continues along the road 12 and approaches the sign 16 2 When the image capture device 20 obtains the mark 16 2 The image included in the logo 16 2 The speed limit sign value indicated on the image is transmitted to the ECU 22. The ECU 22 receives the speed limit sign value indicated on the image. 2 Images and logos in 16 2 The signal on the speed limit sign value is identified and the sign 16 is determined 2 It is itself a valid speed limit sign (eg, not a stop sign) and the speed limit sign value (ie, 30 mph) is identified as the current speed limit sign value (step 216).

[0024] As with the previous mark 161 The previous speed limit sign value associated with the current sign (e.g., the first sign) is 60 mph and is the same as the previous speed limit sign value associated with the current sign 16 2 The current speed limit flag value associated with the second flag (e.g., the second flag) is 30 mph, so the current speed limit flag value (i.e., 30 mph) is determined to be new in step 220, and therefore control passes to step 222 to reset the grace count to zero (0). Next, in step 224, the current speed limit flag value (e.g., 30 mph) is determined to be less than or equal to the grace speed limit value (e.g., 60 mph). Therefore, control passes to step 226 to increment the grace count by one (1) so that the grace count is now one (1). Since the grace count is one (1) (i.e., not greater than or equal to two (2)) in step 230, control returns to step 216.

[0025] As the vehicle 10 continues along the road 12 and approaches the sign 16 3 When the image capture device 20 obtains the mark 16 3 The image included in the logo 16 3 The speed limit sign value indicated on the image is transmitted to the ECU 22. The ECU 22 receives the speed limit sign value indicated on the image. 3 Images and logos in 16 3 The signal on the speed limit sign value is identified and the sign 16 is determined 3 It is itself a valid speed limit sign (eg, not a stop sign) and the speed limit sign value (ie, 60 mph) is identified as the current speed limit sign value (step 216).

[0026] As with the previous mark 16 2 The previous speed limit sign value associated with the current sign 16 is 30 mph. 3 (e.g., which is now referred to as the second flag) is 60 mph, so the current speed limit flag value (i.e., 60 mph) is determined to be new in step 220, and therefore control passes to step 222 to reset the grace count to zero (0). Next, in step 224, the current speed limit flag value (e.g., 60 mph) is determined to be less than or equal to the grace speed limit value (e.g., 60 mph). Therefore, control passes to step 226 to increment the grace count by one (1), so that the grace count is now one (1). Since the grace count is one (1) (i.e., not greater than or equal to two (2)) in step 230, control returns to step 216.

[0027] As the vehicle 10 continues along the road 12 and approaches the sign 16 4When the image capture device 20 obtains the mark 16 4 The image included in the logo 16 4 The speed limit sign value indicated on the image is transmitted to the ECU 22. The ECU 22 receives the speed limit sign value indicated on the image. 4 Images and logos in 16 4 The signal on the speed limit sign value is identified and the sign 16 is determined 4 It is itself a valid speed limit sign (eg, not a stop sign) and the speed limit sign value (ie, 60 mph) is identified as the current speed limit sign value (step 216).

[0028] As with the previous mark 16 3 The previous speed limit sign value associated with the current sign 16 is 60 mph. 4 (e.g., which is now referred to as the second sign) is 60 mph, so the current speed limit sign value (i.e., 60 mph) is determined to be not new in step 220, and therefore control passes to step 224. In step 224, the current speed limit sign value (e.g., 60 mph) is determined to be less than or equal to the grace speed limit value (e.g., 60 mph). Therefore, control passes to step 226 to increment the grace count by one (1) so that the grace count is now two (2). Since the grace count was two (2) in step 230, control passes to step 232.

[0029] In step 232, the overspeed condition is identified and recorded, and the warning device 24 is activated based on the parameter (e.g., the current actual speed of the carrier 10) and the current speed limit sign value (i.e., 60 mph). In this example, if the current speed of the carrier 10 is greater than the speed limit sign value (e.g., 60 mph) by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%), the overspeed condition is identified and recorded and the warning device 24 is activated. Therefore, the overspeed condition is identified and recorded (e.g., recorded), and if the current speed of the carrier 10 is greater than 66 mph, the warning device 24 is activated.

[0030] As the vehicle 10 continues along the road 12 and approaches the sign 16 5 When the image capture device 20 obtains the mark 16 5 The image included in the logo 16 5 The speed limit sign value indicated on the image is transmitted to the ECU 22. The ECU 22 receives the speed limit sign value indicated on the image. 5 Images and logos in 16 5 The signal on the speed limit sign value is identified and the sign 16 is determined5 It is itself a valid speed limit sign (eg, not a stop sign) and the speed limit sign value (ie, 70 mph) is identified as the current speed limit sign value (step 216).

[0031] As with the previous mark 16 4 The previous speed limit sign value associated with the current sign 16 is 60 mph and is associated with the previous speed limit sign 16. 5 (e.g., it is now referred to as the second flag) is 70 mph, so the current speed limit flag value (i.e., 70 mph) is determined to be new in step 220, and therefore control passes to step 222 to reset the grace count to zero (0). Next, in step 224, the current speed limit flag value (e.g., 70 mph) is determined to be greater than the grace speed limit value (e.g., 60 mph). Therefore, control passes to step 232.

[0032] In step 232, the overspeed condition is identified and recorded, and the warning device 24 is activated based on the parameter (e.g., the current actual speed of the carrier 10) and the current speed limit sign value (i.e., 70 mph). In this example, if the current speed of the carrier 10 is greater than the speed limit sign value (e.g., 60 mph) by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%), the overspeed condition is identified and recorded and the warning device 24 is activated. Therefore, the overspeed condition is identified and recorded (e.g., recorded), and if the current speed of the carrier 10 is greater than 77 mph, the warning device 24 is activated.

[0033] In the above reference Figure 1 In the example of the process described, it should be noted that step 232 is only performed when a speed limit sign value less than or equal to the grace speed limit value is identified by the ECU 22 as being passed by the vehicle 10 at two (2) consecutive signs (e.g., sign 16 3，4 or when a single speed limit flag value greater than the grace speed limit value is identified by the ECU 22 (eg, flag 16 5 ). Therefore, the speeding condition is not identified or recorded, and the warning device 24 is not based on the sign 16 1，2，3 The speed limit sign value in the signal is activated. The speeding condition is identified and recorded, and the warning device 24 is only based on the sign 16. 4，5 The speed limit flag value in is activated.

[0034] Thus, the ECU 22 acts as a means for reducing the number of times an overspeed condition is identified and recorded, and activates the warning device 24 based on the speed limit flag value.

[0035] Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments of the present invention, and although the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices, and illustrative examples shown and described. Therefore, deviations from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. A controller for identifying an overspeed condition of a vehicle, the controller being adapted to: Identifies the current posted speed limit; determining whether to identify an overspeed condition for the vehicle based on whether the current posted speed limit is greater than a predetermined grace speed value; as well as If it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified, determining whether to transmit an overspeed warning signal to activate a warning device based on a comparison of the current speed of the vehicle and the current posted speed limit, wherein if the current published speed limit and the previously published speed limit are not equal, resetting the grace count; and If the currently posted speed limit is not greater than the predetermined grace speed value, then: Increment the grace count, and If the grace count is at least two, then it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified.

2. The controller according to claim 1, adapted to: If it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified, an overspeed reporting signal is transmitted to record the overspeed condition in a memory.

3. The controller of claim 1, adapted to, if the current published speed limit is not greater than a predetermined grace speed value, then: A further determination is made that the overspeed condition is identified if the current speed of the vehicle is greater than the current posted speed limit by a predetermined percentage.

4. A controller for identifying an overspeed condition of a vehicle, the controller being adapted to: identifying a first posted speed limit from the image of the first sign; identifying a second posted speed limit from the second image of the second sign; determining whether to identify an overspeed condition for the vehicle based on whether the second published speed limit is greater than a predetermined grace speed value; as well as If it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified, determining whether to transmit an overspeed warning signal to activate a warning device based on a comparison of the current speed of the vehicle and a second published speed limit, wherein if the first published speed limit and the second published speed limit are not equal, resetting the grace count; and If the second published speed limit is not greater than the predetermined grace speed value, then: Increment the grace count, and If the grace count is at least two, then it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified.

5. The controller according to claim 4, adapted to: If it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified, an overspeed reporting signal is transmitted to record the overspeed condition in a memory.

6. The controller according to claim 5, adapted to: The overspeed reporting signal is transmitted to wirelessly transmit notification of the overspeed condition outside the vehicle.

7. The controller according to claim 4, adapted to: If the second published speed limit is greater than the predetermined grace speed value, a further determination is made identifying the overspeed condition for the vehicle.

8. A controller according to claim 4, adapted to, if the second published speed limit is not greater than the predetermined grace speed value, then: A further determination is made to identify the overspeed condition if the current speed of the vehicle is greater than the second posted speed limit by a predetermined percentage.

9. A method for identifying an overspeed condition of a vehicle, the method comprising: identifying a first posted speed limit from the image on the first sign; identifying a second posted speed limit from a second image on a second sign; identifying an overspeed condition for the vehicle based on whether the second published speed limit is greater than a predetermined grace speed value; as well as If it is determined that an overspeed condition is identified, determining whether to transmit an overspeed warning signal to activate a warning device based on a comparison of the current speed of the vehicle and a second posted speed limit, wherein if the first published speed limit and the second published speed limit are not equal, resetting the grace count; and If the second published speed limit is not greater than the predetermined grace speed value, then: Increment the grace count, and If the grace count is at least two, then it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified.

10. The method for identifying an overspeed condition of a vehicle according to claim 9, further comprising: If it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified, an overspeed reporting signal is transmitted to record the overspeed condition in a memory.

11. The method for identifying an overspeed condition of a vehicle according to claim 9, further comprising: If the second published speed limit is greater than the predetermined grace speed value, an overspeed condition for the vehicle is identified.

12. The method for identifying an overspeed condition of a vehicle according to claim 9, further comprising, if the second published speed limit is not greater than the predetermined grace speed value, then: The overspeed condition is identified if the current speed of the vehicle is greater than the second posted speed limit by a predetermined percentage.

13. A system for identifying an overspeed condition of a vehicle, the system comprising: an image capture device capable of emitting an electronic signal representative of a captured image of a corresponding speed limit sign along a road on which the vehicle is travelling; a controller that receives the electronic signal from the image capture device, the controller being adapted to: identifying a first posted speed limit from the image of the first sign; identifying a second posted speed limit from the second image of the second sign; determining whether to identify an overspeed condition for the vehicle based on whether the second published speed limit is greater than a predetermined grace speed value; as well as If it is determined that an overspeed condition is identified, determining whether to transmit an overspeed warning signal to activate a warning device based on a comparison of the current speed of the vehicle and a second posted speed limit, wherein if the first published speed limit and the second published speed limit are not equal, resetting the grace count; and If the second published speed limit is not greater than the predetermined grace speed value, then: Increment the grace count, and If the grace count is at least two, then it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller is further adapted to: If it is determined that the overspeed condition is identified, an overspeed reporting signal is transmitted to record the overspeed condition in a memory.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller is further adapted to: If the second published speed limit is greater than the predetermined grace speed value, then a determination is made that an overspeed condition for the vehicle is identified.

16. The system of claim 13, if the second published speed limit is not greater than the predetermined grace speed value, the controller is further adapted to: If the current speed of the vehicle is greater than the second posted speed limit by a predetermined percentage, then a determination is made that the overspeed condition is identified.

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