Device and method for detecting the (non-)activation of a vehicle's direction indicators

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for detecting the activation or non-activation of a vehicle's direction indicators. More specifically, it is a device capable of detecting whether the direction indicators of a vehicle have been activated in correspondence with a change of direction, in the cases provided for by the Traffic Code.

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE (NON-)ACTIVATION OF A VEHICLE'S DIRECTION INDICATORS

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for detecting the activation or nonactivation of a vehicle's direction indicators. More specifically, it is a device capable of detecting whether the direction indicators in a vehicle have been activated when the vehicle changes direction, in the cases provided for by the Traffic Code.

[0004] As is well known, when a vehicle is about to make a change of direction, e.g., when entering a street to the right or left of its current position, the driver activates the corresponding direction indicator to signal their intention to the drivers of nearby vehicles. It is, therefore, a procedure made mandatory by the Traffic Code, useful for facilitating driving and, above all, ensuring road safety.

[0005] Consider, for example, a first vehicle moving on a road that is preparing to turn right into a street at an intersection; the use of the corresponding direction indicator by this first vehicle allows a second vehicle, stopped at the exit of this street, to prepare to enter the road on which the first vehicle is traveling. In this case, the use of the direction indicator enables a smoother flow of vehicles.

[0006] There are also situations in which the correct use of the direction indicator is necessary to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of people in vehicles. For example, if a first vehicle traveling on a main road has to turn left and does not activate the corresponding direction indicator, a second vehicle traveling just behind may attempt to overtake, leading to a potential accident with serious consequences.

[0007] For this reason, the Traffic Code mandates the use of direction indicators when a driver is preparing to make a turn. However, detecting whether a driver has correctly used the direction indicator is problematic. It would require placing a traffic officer near an intersection or installing a camera and then manually reviewing recorded footage. These activities are time-consuming and costly.

[0008] There are patent documents describing driving behavior detection systems.

[0009] Patent document US 2020 / 066146 A1 describes a system that promotes safe driving using cameras and artificial intelligence. The system detects dangerous driving behaviors in real time, such as speeding, insufficient distance between vehicles, lane changes without signaling, driving in the emergency lane, or performing wheelies on motorcycles. The captured images are processed by a server, which analyzes driving behavior and displays information on digital billboards along the road.

[0010] Patent document US 2015 / 332097 A1 describes a machine vision-based system for detecting red light violations. This system uses video analysis and vehicle trajectory tracking to distinguish between those who have run a red light and those who have stopped correctly. The system identifies areas of interest before and after the intersection, monitors vehicle movements, and analyzes their trajectories to make an automatic decision regarding the violation. This reduces false positives and decreases the need for manual review by law enforcement, improving traffic control effectiveness.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a detection method and a device for detecting the activation or non-activation of a vehicle's direction indicators in an automatic manner. Another purpose of the invention is to provide a detection method and a device that is effective and reliable.

[0012] These and other purposes are achieved by a device for detecting the activation or non-activation of a vehicle's direction indicators according to the attached claims.

[0013] The detection device is designed to be permanently and stably positioned. It is therefore not an ordinary electronic system with a camera mounted on a vehicle.

[0014] The objectives are also achieved by a method for detecting the failure to activate a vehicle's direction indicator near a road junction, as specified in the attached claims.

[0015] In particular, the detection device is designed to be positioned in a fixed location near a road junction such as an intersection, a roundabout, or any change of direction where the use of direction indicators is required.

[0016] This detection device is characterized by comprising a camera and a control system to which the camera is connected, said control system including a computer program capable of recognizing a vehicle, its make and model, its license plate, and its owner in the images captured by the streaming video camera. It also detects whether the right and / or left direction indicator has been activated and whether the vehicle subsequently turned right and / or left.

[0017] A detection device for identifying the activation or non-activation of a vehicle's direction indicators comprises a camera and a control unit connected to each other. The control unit includes software, i.e. , a computer program, capable of recognizing a vehicle, its make and model, and its license plate in the images captured by the camera. Additionally, the computer program can detect whether the right and / or left direction indicator has been activated and whether the vehicle has subsequently turned right and / or left.

[0018] The computer program verifies the correspondence between the use of the direction indicator and the vehicle's subsequent turn. The detection device is intended to be placed near intersections, roundabouts, and other road junctions to monitor whether vehicles use direction indicators when turning.

[0019] Additionally, the detection device can identify a vehicle's license plate, make, model, and owner to report violations to the responsible party.

[0020] A memory unit is also connected to the control unit, where video recordings are stored. Stored videos can be processed using Adaptive Artificial Intelligence. All footage stored by the detection device is processed and sent to the relevant authorities.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for detecting the failure to activate a vehicle's direction indicator when approaching a road junction, such as a roundabout or an intersection, comprises the following steps:

[0022] • Recognizing a vehicle, including its make, model, license plate, and owner;

[0023] • Detecting the activation of the right and / or left direction indicator;

[0024] • Detecting the vehicle's change of direction to the right and / or left;

[0025] • If a change of direction is detected but no prior activation of the corresponding direction indicator is recognized, storing the vehicle’s data.

[0026] The method involves sending the stored vehicle data to the relevant authorities to report the violation to the vehicle owner or driver.

[0027] If a turn is detected in the opposite direction of the activated direction indicator, additional information regarding a possible indication error is added to the stored vehicle data.

[0028] Additionally, the failure to activate the direction indicator is signaled by a display system positioned beyond the road junction.

[0029] This method is implemented using the previously described detection device. Variants and alternative implementations of the invention are possible and fall within the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 ) An electronic device for detecting the activation of a vehicle's direction indicators, intended to be positioned in a fixed location near a road junction, such as a roundabout or an intersection, characterized by comprising a camera and a control unit to which the camera is connected. The control unit includes a computer program capable of recognizing the vehicle in the images captured by the camera and detecting whether the right and / or left direction indicator has been activated and whether the vehicle has subsequently turned right and / or left.2) Detection device according to the previous claim, wherein the camera recognizes the vehicle’s license plate and, based on it, retrieves the vehicle’s make and model.3) Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a memory unit connected to the control unit is included.4) Detection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a tripod is included to hold the detection device in position.5) Method for detecting the failure to activate a vehicle’s direction indicator when approaching a road junction, such as a roundabout or intersection, comprising the following steps:- recognizing a vehicle, including its make, model, and license plate;- detecting the activation of the right and / or left direction indicator;- detecting the vehicle’s change of direction to the right and / or left;- if a change of direction is detected but no prior activation of the corresponding direction indicator is recognized, storing the vehicle’s data.6) Method according to the previous claim, in which the stored vehicle data are sent to the relevant authorities.7) Method according to the preceding claim, wherein, in the event that a turn of the vehicle in the opposite direction to the activated direction indicator has been detected, additional information concerning a possible indication error is added to the stored vehicle data. 8) Method according to any one claims 5 to 7, wherein the failure to activate the position indicator is signalled by a display system arranged after the road junction.9) Method according to one claims 5 to 8, in which it is realised by the recognition device of claims 1 to 4.