Cross Traffic Detection via Light Cone Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cross traffic detection systems based on optical detection face limitations in visibility, especially at night or when obstacles block the view, leading to reduced efficiency, particularly in urban areas and intersections.
Innovation Solution
A cross traffic detection system using a camera arrangement with a controller to capture and analyze image sequences for light cones emitted by road users, allowing indirect detection and comparison to determine approaching vehicles or pedestrians, even in limited visibility conditions, and triggering a warning signal to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical detection systems (camera/radar) are used for cross traffic detection, then the system can detect road users during daytime, but detection efficiency is reduced during night time or when visibility is blocked by obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses light cones emitted by road users' illumination devices (headlights, spotlights) as an intermediary to detect cross traffic. Instead of requiring direct optical view of the road user, the camera detects the light cones they emit, which serve as a mediator to convey the presence and position of road users even when direct visibility is blocked by obstacles or buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct optical mechanical detection with light-based detection. By detecting the light cones emitted by road users' illumination devices, the system substitutes the need for direct line-of-sight optical detection with indirect light-based detection, enabling detection in low-visibility conditions.
2Measurement precision
If direct optical detection is used to detect road users, then the system works well in open areas, but it fails in urban areas with buildings blocking the view
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses light cones as an intermediary to overcome the line-of-sight limitation. By detecting the light cones emitted by road users' illumination devices, the system can determine the presence and position of cross traffic even when buildings or obstacles block the direct view, maintaining detection accuracy in urban environments without requiring complex multi-sensor fusion systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the reliability and accuracy of detecting cross traffic, reducing accidents by alerting drivers to approaching road users, even in scenarios where direct visibility is obstructed, and can be used during both day and night conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light cone emitted by an illumination device of a road user moving in a transverse direction with respect to a moving direction of the vehicle is captured
Implementation Method 2
the controller is configured for determining in at least two of the images an image section, in which a light cone emitted by an illumination device of a road user... is captured
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A Cross traffic detection system (10) for a vehicle (100) is provided, which comprises a camera arrangement (12) with at least one camera (14), a data storage device (16) and a controller (18). The system (10) is configured for capturing an image sequence with consecutive images of an environment of the vehicle (100) and for storing the images of the image sequence in the data storage device (16). The controller (18) is configured for determining in at least two of the images an image section, in which a light cone (110) emitted by an illumination device (108) of a road user (106) is captured, wherein the controller (18) is configured to determine whether the vehicle (100) and the road user (106) approach each other by comparing the determined image sections.