Light Cone Detection for Overtaking Vehicle Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle detection systems struggle to accurately detect overtaking vehicles in low-light conditions due to low contrast between vehicle bodies and their surroundings, leading to delayed recognition of critical traffic situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that capture and analyze a moving light cone relative to the vehicle using a camera and evaluation device, assigning it to the passing vehicle, allowing for early detection of overtaking vehicles by differentiating light intensity changes and tracking the movement of light cones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicle detection systems use conventional image processing to detect vehicles in dark environments, then the system can identify vehicle presence, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to low contrast between vehicle bodies and surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of detecting light color/characteristics changes by analyzing the spectral properties of light cones from passing vehicles. Instead of relying on grayscale intensity or standard color images, the system detects specific light cone characteristics that change as vehicles pass, enabling reliable detection in dark environments where conventional contrast-based methods fail.
2Loss of time
If the system waits for rear lights to become visible to detect passing vehicles, then the detection method is simple, but the detection time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by monitoring light cone characteristics in the environment before vehicles become fully visible or their rear lights appear. By detecting and analyzing light cones from passing vehicles early in their trajectory, the system achieves advance warning of approaching vehicles, enabling proactive safety responses before the vehicles are clearly visible.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses standard camera imaging to capture vehicles in dark conditions, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to differentiate vehicles from background is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light cone detection as an intermediary mechanism between the camera and vehicle detection. Instead of directly imaging vehicles, the system detects light cones emitted or reflected by passing vehicles, using these light cones as intermediate indicators to infer vehicle presence, position, and movement. This intermediary approach enhances differentiation capability without requiring complex imaging systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting a vehicle (4) passing a vehicle (1) in darkness. A camera (7) detects a cone of light (5) that moves laterally offset relative to the vehicle (1). An evaluation unit (12) assigns the relatively moving cone of light (5) to the passing vehicle (1).