Pedestrian Detection via Ground Shadow Contrast Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pedestrian detection in driver assistance systems require the complete detection of a pedestrian to ensure reliable object identification, which can lead to unnecessary speed reduction when detecting non-pedestrian objects like trees.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies pedestrians by detecting the shadow projected onto the ground and analyzing the contrast pattern formed, using a comparison with a predetermined pattern characteristic of pedestrians, allowing for the distinction between pedestrians and other objects based on light/shadow transitions and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the complete pedestrian is detected for reliable object detection, then the reliability of pedestrian identification is improved, but the complexity of detection and measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and utilizes only the shadow of the pedestrian as the detection target, rather than requiring detection of the complete pedestrian. By projecting the detected object onto the ground to generate a shadow and comparing the shadow's contrast pattern with predetermined shadow patterns, the system achieves reliable pedestrian identification while significantly reducing detection complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used for complete monitoring of surrounding region, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the camera system multi-functional by enabling it to detect both the object in the surrounding region and its shadow on the ground using the same camera apparatus. This allows comprehensive monitoring coverage while avoiding the need for additional specialized sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables quick and reliable identification of pedestrians by focusing on the shadow and contrast patterns, reducing false positives and unnecessary speed adjustments, and allowing for efficient monitoring of the surrounding region with multiple cameras.
Implementation Method 1
the surrounding region of the motor vehicle is captured in images by means of at least one vehicle-side camera
Implementation Method 2
a shadow that is projected from the object onto a ground in the surrounding region and a contrast pattern that is formed on the ground and depends on the shadow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for identifying an object (3) in a surrounding region (4) of a motor vehicle (1) as a pedestrian (5), in which the surrounding region (4) is captured in images (B) by means of at least one vehicle-side camera (6), wherein a shadow (11) that is projected from the object (3) onto a ground (12) in the surrounding region (4) and a contrast pattern (13) that is formed on the ground (12) and depends on the shadow (11) are detected in at least one of the captured images (B) and the object (3) is identified on the basis of a comparison of the contrast pattern (13) that was formed with a predetermined contrast pattern that characterizes a pedestrian (5). The invention moreover relates to a driver assistance system (2) and a motor vehicle (1).