RCCG Image Sensors for Traffic Sign and Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems struggle with driver distraction and inattentiveness, leading to potential collisions, and there is a need for improved situational awareness and accident prevention systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a red-clear-clear-green (RCCG) color filter array in vehicle cameras to enhance image processing, including operations such as linearization, tone mapping, and demosaicing, to improve sensitivity and accuracy in detecting traffic signs and lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional color filter array is used in vehicle cameras, then the system structure is simple, but the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient for detecting traffic signs and lights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the color filter array configuration from traditional RGB to RCCG (Red-Clear-Clear-Green). This changes the spectral response parameters of the sensor, enabling improved sensitivity in the yellow-green spectrum range where traffic signs and lights emit most energy, while maintaining compatibility with standard image processing pipelines through logarithmic domain processing
2Measurement precision
If image processing operations are performed in the linear domain, then the processing is straightforward, but the dynamic range and sensitivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the image processing domain from linear to logarithmic. This parameter change in the mathematical domain enables the system to handle a wider dynamic range of light intensities, improves signal-to-noise ratio for low-contrast objects like traffic signs, and allows for more effective tone mapping and demosaicing operations
3Loss of information
If driver monitoring systems are implemented, then driver behavior can be detected, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor and processing system universal by designing it to simultaneously perform multiple functions: capturing high-quality images for autonomous driving, monitoring driver behavior through the same RCCG CFA, and detecting traffic signs and lights. The logarithmic domain processing serves all these purposes, reducing the need for separate specialized systems
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for vehicle driving assistance systems that support image processing for vehicular monitoring operations. In a first aspect, a method of image processing includes receiving image data from an image sensor comprising a red-clear-clear-green (RCCG) color filter, wherein the image data comprises a first channel corresponding to red, a second channel corresponding to clear, and a third channel corresponding to green, wherein the image data is in a logarithmic domain; and processing the image data by performing operations including linearization, tone mapping, demosaicing, and color mapping. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.