Road Reflector Collision Warning Using Vehicle Camera Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle collision warning systems using road reflectors are limited by recognition issues due to distance and weather conditions, requiring driver attention and failing to provide precise warnings.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a vehicle-mounted system that includes front cameras, sensors, and a controller to detect road reflectors and opponent vehicles, determining warning criteria based on installation standards, vehicle speed, road curvature, and other factors to generate targeted warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver visually checks the road reflector to recognize the opponent vehicle, then the driver can identify the opponent vehicle's presence, but the recognition is limited by distance, weather conditions, and driver attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual checking system with an automated optical detection system. The vehicle-mounted camera captures images of the road reflector, and an image processing unit automatically analyzes the captured images to detect opponent vehicles, substituting the driver's visual mechanical process with an automated optical-mechanical system that overcomes human limitations in distance and weather conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of a camera and image processing unit that acts as a mediator between the road reflector and the driver. This intermediary automatically captures and analyzes the reflected images, providing collision warning information to the driver without requiring direct visual checking by the driver, thus overcoming the limitations of distance and weather conditions
2Ease of operation
If warning signals are displayed on the road reflector to alert the driver, then the warning can be seen, but the driver must still pay attention to the road reflector which may not be recognized if attention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing warning signals on the road reflector and requiring the driver to check it (original approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the vehicle's own detection system capture images of the road reflector and process them to generate collision warnings, then present these warnings directly to the driver through the vehicle's display system, reversing who performs the detection and warning generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated detection system that acts as a mediator between the road environment and the driver. The camera and image processing unit automatically monitor the road reflector and generate collision warnings, serving as an intermediary that eliminates the need for the driver to directly attend to the road reflector while maintaining reliable warning recognition
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection factors are considered for warning generation, then the warning precision is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single camera to perform multiple detection functions: capturing road reflector images, detecting opponent vehicle presence, determining vehicle distance from the reflector, and assessing collision risk. This universal detection device eliminates the need for separate sensors for each parameter, reducing system complexity while maintaining high warning precision through multiple detection factors
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 collision prevention by providing precise and efficient warnings based on multiple factors, reducing unnecessary alerts and increasing driver awareness in challenging driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a road reflector reflecting means provided in the vehicle to obtain reflected light by reflecting light from the opponent vehicle with the road reflector
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for vehicle collision cautionary information using a road reflector that recognizes the road reflector by a vehicle and warns a driver, including a road reflector detecting means provided in the vehicle to detect the road reflector, a controller provided in the vehicle to determine whether to generate a warning when the road reflector is detected by the road reflector detecting means; and a warning generating means provided in the vehicle to generate the warning according to the determination of the controller.