Road Sign Recognition for Main Road and Detour Speed Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic traffic sign recognition systems in vehicles often incorrectly warn drivers of speed limits applying to detours when they are not intended to take the detour, leading to annoying and unnecessary alerts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control method that uses a combination of camera recognition, satellite positioning with georeferenced mapping, and analysis of road surface markings to accurately determine whether a speed limit sign refers to the main road or a detour, and only alerts the driver accordingly based on their intended route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the automatic traffic sign recognition system warns the driver of all detected speed limits, then the driver is informed of potential speed restrictions, but false warnings occur when the driver is not intended to take the detour
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the road network into main road and detour sections using georeferenced mapping data. By dividing the road infrastructure into distinct segments with different speed limit applicability, the system can selectively apply speed limit warnings only to the relevant segment the vehicle is currently traversing, thereby eliminating false warnings while maintaining comprehensive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces georeferenced mapping data and vehicle positioning information as intermediary elements between the detected speed limit sign and the driver warning system. These intermediaries enable the system to determine whether the vehicle is on the main road or detour, allowing intelligent filtering of speed limit warnings before presenting them to the driver.
2Device complexity
If the system uses only camera recognition for speed limit detection, then the implementation is simple, but the system cannot distinguish between speed limits for main road and detour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges camera-based speed limit detection with satellite positioning systems and georeferenced mapping data. By combining these multiple information sources, the system maintains the simplicity of camera recognition while adding the precision needed to distinguish between main road and detour speed limits through location-based context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a multi-functional approach where the camera detects speed limit signs, the positioning system determines vehicle location, and the georeferenced mapping provides road context. This universal system performs multiple functions simultaneously: detecting speed limits, determining vehicle position, identifying road type, and selecting appropriate warnings.
3Loss of time
If the system quickly alerts the driver of new speed limits, then the response time is short as required by GSR, but the system may incorrectly assign speed limits to wrong roads
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring vehicle position and comparing it with georeferenced mapping data before a speed limit warning is generated. This preliminary verification of whether the vehicle is on the main road or detour occurs in advance, ensuring that only correctly assigned speed limits are transmitted to the driver, thus maintaining both quick response and high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method to control a vehicle driving along a main road having a plurality of detours only arranged on one side of the main road. The control method exhibits the steps of: recognising a road surface marking present on a surface of the main road; recognising a road sign present beside the main road in order to determine possible speed limits set by the road sign; and establishing whether a speed limit set by a road sign refers to a detour or to the main road.