Road Surface State Sensing via Pixel Luminance Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle detection technologies, such as imaging apparatuses and radars, are ineffective in accurately determining the road-surface state, particularly in identifying absolute and relative displacements of road surfaces relative to a moving vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A road-surface state determination apparatus and method that utilize an acquiring unit to detect changes in luminance values, specifically through an event camera, to determine the road-surface state, incorporating a control unit to process these signals and determine the road conditions accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging apparatuses and radars are used for vehicle detection, then general target detection is achieved, but accurate determination of road-surface state including absolute and relative displacements cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional target detection to luminance value changes of pixels. By monitoring temporal variations in luminance values of individual pixels, the system can detect absolute displacements of road surface features and relative displacements relative to vehicle motion, enabling accurate road-surface state determination that conventional imaging apparatuses and radars cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical detection systems (imaging apparatuses and radars) with an event camera-based detection system that specifically captures luminance changes. This substitution enables the system to focus on dynamic changes in road surface appearance rather than static imaging, providing reliable detection of road-surface states including wet and frozen conditions
2Measurement precision
If event camera is used to detect luminance changes, then accurate road-surface state determination is achieved, but detection of absolute and relative displacements becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task into analyzing individual pixel luminance changes independently. By processing each pixel's luminance variations separately and identifying patterns of change, the system simplifies the complex task of measuring absolute and relative displacements, making it feasible to determine road-surface state through systematic analysis of pixel-level luminance data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces luminance value changes as an intermediary parameter between the physical road surface state and the detection system. Instead of directly measuring displacement, the system detects luminance variations caused by displacement, which serves as a measurable intermediary that simplifies the detection process while maintaining accuracy in determining road-surface conditions
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 accurate determination of road-surface states, including wet and frozen conditions, improving driving assistance systems by providing real-time data on road conditions for enhanced safety and control.
Implementation Method 1
an acquiring unit that acquires, as a first detection signal, information on a changed pixel of which a luminance value changes based on an absolute displacement of a road-surface state or a relative displacement of the road-surface state relative to a moving vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A road-surface state determination apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The road-surface state determination apparatus includes an acquiring unit and a control unit. The acquiring unit acquires, as a first detection signal, information on a changed pixel of which a luminance value changes based on an absolute displacement of a road-surface state or a relative displacement of the road-surface state relative to a moving vehicle. The control unit determines a type of the road-surface state using the first detection signal.