Single-Camera OCC Vehicle Localization Using Rear Lamp Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical camera communication (OCC)-based vehicle communication systems require multiple cameras and radars, leading to increased computational complexity, vehicle weight, and complexity in structure, which complicates vehicle location determination and increases the risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single camera and multiple rear vehicle lamps as transmitters to determine vehicle location through optical camera communication, employing an artificial neural network to enhance accuracy and simplify the system by reducing computational complexity and equipment weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and radars are used for vehicle location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cameras and radars into a single camera system that uses optical camera communication (OCC) technology. The single camera captures images of rear lamps from multiple vehicles, and through image processing and geometric calculations, determines the locations of surrounding vehicles without requiring separate radar devices or multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures images for traditional vision processing and simultaneously receives optical signals from rear lamps for OCC-based communication. This multi-functionality allows the system to determine vehicle locations using a single device rather than requiring specialized radar or multiple dedicated cameras.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and radars are used for vehicle location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple heavy components (radars and multiple cameras) into a single lightweight camera system. By using OCC technology that leverages existing rear lamp lights as signal sources, the system eliminates the need for heavy radar hardware and additional cameras, significantly reducing the overall weight of the vehicle's sensing equipment.
3Reliability
If multiple cameras and radars are used for vehicle location determination, then reliability is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts location determination capability from complex multi-sensor fusion algorithms and implements it through geometric calculations based on captured images. By using the known positions of rear lamps and their projections in the image plane, the system calculates vehicle locations through straightforward trigonometric relationships rather than complex neural network-based sensor fusion.
4Device complexity
If a single camera is used for vehicle location determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rear lamps as intermediary objects that carry both visual information and optical communication signals. These rear lamps serve as natural markers in the environment that provide known reference points for geometric calculations, enabling a single camera to achieve accurate location determination without requiring multiple cameras or complex calibration procedures.
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
This approach improves the accuracy of vehicle location determination, maintains a safe following distance, reduces computational complexity, and simplifies the vehicle's equipment structure, thereby preventing accidents and enhancing user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a camera provided in the vehicle may be used as a receiver... directly receiving visible light data by an image sensor of a smartphone camera, a vehicle camera
Data Source
AI summary
The method for determining a vehicle location based on OCC includes receiving information on a distance between a plurality of rear lamps of a front vehicle and size information of the plurality of rear lamps by using a single camera provided in a vehicle, acquiring a rear side image of the front vehicle through the single camera, determining a rear lamp area in the rear side image of the front vehicle by using a pre-trained artificial neural network, determining a driving lane of the front vehicle based on the rear lamp area, determining a distance between the single camera and each of the plurality of rear lamps based on the rear lamp area, and deriving location information of the front vehicle, based on the information described above.