Vehicle Speed Limit Detection Using Database and Camera Confidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle speed limit detection systems face reliability issues due to challenges such as obscured signs, implicit limits, and difficulty in updating speed limits in real time, especially in large road networks with frequent modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines geospatial database querying with image analysis using a predictive model to determine a speed limit, assigning confidence indices based on reliability, and selectively prioritizing data sources for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a database is used to store speed limit information, then the memory required in the vehicle is reduced and cost is lowered, but the speed limits cannot be updated in real time across the national road network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two speed limit determination methods (database querying and image analysis) into a hybrid system that leverages the strengths of both approaches, allowing real-time updates through camera detection while maintaining the efficiency of database storage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from camera-based speed limit detection to update and validate database information, creating a closed-loop system where detected speed limits are used to verify and update the central database, ensuring real-time accuracy without requiring manual updates across the entire network
2Reliability
If camera-based speed limit detection is used, then real-time detection is possible, but the detection reliability is reduced due to obscured signs, implicit limits, and atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a confidence index as an intermediary metric that quantifies the reliability of each detection method's output, allowing the system to objectively compare and select between database and camera-based speed limit determinations based on current conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which speed limit source is trusted by calculating confidence indices in real-time, allowing the reliability assessment to change based on current environmental conditions, vehicle location accuracy, and detection quality rather than using a fixed approach
3Reliability
If the vehicle uses a database for speed limit information, then memory cost is reduced, but the geographical location accuracy must be high to correctly identify road segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for potential location accuracy issues by having a backup speed limit determination method (camera-based detection) ready to use when database querying becomes unreliable, cushioning against the effects of poor GPS signal or ambiguous road segment identification
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a speed limit on a road segment on which a vehicle is travelling, including steps of obtaining a first speed limit by querying a geospatial database on the basis of a geographical location of the vehicle, of determining a confidence index associated with the first speed limit, of determining a second speed limit by analyzing at least one image obtained from a sensor of the vehicle, of determining a confidence index associated with the second speed limit, of selecting the speed limit associated with the highest confidence index, and of configuring an item of equipment of the vehicle on the basis of the speed limit associated with the highest confidence index.