Traffic Light Color Detection with Position-Weighted Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing technologies for identifying traffic light colors in vehicle camera images are prone to errors due to background interference, particularly when objects with similar colors to the traffic light are present, leading to incorrect determinations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that utilizes a position filter to assign higher weighting values to pixels corresponding to the positions of green, yellow, and red lights within the traffic light region, enhancing the accuracy of light color discrimination by comparing the total number of weighted pixels for each color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rectangular region of interest including the traffic light is used for color identification, then the traffic light region can be easily defined, but background objects with similar colors (e.g., yellow leaves) interfere with accurate color detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the region of interest into multiple sub-regions corresponding to the specific positions of green, yellow, and red lights within the traffic light housing. Each sub-region is analyzed independently for color detection, allowing the system to focus only on relevant areas and exclude background interference. This spatial segmentation enables accurate color identification by evaluating pixel colors only within the bounded light positions rather than the entire rectangular region.
2Quantity of substance
If all pixels in the region of interest are analyzed for color detection, then comprehensive color information is obtained, but erroneous color determination occurs due to background pixels with similar colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the region of interest into distinct sub-regions corresponding to each traffic light color position (green, yellow, red). By analyzing pixels only within these specific sub-regions rather than the entire region, the system maintains sufficient pixel count for reliable color detection while excluding background pixels that would cause erroneous determination. This segmentation approach balances comprehensive color information gathering with accurate color determination.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus that identifies a lighting state of a traffic light having a green light, a yellow light, and a red light. The image processing apparatus includes a controller configured to: (i) specify a traffic light region in an image acquired from an in-vehicle camera; (ii) detect green pixels, yellow pixels, and red pixels in the traffic light region; (iii) perform weighting by assigning a higher weighting value to the green pixels, the yellow pixels and the red pixels in positions respectively corresponding to locations of the green light, the yellow light, and the red light in the traffic light region; and (iv) determine the lighting state of the traffic light as either green, yellow or red based on a comparison of a total number of pixels for each of the green, yellow and red pixels after performing the weighting.