Traffic Light Switching-State Detection With Dual-Camera Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera arrangements for detecting traffic light switching states in vehicles require redundant sensors and powerful control units, increasing costs, installation space, and power consumption, while maintaining high reliability is crucial for safety.

Innovation Solution

A method using a pair of cameras with different focal lengths and scanning ranges to determine switching states, comparing measurement data from both cameras to detect malfunctions and ensure logical consistency, thereby reducing redundancy and improving reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant sensors are used to increase reliability of traffic light detection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of traffic light detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of camera arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by comparing the first switching state determined from the first camera with the second switching state determined from the second camera. This cross-validation mechanism allows the system to detect malfunctions and ensure reliable operation without requiring fully redundant sensor systems, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a more powerful control unit is used to evaluate two cameras simultaneously, then reliability is improved, but power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of switching state detectionVSAvoidpower consumption of control unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs partial evaluation by determining switching states from both cameras but only conducting full comparison and malfunction detection when necessary. This approach maintains reliability through dual-camera evaluation while reducing unnecessary computational overhead and power consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If redundant camera setups are eliminated to reduce costs, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of camera arrangementVSAvoidreliability of switching state detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by using the same camera arrangement for multiple purposes: primary switching state detection, malfunction detection through comparison, and plausibility verification. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain high reliability without requiring additional redundant sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12462681B2Detection of malfunctions of the switching state detection of light signal systems

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG

AI summary

A method for evaluating a functionality of a camera arrangement including a pair of cameras using a control unit includes determining a first switching state of a light signal system based on a first measurement data from a first camera of the pair of cameras, and determining a second switching state of the light signal system based on a second measurement data from a second camera of the pair of cameras. The method evaluates the functionality of the camera arrangement based on the first switching state and the second switching state.