Traffic Light False Positive Detection Using Pixel Color History
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving assistance systems for motor vehicles often generate false positives when detecting traffic lights, leading to incorrect warnings and potential safety risks due to inadequate elimination of false positives.
Innovation Solution
A method that filters images based on a predetermined list of criteria using the history of pixel colors from a video stream, smoothing color data over time to reduce noise and verify state transitions, durations, and persistence of traffic light colors to accurately identify false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image processing algorithms are used to detect traffic lights, then traffic light detection function is achieved, but false positives occur leading to incorrect warnings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a predetermined list of filtering criteria based on traffic light state histories before processing new images. The system pre-defines valid color transition sequences (e.g., red→green, yellow→red) and duration thresholds, then uses these pre-established rules to filter out false positives in real-time detection, eliminating the need for complex post-processing validation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the detected color state of traffic lights in current images to update and refine the filtering criteria for subsequent detections. The system continuously learns from observed traffic light behaviors, adjusting the predetermined history of valid color sequences and durations based on actual traffic patterns, thereby improving false positive elimination over time
2Productivity
If classification is performed image by image without considering history, then processing speed is maintained, but false positives cannot be eliminated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by pre-establishing filtering criteria that encode traffic light state transition rules and duration thresholds before detection begins. These predetermined rules capture the temporal behavior patterns of traffic lights, allowing the system to make rapid validity judgments on detected colors without performing complex historical analysis during real-time processing, thus maintaining speed while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the detection approach from analyzing raw color values to evaluating whether detected colors conform to predetermined temporal patterns and duration thresholds. The system changes the detection parameters from static color matching to dynamic state sequence validation, using predefined time-based criteria to filter false positives while keeping processing efficient
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting false positives relating to a traffic light based on a video stream of images captured by a camera on board a motor vehicle, the traffic light being configured so as to switch between a plurality of states, each state being characterized by at least one colored zone representative of a signal. The method includes filtering the images, using a predetermined list of filtering criteria relating to the states of the traffic light, based on a predetermined history of the color of the pixels of the colored zone representing a luminous object detected in the video stream of images so as to detect false positives.