Traffic Signal Relevance Detection at Junctions Using Position and Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle guidance systems face challenges in accurately differentiating relevant and non-relevant signal generators at intersections, particularly pedestrian traffic lights, which can affect the quality and safety of automated longitudinal guidance functions.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize environmental data from sensors to determine position and orientation information of signal generators, identifying non-relevant signal generators based on predefined distance thresholds, allowing for the exclusion of irrelevant signals during automated vehicle guidance and updating map data to improve the accuracy of driving functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle guidance system detects all signal generators at a junction, then the system can identify relevant traffic lights for automated guidance, but it may also incorrectly identify non-relevant signal generators (such as pedestrian traffic lights) as relevant, reducing the reliability of the driving function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection and identification process into distinct stages: first detecting all signal generators in the environment, then separately analyzing their positional and orientational characteristics, and finally classifying them as relevant or non-relevant based on predefined criteria. This segmentation allows the system to handle the complexity of signal generator differentiation systematically, improving both reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional dimensional criteria for signal generator identification beyond simple detection. By incorporating positional information (distance from vehicle, location at junction) and orientational information (alignment with vehicle direction, angle relative to road), the system creates a multi-dimensional classification framework that enables accurate differentiation between relevant and non-relevant signal generators.
2Measurement precision
If the system collects environmental data from multiple vehicles and crossings to improve map data quality, then the precision of signal generator positioning improves, but the complexity of data processing and device operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data collection framework where environmental sensors on vehicles serve multiple functions: detecting relevant traffic lights for immediate guidance, identifying non-relevant signal generators for filtering, and contributing to collective map data improvement. This multi-functionality allows the same system infrastructure to achieve precision positioning while managing complexity through standardized processing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where vehicles automatically contribute their sensor data to improve collective map data without requiring manual intervention. The environmental sensors continuously capture signal generator information, and the system automatically processes this data to refine position information and update maps, reducing operational complexity while improving precision over time.
3Ease of operation
If the system uses predefined distance thresholds to identify non-relevant signal generators, then the ease of operation improves, but the measurement precision may be reduced compared to more complex identification methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by using predefined distance thresholds as a configurable parameter for identifying non-relevant signal generators. These thresholds can be adjusted based on specific junction geometries and traffic patterns, allowing the system to maintain ease of operation while adapting to different scenarios. The threshold parameters work in combination with orientational parameters to balance simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of signal generators using distance thresholds before more detailed analysis. This preliminary action quickly filters out obviously non-relevant signal generators (such as pedestrian lights at standard distances), allowing the system to focus computational resources on borderline cases that require more precise measurement, thereby optimizing the balance between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting a signal generator that is not relevant for motor vehicles determines environment data from one or more environment sensors of at least one motor vehicle during at least one journey at a junction, determines, on the basis of the environment data, information about the position and/or orientation of a plurality of signal generators at the junction with respect to one another and/or with respect to a stop line at the junction. Furthermore, the device identifies at least one non-relevant signal generator from the plurality of signal generators on the basis of the information about the position and/or orientation.