Driver Assistance System Detecting Secondary Objects via Transparent Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver assistance systems for motor vehicles are limited in their ability to detect secondary objects hidden behind primary objects, such as vehicles, due to their restricted field of view, which can lead to delayed detection of hazardous situations and inefficient speed adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an environment camera and a control unit to analyze image data, identifying partially transparent regions in primary objects, such as rear windows, to extend the field of view and detect secondary objects, allowing for predictive driving by evaluating image data through these regions, using algorithms and distance-measuring methods to determine relative movements and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the environment camera monitors only the immediate field of view, then the detection system remains simple and computationally efficient, but secondary objects hidden behind primary objects cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partially transparent regions (such as rear windows and windshields of primary vehicles) as intermediary viewing channels. These transparent regions act as mediators that allow the camera to see through primary objects to detect secondary objects that would otherwise be hidden, thereby improving detection reliability without adding physical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct line-of-sight detection to indirect detection through transparent regions. By utilizing the third dimension (depth) and exploiting transparency properties, the system creates virtual viewing channels that extend the effective field of view beyond the camera's physical constraints
2Loss of time
If the system evaluates only primary objects in the immediate field of view, then processing time is reduced and response speed is improved, but hazardous situations involving secondary objects are detected too late
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of secondary objects through transparent regions of primary objects. By proactively identifying hidden hazards before they become immediate threats, the system enables earlier speed adjustments and preventive driving actions, reducing overall response time while improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical expansion of the camera system with computational processing. Instead of adding more cameras or sensors to physically expand the field of view, the system uses image processing algorithms to virtually extend detection capabilities through transparent region analysis
3Area of stationary object
If the environment camera uses a standard field of view, then the camera system remains simple and cost-effective, but the effective monitoring area is limited and cannot capture objects beyond primary vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
Transparent regions of primary vehicles serve as natural optical intermediaries that extend the camera's effective field of view. By utilizing these existing transparent structures in the environment, the system achieves virtual field of view expansion without requiring additional optical elements or multiple camera units
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of the external environment by capturing images through transparent regions. These transparent regions act as natural windows that provide copied views of areas beyond the camera's direct line of sight, effectively expanding the monitored area through optical copying
4Measurement precision
If the system performs detailed analysis of image data to detect transparent regions and secondary objects, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies detailed image analysis only to specific regions of interest - the transparent regions of detected primary vehicles. By localizing the computational effort to these specific areas rather than processing the entire image, the system achieves high detection accuracy while minimizing overall computational energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing task into distinct stages: first detecting primary vehicles, then identifying transparent regions within them, and finally analyzing only those specific regions for secondary objects. This segmentation allows the system to apply computational resources efficiently only where needed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle, comprising an environment camera for generating image data, which represent the environment of the motor vehicle, and comprising a control and evaluation unit, wherein the control and evaluation unit is designed to evaluate the image data and detect objects in such a way that partially transparent regions are detected in the case of primary objects, in particular primary vehicles, in the environment of the motor vehicle.