Turn-off Maneuver Recognition via Perspective Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional driver assistance systems are insensitive to recognizing a turn-off maneuver of a preceding vehicle at close distances, leading to unnecessary braking and reduced driving comfort, as they rely on the vehicle appearing wider in images, which is not feasible at short distances.

Innovation Solution

A method that identifies reference points on the preceding vehicle, such as rear lights, and determines the apparent distance between them to recognize a turn-off maneuver through perspective compression, while also considering the activation of the turn signal and the presence of a turning lane, ensuring sensitivity is maintained even at reduced distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a stereo camera with angular resolution function is used to detect turn-off maneuvers by identifying when the preceding vehicle appears wider, then turn-off recognition capability is improved, but the system becomes insensitive at short distances where the flank of the vehicle cannot be seen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturn-off recognition accuracyVSAvoiddistance range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vehicle detection task into two distinct approaches: using the stereo camera for angular resolution at larger distances, and using a single camera with perspective compression analysis at shorter distances. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for turn-off recognition at each distance range without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement method - using the apparent distance between reference points (rear lights) in a single camera image as a mediator to detect turn-off maneuvers. This intermediary approach works where the direct stereo camera method fails, bridging the gap in short-distance detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the observing vehicle maintains a large safe distance from the preceding vehicle, then turn-off maneuver detection by stereo camera is improved, but the system becomes less useful in situations requiring close following

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflank visibility for turn-off detectionVSAvoiddistance between vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on the vehicle appearing wider (direct approach), the patent uses the inverse indicator: the apparent distance between reference points on the vehicle appears shorter during turn-off. This inversion allows detection to work at any distance, including short distances where the stereo camera method fails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a driver assistance system brakes unnecessarily when the preceding vehicle slows down before a turn-off, then collision avoidance is improved, but driving comfort and system acceptance are greatly impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision avoidance capabilityVSAvoiddriving comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the apparent distance between reference points and comparing it against expected values for straight-line travel. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between normal slowing down and actual turn-off maneuvers, preventing false positive braking actions that would compromise comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of turn-off intent by analyzing the apparent distance change between reference points before the actual turn-off occurs. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for potential braking needs while avoiding unnecessary braking during routine slowing down, balancing safety and comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9020747B2Method for recognizing a turn-off maneuver

Publication Date: 2015.04.28 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A driver assistance system of an observing vehicle uses a method that includes, but is not limited to recognizing a turn-off maneuver of a vehicle preceding the observing vehicle and further includes, but is not limited to identifying at least one first and one second reference point on the preceding vehicle in pictures of the preceding vehicle taken successively by a camera, where the reference points, in transverse direction of the preceding vehicle, are spaced apart, determining the distance from the images of the reference points in the pictures. and recognizing a turn-off maneuver if it is determined that there is a reduction in distance.