Vehicle Camera Monitoring for Emergency Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles face challenges in detecting emergency vehicles due to their large size, which obstructs the driver's view, especially in queue situations, and existing systems like TETRA may not be available or effective in all scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A camera monitoring system (CMS) with exterior cameras and sensors that provide Class II and Class IV views, integrated with a vehicle detection system (VDS) using GPS for location determination and a database of emergency vehicle lighting characteristics to identify and alert the driver of approaching emergency vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a truck driver relies on continuously looking in the sideview mirrors to identify approaching emergency vehicles, then the driver can monitor the surroundings, but the driver cannot see emergency vehicles due to the presence of and length of the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection method (driver looking in mirrors) with an automated optical detection system (cameras and image processing algorithms) that automatically identifies emergency vehicles and presents information to the driver, thereby maintaining detection reliability while reducing driver workload
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary detection layer (cameras positioned to capture views around the trailer, image processing unit, and display interface) that bridges the gap between the driver's limited direct view and the need for comprehensive emergency vehicle detection, allowing the driver to see vehicles that would otherwise be hidden
2Quantity of substance
If the trailer length is increased to improve cargo capacity, then the cargo capacity increases, but the driver's ability to detect emergency vehicles from far behind deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a new dimension of detection capability by positioning cameras to capture views around the trailer that are not visible to the driver through mirrors alone, effectively extending the detection field beyond the traditional mirror view and enabling detection of emergency vehicles that would be hidden by the trailer's length
3Reliability
If TETRA radio is used to detect emergency vehicles, then detection capability is improved in some situations, but TETRA is not used or is not available in many situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radio-based TETRA detection method with an optical camera-based detection system that does not depend on radio communication infrastructure, thereby maintaining detection capability while significantly improving system availability and adaptability to situations where TETRA is not available
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables early detection and warning of emergency vehicles, providing visual and audio alerts with real-time location and estimated arrival information, enhancing safety by ensuring the vehicle can yield the roadway promptly.
Implementation Method 1
identifying a lighting characteristic of one or more vehicles using at least one of the first and second exterior cameras
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A camera system for a first vehicle includes first and second exterior cameras that are configured to capture images outside of the first vehicle corresponding to legally prescribed views. First and second displays are arranged within a vehicle cabin of the first vehicle and are configured to depict the captured images respectively from the first and second exterior cameras. A controller is configured to identify a lighting characteristic of one or more vehicles using at least one of the first and second exterior cameras, recognize a target vehicle from the one or more vehicles by comparing the lighting characteristic to a database of emergency vehicle lighting characteristics for the location of the first vehicle, detect location information of the target vehicle relative to the first vehicle, and activate a warning device to provide the alert based upon the location information.