Vehicle Camera Tailgating Detection Without Dedicated Rear Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information recording devices for determining tailgating motions in vehicles require dedicated cameras, leading to increased device costs and potential inaccuracies in determining whether a host vehicle is being tailgated.
Innovation Solution
An information recording device that utilizes imagers mounted in a host vehicle to acquire images, with a tailgating determiner analyzing these images to assess tailgating situations, and an imaging controller capturing additional images when tailgating is detected, allowing for cost-effective and accurate determination without the need for a dedicated tailgating camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated camera for detecting tailgating motion is mounted in a vehicle, then the accuracy of determining tailgating operations is improved, but device costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing vehicle cameras to perform multiple functions: their primary function for capturing rearview images and an additional function for detecting tailgating operations. The control unit analyzes images from these existing cameras to determine tailgating motions, eliminating the need for dedicated tailgating detection cameras while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tailgating detection function with the existing rearview camera system. The control unit combines image processing capabilities with the camera system to perform both rearview monitoring and tailgating detection using the same hardware infrastructure, reducing overall device complexity and cost
2Device complexity
If only a camera for capturing rearview image is used, then device costs decrease, but the ability to appropriately determine tailgating operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the existing rearview camera system to dynamically adapt its function. The control unit activates tailgating detection mode by analyzing specific image patterns and vehicle motion data, allowing the camera system to transition between standard rearview monitoring and tailgating detection modes as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously analyzes images from the rearview camera, compares them against tailgating patterns, and determines whether tailgating operations are occurring. The system processes image data, vehicle speed data, and acceleration data in a feedback loop to accurately detect tailgating while using only existing camera hardware
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing vehicle cameras are repurposed for tailgating detection, then device costs decrease and versatility increases, but the complexity of image analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image analysis process into distinct functional modules within the control unit. The system segments analysis tasks including image acquisition, tailgating pattern recognition, vehicle motion analysis, and determination logic, making the complex analysis process more manageable and implementable using existing camera systems
Data Source
AI summary
An information recording device includes: an image acquirer configured to acquire an image which is captured by an imager mounted in a host vehicle to perform a first function; a tailgating determiner configured to determine whether the host vehicle is being tailgated by another vehicle on the basis of the image acquired by the image acquirer; an imaging controller configured to cause the imager to capture an image of surroundings of the host vehicle as a function other than the first function when the tailgating determiner determines that the host vehicle is being tailgated by the other vehicle; and a storage controller configured to store the image captured by the imager in a storage.