Vehicle Traffic Sign Detection Without Mapping Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle assistance systems require up-to-date mapping data to accurately detect and interpret traffic signs, which is not feasible in dynamic environments like construction sites, leading to potential errors and system failure.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a camera to detect and analyze traffic signs without relying on mapping data, determining their alignment and position relative to the vehicle using pattern recognition and image processing techniques, triggering a signal device only when the sign is relevant to the driver, such as when its alignment is within a specific angular range or when the vehicle approaches it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mapping data is used to verify traffic sign relevance, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and dependency on external data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the dependency on external mapping data from the system. Instead of comparing detected traffic signs with stored mapping information, the system uses only the camera and image processing to determine sign relevance based on angular position and vehicle movement, thereby simplifying the system architecture while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system becomes self-sufficient by using its own sensor data (camera images and vehicle movement information) to verify traffic sign relevance without needing external mapping data. The vehicle's movement detection and camera angular position data are used internally to determine whether a detected sign applies to the current driving direction
2Reliability
If mapping data is required for traffic sign verification, then detection reliability is improved, but adaptability to dynamic environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changing environments by using real-time vehicle movement detection and camera angular position data instead of static mapping data. The system can immediately respond to construction sites, temporary traffic signs, and route changes without requiring updated maps, as it continuously monitors the vehicle's own movement and camera orientation to verify sign relevance
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational data (vehicle movement and camera positioning) to verify traffic sign applicability, making it self-sufficient and adaptable to any environment without relying on pre-existing mapping information that may be outdated or unavailable in dynamic conditions
3Reliability
If overview map comparison is performed, then erroneous detections are reduced, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming step of comparing detected traffic signs with stored overview map data. Instead, the system immediately determines sign relevance using the camera's angular position relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis and detected vehicle movement, eliminating the need for extensive map data processing and comparison operations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an assistance system of a motor vehicle. An image is detected by means of a camera of the assistance system and a traffic sign is determined within the detected image. An alignment of the determined traffic sign is determined with respect to the motor vehicle, and a signal device of the assistance system is triggered by the alignment.