Vehicle Signal Detection Using Map Data and Camera Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems fail to account for concealed traffic signals, leading to potential malfunctions in traffic-light-dependent functions due to temporary or lasting obstructions, such as large objects blocking the view of traffic lights.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that identifies relevant signal generators, including concealed ones, by analyzing camera image data, navigation information, and vehicle parameters to predict the position and visibility of traffic lights, ensuring accurate output signals for vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system only detects visible signal generators using camera image data, then the detection system remains simple and reliable, but concealed signal generators cannot be identified leading to system malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of signal generator positions using map data and navigation information before actual detection. This preliminary action creates an expected position list that the camera system can then verify, allowing the system to account for concealed signals by comparing expected positions with actually visible positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces map data and navigation information as intermediary data sources that bridge the gap between camera detection limitations and complete signal generator awareness. These intermediaries provide expected signal generator positions that compensate for camera blind spots and concealed signals.
2Measurement precision
If the system accounts for concealed signal generators using multiple data sources, then identification accuracy improves, but information processing complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identification process is segmented into distinct functional modules: a signal generator identification unit that uses map data for preliminary identification, a navigation information processing unit, and a camera detection unit. Each module handles specific data types and processing tasks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high identification precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal data sources (map data, navigation information) that serve multiple purposes: providing expected signal generator positions, verifying camera detections, and identifying concealed signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized sensors or devices.
3Speed
If the system uses real-time camera detection only, then the response time is fast, but concealed signal generators are missed causing traffic light dependent functions to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of signal generator positions using map data and navigation information before actual detection. This preliminary action creates an expected position list that the camera system can then verify, allowing the system to account for concealed signals by comparing expected positions with actually visible positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for influencing vehicle systems while taking into account relevant signal generators, particularly relevant signal generator condition signals. A determination unit identifies relevant signal generators and/or their signal generator condition signals and an output unit generates an output signal to a vehicle system as a function of the result of the determination unit. The determination unit for the identification of relevant signal generators and/or relevant signal generator condition signals takes into account information concerning identified concealed signal generators.