Vehicle Signal Notification System for Obstructed Traffic Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal information providing devices, such as those using cameras or side mirrors, struggle to capture the display status of traffic signals when a large vehicle obstructs the view of following vehicles, particularly for drivers of passenger cars or trucks behind buses or trucks, due to height limitations.
Innovation Solution
A signal information providing device that includes an information acquisition unit to detect vehicles using sensors, a determination unit to assess if a following vehicle cannot see the traffic signal due to a preceding vehicle, and an information providing unit to transmit signal information about the display status of the traffic signal to the affected vehicle, utilizing sensors like cameras and communication networks to ensure notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a camera is installed on the roof of a passenger car to capture traffic signal images, then the camera height is increased to about 1.5 m, but it remains impossible to capture traffic signals when a large vehicle like a bus or truck is in front
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D image capture problem to a 3D spatial solution by deploying multiple cameras at different heights and positions. Specifically, it uses a combination of roof-mounted cameras (higher position) and side mirror-mounted cameras (lower position but different spatial angle), creating a multi-dimensional capture system that overcomes the height limitation of single-camera setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single camera function into multiple camera units positioned at different locations (roof and side mirrors). Each camera captures traffic signals from its specific viewpoint, and the system segments the capture task across multiple devices to ensure at least one camera can capture the signal regardless of blocking vehicles.
2Length of stationary object
If the lamp installation height is set to 5.0-5.6 m from the ground according to traffic signal construction specifications, then the traffic signal is positioned high for visibility, but following vehicles behind large vehicles cannot see the lamp due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of multiple cameras and image processing algorithms that mediate between the high-mounted traffic signal lamp and the driver's view. The cameras capture the lamp image from their positions, and the system processes and displays this information to the driver, bypassing the need for direct line-of-sight to the high-mounted lamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical direct-viewing system (driver looking directly at the lamp) with an electronic imaging and display system. Instead of relying on the driver's direct visual access to the high-mounted lamp, the system uses cameras to capture the lamp image and displays it on an in-vehicle terminal, substituting the mechanical line-of-sight requirement with an electronic information transmission pathway.
3Volume of moving object
If LEDs with diameter 300 mm replace lamps with diameter 250 mm for traffic signal lamps, then the traffic signal is downsized, but the visibility and detectability of the signal may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the traffic signal detection system universal by designing it to detect various lamp types and sizes (including the smaller 300 mm LED lamps). The multi-camera system with image processing capabilities can adaptively detect and recognize traffic signal patterns regardless of the specific lamp diameter or LED configuration, making the detection system universally applicable to different lamp specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a signal information providing device comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires first sensor data from a sensor that can detect a vehicle present in a display direction of the lamp; a determination unit that determines on the basis of the first sensor data whether there is a following vehicle, behind the vehicle captured by the sensor, that is unable to visually recognize the display status of the lamp due to the presence of the preceding vehicle; and an information providing unit that, when it is determined that there is the following vehicle that is unable to visually recognize the display status of the lamp, can transmit signal information informing the following vehicle of the display status of the lamp.