Vehicle Traffic Light Passability Detection Using Nearby Vehicle Behavior
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic light determination systems rely solely on camera images, which are prone to errors due to external factors like backlight, leading to reduced reliability and accuracy in determining whether a vehicle can pass through an intersection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle determination device that combines traffic light determination using camera images with the behavior analysis of surrounding vehicles to enhance accuracy, incorporating a traffic light determination unit, an other-vehicle behavior determination unit, and a passableness determination unit to make informed decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only camera image information is used to determine traffic light state, then the system complexity is low, but the reliability and accuracy of determination decrease due to external factors like backlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple determination methods (camera image recognition and other vehicle behavior analysis) into a single integrated system. The passableness determination unit merges results from both methods to make the final determination, thereby improving reliability without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination device performs multiple functions using a unified system: it determines traffic light state from camera images and simultaneously analyzes behavior of other vehicles. This multi-functionality allows the system to cross-validate information and improve determination reliability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Measurement precision
If only camera image recognition is used for traffic light state determination, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and accuracy of traffic light state recognition are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses behavior information from other vehicles as feedback to validate or correct the traffic light state determination. When other vehicles' behaviors contradict the camera-based determination, the system can adjust its conclusion, thereby improving measurement precision through cross-validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of analysis by incorporating temporal and behavioral data from other vehicles alongside the spatial and visual data from camera images. This multi-dimensional approach enriches the determination process and improves accuracy without relying solely on a single data source.
3Reliability
If determination is made based solely on traffic light state from camera, then the processing time is short, but the reliability decreases due to potential recognition errors from external factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and determines behavior of other vehicles in advance, preparing this information before the final passability determination is needed. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly cross-validate traffic light state information without significant delay, maintaining both reliability and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The processor of ECU includes: a traffic light determination unit that determines whether or not a traffic light in front of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle can pass; an other-vehicle behavior determination unit that determines the behavior of the other vehicle existing in the vicinity of the vehicle; and a passableness determination unit that, when it is determined that the traffic light indicates that the vehicle can pass, determines whether or not the traffic light can pass by the vehicle based on the behavior of the other vehicle existing in the vicinity of the vehicle.