Video Image Brightness Analysis for Weather Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting weather conditions in vehicles require additional image acquisition devices or color information, limiting their ability to detect road weather conditions simultaneously with road features like lane markings and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies bright pixels in video images and determines whether they are caused by reflections due to rain, snowfall, or wet/snowy surfaces, allowing for the detection of weather conditions without focusing on individual droplets or flakes, and using the same imaging system as driving assistants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional image acquisition devices are used to detect weather conditions by focusing on individual droplets, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing video camera perform multiple functions: it simultaneously detects road features (lane markings, obstacles) and weather conditions (rain, snow, wet surfaces) by analyzing different characteristics of the same video images, eliminating the need for separate weather detection cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines weather condition detection with road feature detection by processing the same video images through different analysis methods - using brightness analysis and reflection pattern recognition to detect weather while maintaining the primary function of road survey
2Measurement precision
If color information is used to distinguish weather conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to limited availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from color-based to brightness-based analysis. By analyzing pixel brightness values and reflection patterns in grayscale video images, the system can detect weather conditions without relying on color information that may not be available in all lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces color-based optical detection with brightness-based analysis, substituting the need for color camera functionality with a processing approach that works with standard video camera output, making the system more universally applicable
3Measurement precision
If the video camera focuses on individual raindrops or snowflakes, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to detect road features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis process into two independent parts: road feature detection based on spatial patterns and weather condition detection based on brightness and reflection characteristics. This allows both functions to operate simultaneously on the same video feed without interfering with each other's focus requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the detection of rain, snow, and wet/snowy roads using the same video images as driving assistants, without the need for extra cameras or color information, improving the robustness and efficiency of weather condition detection in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
deciding whether or not said bright pixels are caused by reflections due to rain- or snowfall and/or due to a wet or snowy surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to video-based driver assistance systems being used in vehicles today to perform a variety of functions, such as lane or road departure warning. These functions often require that parts of the video image be identified as, for example, a traffic sign, a bridge, lane markings, etc. Particularly the present invention relates to a method for video image-based weather and/or road condition detection. A method and a system is described, according to which method, weather and/or conditions are detected by identifying bright pixels or groups of bright pixels in video images and by deciding whether or not said bright pixels are caused by reflections, due to rain- or snowfall, and/or due to a wet or snowy surface. Also a computer program product is described, stored on a computer usable medium comprising computer readable program means for causing a computer to perform such a method, wherein said computer program product is executed on a computer.