SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRAFFIC SIGN VALIDATION

• US 20170243483A1
• Filed: 10/14/2014
• Published: 08/24/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Toyota Motor Europe SA (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Inventors: KANESHIGE, Yuzo, KAWASAKI, Tomoya, GILLET, Christophe, RYCKEN, Tom, SANO, Tomoya
• Granted Patent: US 10,573,175 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/205 using a head-up display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 18/24317 Piecewise classification, i.e. whereby each classification requires several discriminant rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 18/251 of input or preprocessed data
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/764 using classification, e.g. of video objects
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/803 of input or preprocessed data
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/582 of traffic signs
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/09623 Systems involving the acquisition of information from passive traffic signs by means mounted on the vehicle G08G1/0967 takes precedence

Abstract

A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes image obtaining unit configured to obtain data in proximity to the vehicle, determine a regulation value based on the data, and at least one sensor unit configured to provide state information related to a state of the vehicle. Processing unit also includes being configured to determine whether a zone condition applies based on the data, confirm a validity of the detected regulation value based on the state information, the determined regulation value, the zone condition, and an age of the data, the processing unit is configured to revoke the validity, and wherein, upon determination of a zone condition, the processing unit is configured to increase the predetermined threshold duration. The processing unit is also configured to cause the regulation value to be displayed when the validity is confirmed and to prevent display of the regulation value when the validity is revoked.

Claims

1-17. -17. (canceled)

18. A method for driver assistance, comprising:

obtaining data regarding one or more regulation indicators in proximity to a vehicle;

determining whether a zone indicator was detected and a regulation value based on the data;

receiving state information related to the vehicle;

confirming a validity of the detected regulation value based on the state information, the determined regulation value, and when detected, the zone indicator; and

displaying the regulation value when a validity of the regulation value is confirmed, and hiding the regulation value when the validity of the regulation value is revoked, wherein

wherein when the state information indicates a change of direction of the vehicle, the validity is revoked unless a zone indicator has been detected.

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising:

modifying the display of the regulation value based on an age of the data.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the modifying is selected from at least one of a graying and an increasing a transparency of the displayed regulation value.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the regulation value is a speed limit.

22. A driver assistance system for a vehicle, comprising:

a camera configured to obtain optical data regarding one or more regulation indicators and to determine a regulation value based on the data;

at least one sensor configured to provide state information related to a state of the vehicle;

a processor configured to;

determine whether a zone indicator was detected based on the data;

confirm a validity of the detected regulation value; and

cause the regulation value to be displayed when the validity is confirmed and prevent display of the regulation value when the validity is revoked,

wherein when the state information indicates a change of direction of the vehicle, the processor is configured to revoke the validity unless a zone indicator has been detected.

23. The driver assistance system according to claim 22, wherein the state information comprises at least one of a vehicle speed, a distance travelled, and a change in vehicle travel direction.

24. The driver assistance system according to claim 22, wherein, the processor is configured to modify the display of the regulation value to reflect an age of the data.

25. The driver assistance system according to claim 24, wherein the modification is selected from at least one of graying and increasing a transparency of the displayed regulation value.

26. The driver assistance system according to claim 22, wherein the regulation value is a speed limit.