KR-20260066209-A - Check the traffic light in front of the vehicle when stopping to wait for a signal

Abstract

The present invention relates to a driver assistance system that enables a driver to easily check the status of a traffic light located in a blind spot ahead when a vehicle is stopped. Generally, when a vehicle stops in front of a stop line, the traffic light is obscured depending on the vehicle's structure or position, making it difficult for the driver to check it directly. In particular, elderly drivers must assume an uncomfortable posture to view the traffic light, which can cause physical strain such as muscle tension. To solve this problem, the present invention helps the driver easily check the status of the traffic light through components such as a camera, a control unit, a display, and a warning sound generator. The camera, a core component of the system, is installed on the upper front of the vehicle to capture the blind spots ahead that are out of the driver's line of sight. The control unit manages the camera, display, and warning sound generator, and enhances energy efficiency by ensuring the camera operates only when the driver is waiting at a traffic light. The video captured by the camera is transmitted to the display in real time via the control unit, allowing the driver to easily check the traffic light status. The display normally shows navigation or instrument panel information, but automatically switches to the traffic light video when the vehicle is stopped. The warning sound generator provides the driver with an auditory alert when the traffic light status changes, enabling them to clearly recognize the status along with visual information. Drivers can selectively activate or deactivate the warning sound via an on/off switch. This feature ensures that changes in traffic light status are not missed and reduces driving distractions by allowing the warning sound to be turned off when not needed. Furthermore, the control unit automatically adapts to various physical characteristics by adjusting the camera angle according to the driver's gaze direction and position, enabling elderly drivers in particular to comfortably check traffic lights without changing their posture. Through these features, traffic congestion caused by delayed starts can be reduced, traffic flow maintained, and driver safety and convenience are significantly enhanced.

Inventors

• 고준수

Assignees

• 고준수

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20241104

Claims (1)

1. This is a system that allows the driver to check the status of traffic lights in the blind spot ahead in real time when the vehicle is stopped, and this system operates through the interaction of various components. First, the power supply unit (102) serves to supply power to the entire system and is stably mounted on the vehicle so that the system can continuously receive power. The control unit (104) is electrically connected to the power supply unit (102) and is a core component that manages and controls components such as a camera, a display unit, and a warning sound generator according to a pre-set program. The control unit integrates and coordinates the entire system, such as activating the camera when the system recognizes a stopped state, transmitting the traffic light status to the display, and generating a warning sound when necessary. The camera (106) is installed on the upper front of the vehicle and serves to capture the blind spot (30-90 degree angle) in front of the vehicle, which is not visible from the driver's seat. This camera operates only when the vehicle is stopped to capture the status of the traffic light in real time and transmits the video data to the control unit. This allows the driver to clearly check the status of the traffic light while waiting at the signal and has the efficiency of preventing unnecessary power consumption. The display unit (108) is a liquid crystal display (LCD) installed as a unit with the camera (106), is electrically connected to the control unit (104), and has the function of displaying real-time video so that the driver can check the blind spot traffic light while stopped. This display unit is structured to provide general instrument panel information or a navigation screen normally, but switches to a traffic light state when stopped, so that the driver does not get confused by unnecessary information. The display is composed of high-visibility LCD or LED elements so that the driver can easily identify changes in the traffic light. The warning sound on/off switch (110) is electrically connected to the control unit, providing the driver with the option to activate or deactivate the warning sound function. The warning sound generator (112) receives a command from the control unit and performs the function of notifying the driver with sound when the traffic light status changes. Through this, the driver can recognize changes in the traffic light status not only visually but also audibly, allowing them to respond safely even when the traffic light is not visible. Since the warning sound can be adjusted via the on/off switch to operate only when necessary, it reduces interference with driving caused by unnecessary noise. The control unit sends a signal to the camera installed at the front of the vehicle, and the video captured by the camera is transmitted to the control unit. The control unit displays this in real-time on a display, allowing the driver to immediately identify changes in the traffic light status. Additionally, the control unit sends a control signal to the warning sound generator to produce sound; through this integrated operation, the system is designed to prevent delayed starts, discomfort caused by muscle tension, and the risk of accidents in advance. The display unit is configured to show video only when the vehicle is stopped. While driving, general instrument panel information or vehicle function control screens are displayed; the camera video switches to provide traffic light information only when the vehicle is stopped. This minimizes driver confusion caused by unnecessary information switching and helps the driver focus on driving information rather than checking traffic lights while driving. This method allows the driver to check traffic light information only when stopped, enabling the selective provision of only the information necessary for safe driving. It offers structural advantages such as simplified installation and easy maintenance through a single camera configuration. Installed as a single unit at the front of the vehicle, this camera accurately captures traffic light conditions. The display unit functions as an instrument panel or navigation screen during normal operation, switching to show traffic light images only when the vehicle is stopped. The display is positioned in a location easily accessible to the driver, designed so that the driver does not need to shift their gaze significantly to recognize changes in traffic lights.

Description

Traffic light check device in front of the vehicle when stopped at a signal This invention is a driver assistance system installed inside a vehicle that resolves the problem of blind spots ahead, where it is difficult for the driver to check traffic lights while stopped. The system consists of a camera that captures a 30-90 degree forward range when the vehicle stops near a stop line, a control unit, and a display. The camera captures the status of traffic lights in real time and transmits it to the display, allowing the driver to easily check the lights without changing their posture. Additionally, for elderly drivers, it provides an automatic adaptive function that adjusts the camera and display to suit the driver's physical characteristics. This system enhances driving convenience and safety by adopting integrated display technology that functions as a navigation system or instrument panel during normal operation and switches to displaying traffic light information when stopped. It notifies of traffic light changes with an audible warning when necessary and supports the maintenance of smooth traffic flow by rapidly recognizing traffic light status through AI-based image processing technology. Generally, when driving, if you stop to wait at a traffic light, a blind spot occurs depending on the vehicle's position where the driver cannot see the traffic light ahead. The term "blind spot" refers to the area around a vehicle in road traffic that is unseen by the driver. Generally, when driving, if a vehicle stops to wait for a traffic light in an area where a signal is located, a blind spot may occur depending on the vehicle's position, preventing the driver from seeing the signal light ahead. These blind spots are primarily caused by the vehicle's position and structural characteristics; consequently, it becomes difficult for the driver to check the status of the traffic light ahead, which can cause disruptions to traffic flow. A blind spot refers to the area around a vehicle in road traffic that is not visible to the driver. This blind spot hinders the driver from noticing events on the road or restricts their field of vision, placing other users on the road at risk of accidents within the blind spot. For example, situations may arise where pedestrians or motorcycle riders approaching from the side or rear of a vehicle enter a blind spot without being perceived by the driver. To address this, existing technologies utilize lane change assist systems that monitor blind spots and warn of potential collisions, or driver assistance systems that detect blind spots by installing cameras on the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle. These auxiliary devices primarily function to warn of surrounding blind spots when changing lanes, thereby playing a role in enhancing road safety. The range and location of blind spots are generally set at the factory based on the vehicle's geometric characteristics, such as vehicle size, windows, and rearview mirror structures. However, since the size and location of blind spots vary not only by vehicle but also by the driver's physical characteristics—such as body size and posture—pre-set blind spot ranges may not be suitable for all drivers. To address this issue, German Patent DE 10 2008 000 051 A1 proposed a variable warning system for detecting objects within a vehicle's blind spot, and Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-2020-0013176 introduced a technology to eliminate blind spots caused by the vehicle's A-pillar using a camera. However, these technologies have limitations in solving the problem of drivers being unable to see traffic lights ahead when stopped to wait at a signal. When a driver stops, particularly when the vehicle is positioned 1 to 5 meters ahead of the stop line, the traffic light ahead may be obscured by structures such as the vehicle's roof, making it impossible to check the signal status. Failure to recognize a signal change can lead to delayed starts, which triggers honking from vehicles behind and disrupts traffic flow. To resolve this issue, drivers must maintain an uncomfortable posture of leaning forward and tilting their heads upward to check the signal. This posture can cause muscle tension, particularly for elderly drivers, and may hinder safe driving. Due to physical limitations, elderly drivers may find it difficult to change their posture while driving, which could potentially lead to accidents. Therefore, there is a growing need for an assistive device that allows drivers to check the traffic light status without changing their posture when the vehicle is stopped within approximately 1 to 5 meters of the stop line. This technology utilizes cameras and displays installed inside the vehicle to provide drivers with real-time information on the traffic light status while stopped, thereby reducing driver discomfort and facilitating smooth traffic flow. Among conventional technologies, Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-0193204 proposes a veh