Video-based warning system for a vehicle

摘要

The present invention proposes a warning system that can be implemented in any kind of vehicle, in order to efficiently detect moving objects. The system utilizes at least one camera for a continuous imaging of the surroundings of the vehicle. Thereby, moving objects can be monitored. A computing unit is programmed to estimate a motion of any moving object based on a pixel motion in the camera image. If a dangerously moving object is detected, a warning unit can be used for issuing a warning signal. To take such a decision, the estimated motion of at least one of the moving objects can be correlated or compared to predetermined motion patterns.

主权项

1. Warning system for a vehicle to detect moving objects, wherein the system comprises
at least one camera for preferably continuously imaging the surroundings of the vehicle, wherein the camera is rear facing in respect to the driving direction of the vehicle; a computing unit for estimating a motion of moving objects based on a pixel motion in the image of said camera, wherein the computing unit is adapted to compute the pixel motion between consecutive frames of the camera image and to perform a motion segmentation that divides the computed pixel motion into a motion of stationary background objects and a motion of moving objects by detecting a motion of the background objects in respect to the camera based on a contracting motion of pixels and by detecting a motion of the moving objects based on an expanding motion of pixels, which do not move towards the focus of concentration; a warning unit for issuing a warning signal, if the estimated motion of at least one of the moving objects follows a predetermined motion pattern.