Vehicle Detection at Night Based on Tail-Light Detection

Automated detection of vehicles in front can be used as a component of systems for forward collision avoidance and mitigation. When driving in dark conditions, vehicles in front are generally visible by their tail and brake lights. We present an algorithm that detects vehicles at night using a camera by searching for tail lights. Knowledge of colour, size, symmetry and position of rear facing vehicle lights, taken from relevant legislation, is exploited. We develop an image processing system that can reliably detect vehicles at different distances and in different weather and lighting conditions.