Patent ID: 7058206

Claim:
A process for improving performance of a system for recognizing traffic signs, said system including a camera and a therewith associated evaluation unit for image recognition or image display, said process comprising: utilizing information originating from at least one of (a) a map-based navigation system and (b) a traffic information system in the evaluation or display of contents of traffic signs, wherein the system for traffic sign recognition is capable of operating at a normal performance level and at least one enhanced performance level, and wherein said system is caused to operate at said enhanced performance level when it is determined on the basis of map-based information or traffic information that the vehicle is passing through an area in which recognition of traffic signs may be problematic, wherein within said problematic areas supplemental subdivided recognition processes are carried out, comprising: a) when entering or leaving communities, carrying out a specific search for signs indicating entry of a community and leaving of a community, b) when in the area of traffic influencing facilities, changing signs or traffic lights, searching for any change in the type and manner of the representation of the traffic signs, c) when in an area in which poor visibility due to fog or rain may be present and a higher probability of contrast-poor images may be required, effecting an increase in the contrast enhancement of the image data.