Autonomous Vehicle Lane Marking Code Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in reliably detecting and processing complex information along lane markings in a short time, requiring high complexity and space for multiple markings, which can lead to disrupted information detection and increased sensor demands.
Innovation Solution
The use of code markings arranged adjacent to lane markings, with sensors detecting distances between these code markings and the lane markings to encode information, allowing for reliable and efficient detection of complex information without the need for additional hardware or complex sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple markings are provided adjacent to the lane marking to convey complex information, then the information content increases, but the space requirements and detection time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple separate markings arranged along the lane to using a single code marking with multiple dimensions (distance from lane marking, width of code marking) to encode the same information. This dimensional encoding allows complex information to be conveyed in a compact space adjacent to the lane marking without requiring multiple discrete markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in parameters of the code marking (distance from the lane marking, width of the code marking) to encode different information values. By changing these physical parameters, the system can convey complex control information without increasing the number of markings or their spatial footprint.
2Loss of information
If multiple markings are arranged adjacent to the lane marking, then more information can be provided, but the markings cannot be arranged close together and sensor demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing lane sensor multi-functional by enabling it to detect not only the lane marking itself but also the code marking's position and dimensions. This single sensor performs multiple detection functions (lane detection, code detection, distance measurement) without requiring additional specialized sensors, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining high information content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system encodes information in the physical parameters of the code marking (distance, width) that can be detected by the existing sensor through its measurement capabilities. This approach allows complex information to be conveyed through parameter variations rather than through multiple discrete markings that would require additional sensors.
3Loss of information
If the vehicle covers travel distance to detect sectionally arranged markings, then information can be accumulated, but detection is disrupted if the vehicle stops
Solution Approach 1:
The code marking is positioned and dimensioned in advance such that all necessary information is encoded in a single static configuration. The vehicle detects the complete information set in one measurement event without needing to travel along the marking or accumulate data over time, eliminating the reliability issues associated with motion-dependent detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The code marking is designed as a distinct, separable element from the lane marking itself, positioned adjacent to it. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect the code marking's position and dimensions as a complete information unit in a single detection event, rather than requiring the vehicle to traverse multiple sequential markings.
4Device complexity
If a single code marking is used with distance encoding, then hardware complexity is reduced, but the sensor must accurately determine distances
Solution Approach 1:
The existing lane sensor is made multi-functional to perform both lane tracking and code marking detection. By utilizing the sensor's existing measurement capabilities for distance and position, the system avoids adding complex dedicated measurement hardware while maintaining the precision needed for distance-based information encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variations in the code marking's physical parameters (distance from lane, width) that fall within the existing sensor's measurement resolution. This allows the encoding of complex information through parameter changes that the sensor can accurately detect without requiring enhanced measurement precision beyond what the existing hardware provides.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables fast and reliable detection of complex information with minimal hardware complexity, allowing autonomous vehicles to decode control commands from a single code marking pair, reducing the need for multiple markings and enhancing dynamic control.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can thus e.g. be an optical sensor that detects a high contrast lane marking in an optical manner
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively to an optical system, the sensor can be an electromagnetic sensor that detects an electromagnetic or magnetic lane marking
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle, in particular an automated guided vehicle, comprises a control device and a sensor for detecting a continuous lane marking. The control device is adapted to control the vehicle along the lane marking in dependence on the detected lane marking, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a code marking arranged adjacent to the lane marking and to determine a distance between the detected code marking and the lane marking, and wherein the control device is further adapted to control the vehicle in dependence on the determined distance.