Anticipatory Bend Detection via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for anticipating bends in road navigation are inadequate due to inaccuracies in mapping data, inconsistent GPS information, and limitations in image processing systems, particularly in areas without clear road markings or during urban driving.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines navigation systems with image processing systems, using confidence indices to fuse data from both sources, providing a fail-safe mode for anticipatory bend detection, and utilizing this information for optimized headlamp orientation and adaptive cruise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If navigation systems with mapping data and GPS are used to anticipate bends, then bend detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inaccuracies in mapping data and inconsistent GPS information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple information sources including navigation systems with mapping data, GPS receivers, and image processing systems with camera detectors. These diverse systems are merged into an integrated bend detection system that cross-validates information from each source, thereby maintaining improved detection capability while enhancing reliability through mutual verification of the combined sources.
2Reliability
If image processing systems with cameras are used to detect bends, then reliability is improved by providing fail-safe mode, but measurement precision deteriorates in areas without clear road markings or during urban driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces confidence indices as intermediary elements that mediate between the image processing system and the final bend detection output. The confidence index quantifies the reliability of detected bend characteristics based on image quality, road marking clarity, and detection conditions. This intermediary allows the system to maintain reliability through fail-safe modes while managing measurement precision by adjusting detection thresholds and requiring supplementary information from other sources when precision is compromised.
3Device complexity
If steering wheel angle sensor is used to detect bends, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases as information is only supplied when driver turns the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using navigation systems and image processing to detect and anticipate bends before the vehicle actually enters them. This advance detection allows the system to prepare and execute headlamp orientation changes in advance, eliminating the time delay associated with waiting for steering wheel input. The headlamps are oriented toward the bend ahead of time, ensuring continuous optimal illumination without response delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the anticipated detection of a bend on a portion of road taken by a motor vehicle comprising the following steps:establishing, by means of a first system, called as the navigation system, a first set of information on the bend in question, the first set of information being associated with a first confidence index;establishing, by means of a second system, called as the image processing system, a second set of information on the bend in question, the second set of information being associated with a second confidence index; andestablishing, from the first set of information and the second set of information and by taking into account the first confidence index and the second confidence index, a third set of information on the bend in question.