C2X Lane Assignment via Intermediary Position Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lane detection methods in driver assistance systems are prone to errors in complex environments due to limited angular resolution and high costs, especially when precise lane accuracy is required for safety and assistance functions.

Innovation Solution

The method employs C2X communication in conjunction with environment sensors like radar, lidar, and cameras to enhance lane assignment accuracy by sharing vehicle positions and utilizing infrastructure data, such as cameras, to determine the vehicle's lateral position relative to other vehicles and road topology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-precision maps and high-precision positioning are used for lane-accurate positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane positioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses C2X communication as an intermediary to exchange lane identification information between vehicles and infrastructure. Instead of directly using complex high-precision positioning systems, the vehicle communicates with other vehicles and road-side units to obtain lane information through standardized messages, simplifying the overall system while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes existing C2X communication infrastructure and message formats (such as CAM and DENM messages) that are already standardized in the industry. By copying and adapting these existing communication protocols rather than developing new proprietary systems, the solution reduces development complexity and leverages existing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If C2X communication is used to exchange position information between vehicles, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information is reduced through collaborative data sharing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle position accuracyVSAvoidlane position information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where vehicles continuously exchange their detected lane information and position data through C2X communication. Each vehicle uses the received information from other vehicles and infrastructure to refine its own lane assignment, creating a collaborative feedback loop that improves overall positioning accuracy and reduces information loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple data sources including C2X communication messages from other vehicles, infrastructure information from road-side units, and environmental sensor data. By merging these diverse information sources into a unified lane detection approach, the system achieves more reliable and accurate lane positioning than any single source could provide alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If environmental sensors with limited angular resolution are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidlane detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses C2X communication as an intermediary to supplement the limited angular resolution of environmental sensors. Instead of relying solely on sensor resolution, the system exchanges position and lane information through communication protocols, allowing accurate lane detection even when sensor resolution is insufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters by transitioning from direct sensor-based spatial measurement to communication-based information exchange. By using C2X messages that contain encoded position and lane information, the system overcomes the angular resolution limitation of physical sensors without increasing sensor complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4109432A1Method for allocating the lane currently being driven on by a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4109432A1 patent drawingFigure 1
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  • EP4109432A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to methods for assigning the lane (12) currently being driven on by a vehicle (10), wherein input variables from at least one data source are acquired to determine the currently being driven on lane (12), and wherein at least one data source comprises acquired signals from an environmental sensor system (14) of the vehicle. In a method that improves the possibility of unambiguously assigning the lane being driven on by the vehicle, it is provided that at least one data source comprises C2X communication (16).