Clear Path Detection via Topographical Variation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous driving systems face challenges in efficiently processing complex road conditions and identifying a clear path due to the computational intensity required for distinguishing between various objects and road features, often necessitating bulky and expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines camera and radar imaging data to analyze the road surface and objects, using patch-based and pixel-based analysis to determine a clear path by evaluating confidence likelihoods and classifying features, thereby reducing the need for individual object classification and enhancing processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual object classification is used to identify clear path, then navigation accuracy is improved, but computational load and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clear path detection task into two independent analyses: topographical variation analysis (detecting flat surfaces and elevation changes) and clear path detection analysis (identifying navigable paths). This segmentation allows each analysis to focus on specific features rather than classifying all objects individually, reducing computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific critical features (topographical variations and clear path characteristics) from the overall scene, rather than processing and classifying all objects. By taking out only the essential features needed for clear path identification, the system reduces processing requirements while maintaining navigation accuracy.
2Reliability
If comprehensive object recognition is used to analyze road conditions, then navigation reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analysis into parallel independent processes (topographical variation analysis and clear path detection analysis) that can be executed simultaneously. This segmentation enables comprehensive feature analysis without sequential processing delays, improving reliability while reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial analysis by focusing only on the specific features necessary for clear path detection (topographical variations and path characteristics) rather than comprehensive classification of all objects. This partial action approach maintains sufficient reliability for navigation while significantly reducing processing time.
3Measurement precision
If detailed feature classification is used to distinguish road features, then clear path identification accuracy is improved, but computational power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments feature analysis into specialized sub-tasks: topographical variation analysis handles elevation and surface flatness, while clear path detection analysis handles path identification. This segmentation allows each module to use optimized algorithms for its specific function, improving accuracy without requiring excessive overall processing power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different analysis methods to different regions and features of the scene according to their local characteristics. Topographical analysis is applied where elevation changes occur, and clear path detection is applied to identify navigable areas. This local quality approach ensures high identification accuracy while minimizing computational power usage in regions where detailed analysis is not needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a clear path of travel for a vehicle wherein the detecting includes a fusion of a plurality of analyses including monitoring an image from a camera device includes analyzing the image through clear path detection analysis to determine a clear path of travel within the image, analyzing an area in front of the vehicle utilizing a topographical variation analysis to determine a flat surface upon which the vehicle can travel, combining the clear path of travel and the determined flat surface to describe an enhanced clear path of travel, and utilizing the enhanced clear path of travel to navigate the vehicle.