Crossing Lane Map Data for Automated Driving Range Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating map data cannot effectively support automated driving or driving assist functions in sections where lanes cross, as they rely on expensive sensors and human labor, limiting data generation to expressways and highways, and fail to provide collision-avoidance information for vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A system that sets start and end sections in lanes using road shape data, stores crossing travel track data, and generates travelable range data using automated driving or driving assist functions, allowing vehicles to navigate complex lane changes safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated moving vehicle with expensive sensors is used to measure road shape and position with high accuracy, then map data generation precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroad shape and position measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses probe data (copies of vehicle travel tracks from multiple sources) to generate map data instead of requiring expensive dedicated measurement vehicles. The probe data contains position information that can be processed to create accurate road geometry without needing complex sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based measurement system with an information processing system that uses computational geometry and statistical methods to extract road shape and position from probe data collected by regular vehicles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a dedicated moving vehicle method is used to generate map data, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity is reduced due to limited coverage areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap data accuracyVSAvoidmap data generation coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the map data generation system universal by accepting probe data from any vehicle traveling on the road, not just dedicated measurement vehicles. This allows the same processing system to generate map data for various road types including expressways, highways, and general roads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges probe data from multiple vehicles traveling on the same road section to generate comprehensive map data. By combining data from multiple sources, the system achieves both accuracy and broad coverage across different road types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If traditional map data generation methods are used, then cost is reduced by avoiding expensive sensors, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system simplicityVSAvoidmap data reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copies of actual vehicle travel tracks (probe data) as the basis for generating reliable map data. These probe data represent real vehicle behavior and road conditions, providing reliable information without requiring expensive verification sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where probe data from multiple vehicles is continuously collected and processed to refine and verify map data accuracy. This feedback loop ensures reliability while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If traditional map data is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to support automated driving functions deteriorates due to lack of travelable range information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing simplicityVSAvoidautomated driving function support

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments map data into traditional road geometry information and travelable range information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity for basic mapping while adding specialized travelable range data to support automated driving functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to map data by incorporating travelable range information that indicates not just where roads are, but where vehicles can safely travel within lanes. This additional dimensional information enables automated driving functions without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12372372B2Map data generation device, in-vehicle equipment, and map data generation method

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A map data generation device includes a start section setting unit configured to set a start section in a first lane, an end section setting unit configured to set an end section in a second lane, a first storage control unit configured to cause crossing travel track data from the start section to the end section to be stored in a crossing travel track data storage unit, a travelable range data generating unit configured to generate travelable range data indicating a travelable range when a vehicle travels using an automated driving function or a driving assist function using the crossing travel track data, and a second storage control unit configured to cause the travelable range data to be stored in a travelable range data storage unit.