Dynamic Cone of Relevance for Vehicle Lane Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle warning systems face challenges in accurately determining whether a remote vehicle is in the same lane or a different lane as the host vehicle, leading to potential false alerts and inappropriate operational responses.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a dynamic cone of relevance, calculating an angle from the host vehicle's centerline to determine a conically-shaped zone, allowing the host vehicle to operate based on the remote vehicle's lane position by identifying geospatial states of both vehicles and adjusting operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed angular threshold is used to determine lane position, then the determination process is simple, but accuracy deteriorates due to varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the angular threshold dynamic rather than fixed. The system calculates a specific angle based on the distance to the remote vehicle, allowing the threshold to adapt to varying distances. This resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision through distance-based adaptation while managing complexity through a standardized calculation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of angular threshold from a static value to a dynamic value that varies with distance. By establishing a relationship between distance and angle, the system adjusts the threshold parameter according to the specific operational context, thereby improving lane position determination accuracy without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a conically-shaped zone is used to determine lane position, then false positives are reduced, but the computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential geometric relationship needed for lane determination by using a conically-shaped zone defined by a calculated angle. This approach takes out only the necessary computational elements (distance-based angle calculation) while eliminating unnecessary complexity, thereby reducing false positives without excessive energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the angular threshold based on distance before making lane position determinations. This preparatory calculation allows for more reliable false positive reduction while optimizing energy use by avoiding repeated complex computations during actual lane determination.
3Measurement precision
If distance-based angular calculation is performed, then lane determination accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing distance-based angular calculation that adapts to varying operational conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the angular threshold according to the distance to the remote vehicle, improving lane position accuracy while managing system complexity through a systematic approach to calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional distance-based angular calculation system that serves multiple purposes: determining lane position, reducing false positives, and adapting to various driving scenarios. This universal approach improves accuracy while consolidating functionality to manage system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Operating a host vehicle is described as including identifying remote vehicle information indicating at least a geospatial state for a remote vehicle and identifying host vehicle information indicating at least a geospatial state for the host vehicle. For a sequence of sampling points, a distance between the remote vehicle and the host vehicle within a transportation network is determined based on the remote vehicle information and the host vehicle information, an angle from a centerline extending from the host vehicle for the distance is calculated, the angle varying as a function of the distance, and a conically-shaped zone is determined using the angle. Responsive to the remote vehicle being located within the conically-shaped zone, the host vehicle is operated based on the remote vehicle being in a lane in which the host vehicle is traveling. The host vehicle is behind the remote vehicle in a direction of travel. A method, vehicle, and apparatus are described.