Dynamic Lane Definition for Autonomous Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Roads without visual lane markers pose challenges for autonomous vehicles, as they lack defined lanes for navigation, leading to inefficient use of road surface and operational issues, especially in environments without standard visual markers.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses vehicle sensors and a lane management system to dynamically define lanes based on vehicle and road information, allowing autonomous vehicles to create and adjust lane definitions for safe navigation, even in the absence of traditional lane markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed lane markings are used to define lanes, then lane definition is clear and simple, but road space utilization is inefficient and adaptability to different vehicle sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lane definition where lane boundaries are not fixed but adapt in real-time based on vehicle dimensions, road conditions, and traffic patterns. The system continuously adjusts lane parameters (width, position, curvature) to accommodate different vehicle sizes while maintaining safe navigation, transforming static lane markings into dynamic virtual boundaries that respond to current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters of lane definition including lane width, lateral position, and boundary curvature based on vehicle-specific dimensions and road characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than using fixed standards, the system achieves adaptability to various vehicle sizes and road conditions while optimizing road space utilization.
2Reliability
If wider lanes are used to accommodate all vehicles, then all vehicles can navigate safely, but road surface utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing lane dimensions and boundaries according to the specific vehicle's characteristics and local road conditions. Instead of using uniform wide lanes for all vehicles, the system defines localized lane parameters that precisely fit each vehicle's navigation needs, thereby ensuring safe navigation while maximizing road surface utilization through optimized space allocation.
3Ease of operation
If visual lane markers are installed to provide lane guidance, then autonomous vehicles can detect lanes, but road construction complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical lane markers with a digital/virtual lane definition system. Instead of installing physical markings on the road surface, the system uses computational algorithms to generate and update lane boundaries based on sensor data, map information, and vehicle characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for road construction modifications while maintaining effective lane detection and guidance for autonomous vehicles.
4Productivity
If dynamic lane definition is implemented to optimize road space, then road surface utilization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal lane management system that performs multiple functions: detecting road boundaries, defining lane geometries, adjusting lane parameters, and providing navigation guidance. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single integrated system, the patent achieves efficient road surface utilization while managing system complexity through multi-functionality rather than requiring separate specialized components for each task.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for automated dynamic lane definition are presented. One example method includes the steps of accessing vehicle information for a vehicle travelling on the road; accessing road information for a road; and defining at least one lane for the road based on the road information and the vehicle information.