Driver Assistance Exit-Lane Detection Using Traffic Sign Distance Cues

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver assistance systems struggle to accurately determine the starting point of a deceleration lane on multi-lane roads due to limitations in camera range and inaccuracies in digital map data, leading to delayed or incorrect lane change maneuvers.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes sensor data from environmental sensors, particularly cameras, and digital map data to determine the distance to the deceleration lane starting point, incorporating traffic sign information to enhance precision, and adjusts vehicle speed and lane change maneuvers accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If camera and digital map data are used to determine the starting point of the deceleration lane, then the system can detect the starting point, but the detection is delayed or inaccurate due to limited camera range and map data inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of deceleration lane starting pointVSAvoiddetection timing of deceleration lane starting point
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces traffic sign detection as an intermediary element between the camera system and the deceleration lane starting point determination. By detecting traffic signs that indicate the distance to exits and using these signs as reference points, the system can more accurately and timely determine the starting point of the deceleration lane, overcoming the limitations of direct camera range and digital map inaccuracies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on digital map data (informational system) with traffic sign detection (visual sensing system). Traffic signs provide real-world, verified reference points that are more reliable than digital maps, allowing the system to determine the deceleration lane starting point with higher accuracy and without the delays associated with limited camera range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If lane change maneuvers are planned based on inaccurate distance information, then the system can still execute maneuvers, but the maneuvers may be premature or incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane change maneuver executionVSAvoidlane change maneuver accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors traffic signs indicating distance to exits, uses this information to calculate the vehicle's distance to the deceleration lane starting point, and adjusts lane change maneuver timing accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures maneuvers are executed at the correct time and place, preventing premature or incorrect lane changes while maintaining efficient maneuver execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4519137B1Method for manoeuvring a vehicle on a multi-lane road with determination of a starting point of a deceleration lane, and driver assistance system
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4519137B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4519137B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manoeuvring a vehicle on a multi-lane road, comprising the steps of: receiving a navigation command for carrying out a lane change manoeuvre from a second traffic lane of the road via a first traffic lane of a road to a deceleration lane of the road; determining a distance between the vehicle and a starting point of the deceleration lane, wherein the distance is determined using sensor data from an environment sensor and/or using digital map data; preparing the lane change manoeuvre from the second traffic lane to the first traffic lane depending on the distance; detecting a road sign indicating a distance to the exit; determining a piece of distance information indicated by the road sign; and determining the distance between the vehicle and the starting point of the deceleration lane in addition depending on the distance information.