Road Environment Recognition Using Imaginary Lane Markers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road environment recognition devices fail to recognize lane markers on roads with three-dimensional objects at the lane boundary, such as guardrails, where physical lane markers are absent, leading to ineffective vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A road environment recognition device that uses a combination of imaging and electromagnetic wave detection to recognize three-dimensional objects and set imaginary lines as lane markers, allowing for precise vehicle control even in the absence of physical lane markers, by excluding irrelevant objects and utilizing guardrails and existing lane markers for correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the road environment recognition device relies on physical lane markers for vehicle control, then it can achieve accurate lane recognition on roads with lane markers, but it fails to recognize lanes on roads where lane markers are absent due to three-dimensional objects like guardrails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary concept called 'imaginary lane markers' that are generated based on the detected positions of three-dimensional objects like guardrails. These imaginary markers serve as a mediator between the physical guardrails and the vehicle control system, enabling the system to recognize lanes on roads where physical lane markers are absent. The imaginary lane markers are calculated based on the spatial relationship between the vehicle and the detected three-dimensional objects, allowing accurate lane recognition in previously unrecognized road environments.
2Measurement precision
If the recognition device detects all three-dimensional objects, then it can identify potential lane boundaries, but it also detects irrelevant objects leading to false recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the recognition criteria specific to certain types of three-dimensional objects. Instead of treating all detected objects uniformly, the system specifically identifies and processes guardrails and similar objects that are likely to serve as lane boundaries. The recognition algorithm evaluates the spatial characteristics, position, and orientation of detected objects to determine whether they qualify as valid lane boundary indicators, thereby reducing false recognition of irrelevant objects while maintaining high detection accuracy for relevant structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-precision vehicle control on roads without physical lane markers by accurately setting imaginary lines based on three-dimensional objects, improving vehicle guidance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging section that images in front of the vehicle, wherein the recognition section recognizes the three dimensional object using image information imaged by the imaging section
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic wave detector that radiates electromagnetic waves in front of the vehicle and detects reflected waves, wherein the recognition section recognizes the three dimensional object using the image information and reflected wave information detected by the electromagnetic wave detector
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a road environment recognition device, and a vehicle control device and a vehicle control method employing the road environment recognition device. The road environment recognition device includes a recognition section that recognizes a three dimensional object provided alongside a lane in which the vehicle is positioned, and an imaginary line setting section that sets an imaginary line alongside the three dimensional object recognized by the recognition section and further to the lane side than the three dimensional object, and treats the imaginary line as a lane marker.