Inductive Loop Detection Using Camera and GPS Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular systems face challenges in accurately detecting and navigating inductive loops in roadways, which are crucial for proper vehicle positioning and activation by driver assistance and autonomous driving systems, as vehicles must be positioned correctly to activate the loops for accurate sensing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that uses cameras and GPS to identify and communicate the location of inductive loops, employing algorithms and neural networks to determine the presence and position of loops, and adjust the vehicle's trajectory to ensure activation, with data shared among vehicles to create a central database for improved detection and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicles rely on traditional inductive loop sensing without detection capabilities, then the inductive loop system can be installed, but vehicles cannot be properly positioned to activate the loops, resulting in inaccurate sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of cameras and processing units that detect inductive loops and provide location information to vehicles. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the existing inductive loop infrastructure and the vehicles' positioning needs, allowing vehicles to locate and properly position themselves over the loops without modifying the loops themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of directly sensing loops with vehicles' onboard sensors by substituting it with an optical detection system using cameras. The camera-based system captures images of the roadway, and image processing algorithms identify inductive loop locations, which are then communicated to vehicles to guide their positioning.
2Extent of automation
If driver assistance and autonomous driving systems are implemented, then vehicle automation is improved, but accurate detection and positioning relative to inductive loops becomes critical and currently unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting and communicating inductive loop locations to vehicles before the vehicles reach them. The system continuously monitors the roadway ahead, identifies loop positions, and provides advance notification to the autonomous driving system, allowing sufficient time for the vehicle to adjust its trajectory and positioning to ensure reliable loop activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the detection system continuously provides information about inductive loop locations to the vehicle's control system. This feedback enables the autonomous driving system to make real-time adjustments to maintain proper positioning relative to the loops, ensuring reliable activation for traffic management and vehicle guidance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple vehicles need to share inductive loop location data, then collective detection accuracy improves, but data communication and central database management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional communication system that serves multiple purposes: detecting inductive loops, determining vehicle positions, exchanging location data between vehicles, and updating a central database. This universal system handles various data types and communication scenarios using a integrated architecture, reducing overall complexity despite the multiple functions required.
Data Source
AI summary
Example inductive loop detection systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives image data from a camera of a vehicle and determines a geographic position of the vehicle. Based on the image data and the geographic position of the vehicle, the method determines a location of an inductive loop in a roadway proximate the vehicle. The data associated with the location of the inductive loop is stored in a storage device within the vehicle. For a vehicle, a detectable zone may be determined based on actual or simulated outputs an inductive loop system at various locations relative to the vehicle. While driving, the vehicle is controlled to cause the detectable zone to pass over or stop over a known location of the inductive loop.