Intersection Travel Path Data Generation Using Trajectory Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating travel path data inside intersections are inaccurate and unrealistic, as they rely solely on GPS positions or unrealistic assumptions about vehicle trajectories, making it difficult to create reliable data for automated driving, especially on local roads and intersections.

Innovation Solution

A travel path data generation apparatus that fits an estimated vehicle trajectory into lane network data using both absolute GPS trajectories and sensor-derived trajectories, optimizing the connection between travel path data and lane network data to generate accurate travel paths inside intersections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If GPS positions alone are used to generate travel path data, then the data generation process is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of the travel path data inside intersections deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of data generation processVSAvoidaccuracy of travel path data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple data sources including GPS positions, sensor-derived trajectories (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers), and map data to generate travel path data. This merging of multiple measurement systems compensates for the weaknesses of individual sources, particularly GPS signal degradation in intersection areas, thereby improving overall accuracy while maintaining a manageable processing framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The travel path data is constructed as a composite by integrating information from heterogeneous sources: satellite-based GPS, inertial sensors, magnetic field sensors, and pre-existing map data. This composite approach creates a more robust and accurate representation of vehicle trajectories by leveraging the complementary strengths of each data source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If sensor-derived trajectories are used to improve accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of trajectory estimationVSAvoidcomplexity of data generation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces map data and trajectory fitting algorithms as intermediaries between raw sensor data and final travel path data. These intermediaries process and reconcile the complex sensor inputs (multiple accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) with GPS positions and lane network data, reducing the direct complexity burden while maintaining high measurement precision through sophisticated data fusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (dedicated vehicles with expensive sensors) with a software-based data fusion approach using standard sensors in automated driving vehicles. The complexity is shifted from physical hardware to computational algorithms for trajectory estimation and data fusion, achieving comparable or superior accuracy without dedicated measurement vehicles.

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

3Measurement precision

If dedicated vehicles with expensive sensors are used, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity and cost-effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of road shape measurementVSAvoidefficiency of data generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables automated driving vehicles to generate their own high-precision travel path data using their existing sensors (GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) without requiring external dedicated measurement vehicles. This self-service capability allows regular fleet vehicles to contribute to map data improvement, dramatically increasing productivity and eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment and manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms automated driving vehicles from单纯的 driving machines into multi-functional platforms that simultaneously perform automated driving and high-precision mapping functions. By utilizing the same vehicle sensors for both navigation and map generation, the system achieves dual purposes, improving productivity while reducing the need for specialized dedicated vehicles and expensive equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If unrealistic assumptions about vehicle trajectories are made, then the data generation process is simplified, but the reliability of travel path data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of data generation methodVSAvoidrealism of travel path data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where estimated trajectories are continuously refined by comparing sensor-derived positions with GPS positions and map data. The system uses trajectory fitting algorithms that adjust estimated paths based on actual vehicle behavior patterns and lane network constraints, ensuring realistic and reliable travel path data without requiring complex manual interventions or unrealistic assumptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11603114B2Apparatus for generation of data of travel path inside intersection, program for generation of data of travel path inside intersection, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2023.03.14 DENSO CORP
  • US11603114B2 patent drawing
  • US11603114B2 patent drawing
  • US11603114B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A travel path data generation apparatus for generating travel path data inside an intersections for automated driving includes a travel path data generator that generates the data of the travel path in such a way that, using an absolute trajectory of actual traveling of a vehicle inside the intersection, the travel path data generator fits an estimated trajectory of the actual traveling of the vehicle inside the intersection into data of lane network connected to the intersection.