Lane Boundary Detection Using Vehicle Motion Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recognizing traffic lane boundaries in vehicles are unreliable, especially when boundaries are soiled or covered, as they rely on image sensor data which may not provide accurate results.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that records motion sensor data from components like wheels to determine the spatial profile of the roadway, allowing for the reliable recognition of traffic lane boundaries through differences in height profiles and movement patterns, and combines this with digital map information and machine-trained classifiers for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image sensor data is used to recognize traffic lane boundaries, then the system can detect lane markings, but the recognition becomes unreliable when boundaries are soiled or covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lane boundary detection task into multiple independent sensing modalities: image sensors for visual detection, motion sensors for detecting vehicle movement patterns, and tactile sensors for contact-based detection. Each sensor type independently contributes to the overall detection reliability, so that when one modality fails due to soiling, others can compensate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces motion sensor data as an intermediary that indirectly detects lane boundaries by measuring vehicle movement patterns caused by traversing lane markings. Instead of directly observing the potentially obscured lane boundary, the system uses motion sensors to detect the subtle vibrations and movements generated when tires cross over lane boundaries, providing an indirect but reliable detection method.
2Reliability
If multiple sensor types are combined for lane boundary detection, then detection reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing vehicle components serve multiple functions. Motion sensors originally designed for vehicle dynamics control (stability control, anti-lock braking) are repurposed to detect lane boundary crossings. Tactile sensors in the suspension system simultaneously provide both ride comfort control and lane boundary detection. This multi-functionality approach increases reliability without requiring entirely new sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data from multiple sensor sources into a unified lane boundary detection system. Image sensor data, motion sensor data, and tactile sensor data are combined and processed together to produce a single, reliable detection output. The evaluation unit integrates these different data streams, allowing the system to leverage the strengths of each sensor type while managing complexity through unified processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for a vehicle is designed to detect movement sensor data with regard to a movement of at least one component of the vehicle. The movement is or has been effected by a roadway driven upon by the vehicle. In addition, the control unit is designed to detect a lane boundary of the roadway on the basis of movement sensor data and, in reaction thereto, to cause a functional reaction of the vehicle.