Lane Boundary Position Points for Maneuver Space Data Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver assistance systems face challenges in representing maneuver spaces efficiently due to large data requirements, which exceed the bandwidth capabilities of existing communication systems like CAN connections.

Innovation Solution

The method represents the delimitation course of a lane using position points with adaptive attributes such as longitudinal distance, lateral width, and constriction, allowing for a reduced data representation of the maneuver space, enabling efficient communication and trajectory determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an occupancy map (occupancy grid) is used to represent maneuvering space, then complete coverage of available space is achieved, but the data amount becomes too large for real-time transmission via CAN connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of maneuvering space representationVSAvoiddata amount
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous occupancy map into discrete position points with specific attributes. Instead of representing every cell in the occupancy grid, only relevant position points (lane markings, obstacles, road edges) are extracted and represented with key attributes like lateral width and maneuvering space indicators, dramatically reducing data size while maintaining essential information for maneuvering space assessment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential features from the complete occupancy map - specifically position points representing boundary elements and their critical attributes. This extraction process removes redundant data while preserving the key information needed to assess maneuvering space, achieving a balance between completeness and data efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of information

If position points with detailed attributes are used to represent lane boundaries, then maneuvering space information is improved, but data transmission requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaneuvering space information completenessVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different attribute sets to different position points based on their specific characteristics and relevance. Not all position points receive the same level of detail - only those critical for maneuvering space assessment (like lane markings and obstacles) are given comprehensive attributes, while less critical points have minimal attributes, optimizing the information-to-data-ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation from continuous occupancy grid values to discrete attribute categories (e.g., lateral width categories, maneuvering space presence/absence). This parameter transformation reduces the data complexity while maintaining the essential information needed for driver assistance decisions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2842117B1Method for displaying vehicle surroundings
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2842117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2842117B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2842117B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displaying vehicle surroundings for a vehicle (1) having a sensor system for detecting the environment, wherein a boundary of a traffic lane on which the vehicle is currently being driven is displayed by position points (4, 7, 8, 11) that have a predefined set of attributes.