Vehicle Lane Change Control via Road Surface Pattern Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle traveling control systems face difficulties in performing proper lane changes due to road surface conditions, particularly when the road surface is irregular, such as being covered in snow, which can limit travelable regions and pose obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle traveling control apparatus that includes a setter, detector, and determiner to set and correct lane-change routes based on road surface patterns, preventing interference with irregular road features by adjusting route parameters, thereby allowing or prohibiting lane changes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lane change control is performed based on traffic environment only, then lane change assistance is provided, but proper lane change cannot be performed based on road surface circumstance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traffic environment recognition (other vehicles, lanes) with road surface circumstance recognition (irregular parts, snow, ice) into a unified lane change control system. The controller integrates both types of information to comprehensively determine whether a lane change is safe and appropriate, resolving the contradiction by merging previously separate control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of road surface irregular parts before executing the lane change maneuver. By detecting snow, ice, or other irregularities in the target lane in advance, the system can prevent improper lane changes before they occur, ensuring reliability while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If lane change is permitted without road surface detection, then lane change maneuver is simple, but vehicle may interfere with road surface irregular parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces road surface detection as an intermediary step between the lane change command and execution. The detection system acts as a mediator that provides critical information about road conditions, allowing the controller to make informed decisions about whether to permit, modify, or prohibit the lane change maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting road surface irregular parts and taking preventive measures before the vehicle encounters them. When irregularities are detected, the system can prohibit the lane change or adjust the maneuver to avoid the hazardous area, preventing potential damage or loss of control.
3Reliability
If lane change route is corrected multiple times, then proper route is found, but control process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic route correction where the lane change trajectory is continuously adjusted based on real-time detection of road surface irregularities. The system can dynamically modify the lane change route by shifting the vehicle's path laterally to avoid detected irregular parts, maintaining reliability through adaptive correction without requiring overly complex predetermined plans.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle traveling control apparatus includes a setter, a detector, and a determiner. The setter sets a lane-change route through which an own vehicle change lanes from a current target route to an adjacent lane. The detector detects a road surface pattern by irregularities on a road to which a lane change is to be made. The determiner determines whether the own vehicle interferes with the road surface pattern, and instructs correction of the set lane-change route based on a result of the determination. When there is not the interference, the determiner permits the lane change through the lane-change route. When there is the interference, the determiner instructs the setter to correct the lane-change route. The determiner permits the lane change through the corrected lane-change route when there is not the interference on the corrected lane-change route, and prohibits or cancels the lane change when there is still the interference.