Lane Detection Reference Line Selection for Worn Markings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lane detection systems fail to accurately recognize lane boundaries when lane lines are partially worn or faded, leading to incorrect lane detection.

Innovation Solution

A lane detection apparatus comprising an image acquisition unit, a lane line detecting unit, a parameter extraction unit, a multiple-line marking determining unit, and a reference line selecting unit, which detects lane lines, extracts parameters, determines multiple-line markings, and selects a reference line for accurate lane boundary determination, even when lines are worn or faded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single lane line detection method is used, then the system complexity is low, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when lane lines are worn or faded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane boundary detection accuracyVSAvoidimage processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lane detection task into multiple independent detection processes that operate in parallel. Each process detects lane lines using different parameters or methods, and the results are combined to determine the final lane boundary. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high accuracy even when individual detection methods fail due to worn or faded lane lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple lane line detection results into a single comprehensive detection outcome. By combining information from multiple detection processes that use different parameters and methods, the system creates a more robust and accurate lane boundary determination that overcomes the limitations of any single detection method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple detection methods are used to improve accuracy, then the reliability improves, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane detection reliabilityVSAvoidlane detection processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple detection parameters and detection methods before the actual lane detection task. This preparation allows the system to quickly execute multiple detection processes in parallel during runtime, improving reliability without proportionally increasing processing time. The preliminary setup of detection frameworks enables efficient concurrent execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial detection by focusing on key lane line parameters and characteristics rather than performing exhaustive analysis on all possible features. This selective approach allows multiple detection methods to be applied efficiently, achieving high reliability through targeted detection rather than comprehensive analysis, thus reducing overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10685242B2Lane detection apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.06.16 DENSO CORP
  • US10685242B2 patent drawing
  • US10685242B2 patent drawing
  • US10685242B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lane detecting apparatus is provided which obtains at least one type of parameters associated with lane lines on the road and selects one of the lane lines as a reference line using one of the parameters which is most useful in determining the configuration of a lane on a road. The lane detecting apparatus also calculates a lane boundary line using the reference lane line.