Lane-keeping System Using IMU for Continuous Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicle lane-keeping systems disengage when lane-markings are momentarily undetectable by cameras, leading to customer dissatisfaction and loss of control, as they fail to maintain navigation without consistent visual cues.
Innovation Solution
A lane-keeping system incorporating a camera, inertial-measurement-unit, and controller that determines the vehicle's last-position and offset-vector relative to the centerline, allowing for continuous automated steering using correction-vectors when lane-markings are undetectable, and switching to manual mode after a time-threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system uses camera-based lane-marking detection for automated steering, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when lane-markings are undetectable or degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inertial measurement unit (IMU) as an intermediary sensor to detect vehicle motion and position when camera-based lane-marking detection fails. The IMU provides alternative data sources (accelerometry, gyros, magnetometry) that serve as a mediator to maintain automated steering functionality without direct visual cues from lane-markings
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes and stores historical vehicle motion information from the IMU before lane-marking detection fails. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly switch to using stored motion data and previously determined lane parameters when visual detection is unavailable, maintaining continuous automated control
2Reliability
If the system disengages automated control when lane-markings are not detected, then the safety is improved by giving control to the operator, but the productivity deteriorates due to frequent disengagement and loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous automated steering action by switching between camera-based lane-marking detection and IMU-based motion tracking. The system maintains uninterrupted control by seamlessly transitioning to alternative data sources when visual detection fails, preventing disengagement and keeping the automated navigation function active throughout
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors lane-marking detection status and vehicle motion data, providing feedback to determine when to switch between camera-based and IMU-based control modes. This feedback mechanism ensures automated control remains active by detecting when visual cues are unavailable and automatically activating alternative sensing methods
3Device complexity
If the system relies solely on camera detection of lane-markings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates when facing inconsistent or degraded lane-markings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the automated steering system universal by equipping it with dual sensing capabilities: camera-based lane-marking detection and IMU-based motion tracking. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various roadway conditions including faded, inconsistent, or completely absent lane-markings, as well as different weather and lighting conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures continuous and safe navigation of automated vehicles by maintaining control and reducing disengagement of automated driving when lane-markings are not detected, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial-measurement-unit configured to determine relative-motion of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A lane-keeping system (10) suitable for use on an automated vehicle (12) includes a camera (32), an inertial-measurement-unit (40), and a controller (28). The camera (32) is configured to detect a lane-marking (38) of a roadway (36) traveled by a vehicle (12). The inertial-measurement-unit (40) is configured to determine relative-motion (42) of the vehicle (12). The controller (28) is in communication with the camera (32) and the inertial-measurement-unit (40). When the lane-marking (38) is detected the controller (28) is configured to steer the vehicle (12) towards a centerline (48) of the roadway (36) based on a last-position (54), and determine an offset-vector (58) indicative of motion of the vehicle (12) relative to the centerline (48) of the roadway (36). When the lane-marking (38) is not detected the controller (28) is configured to: determine an offset-position (60) relative to the last-position (54) based on information from the inertial-measurement-unit (40), determine a correction-vector (62) used to steer the vehicle (12) from the offset-position (60) towards the centerline (48) of the roadway (36) based on the last-position (54) and the offset-vector (58), and steer the vehicle (12) according to the correction-vector (62).