Lane Keeping Path Estimation Without Visible Lane Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle vision systems using cameras often fail to accurately track lanes, especially when lane markings are obstructed or difficult to detect, leading to erroneous path estimation and potential vehicle misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance system that combines image data from cameras with GPS, digital map data, and vehicle inputs like differential wheel speeds to enhance lane tracking, creating an abstraction layer that supplements image processing with additional data sources for improved path estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system relies solely on image processing from cameras to determine lane path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of lane tracking deteriorates when lane markings are obstructed or difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data sources including camera image processing, GPS positioning data, map data, and vehicle sensor data into a unified lane path determination system. This merging of diverse input sources enhances reliability by providing redundant information paths, where if one source fails or provides insufficient data, other sources can compensate to maintain accurate lane tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary abstraction layer that processes and integrates data from multiple sources before presenting the final lane path information. This intermediary layer reconciles conflicting or incomplete data from cameras, GPS, and map sources, transforming raw inputs into reliable lane path determinations even when individual sources are obstructed or insufficient.
2Reliability
If the system uses multiple data sources (GPS, map data, vehicle inputs) to enhance lane tracking, then the reliability of path estimation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lane path determination function into distinct processing modules, each handling specific data sources (camera processing module, GPS processing module, map data processing module, vehicle sensor processing module). This segmentation allows each module to independently process its designated data type with specialized algorithms, reducing the complexity of integrating all sources while maintaining high reliability through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data integration framework that can process multiple types of inputs (image data, GPS coordinates, map information, vehicle sensor readings) through a common processing architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle diverse data sources uniformly, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing path estimation reliability through comprehensive data fusion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system creates an abstraction layer to integrate multiple inputs, then the adaptability to different driving situations is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing and validation of data from each source (camera, GPS, map, vehicle sensors) before integration, pre-organizing the data into standardized formats and identifying key features in advance. This preliminary action reduces the complexity and time required during the actual lane path determination, allowing the abstraction layer to quickly adapt to different driving situations without excessive processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical processing approach where the system first performs partial processing using the most reliable or quickest data source available, then progressively incorporates additional data sources only when needed based on the driving situation. This partial action approach provides adaptability to various conditions while minimizing unnecessary processing time by avoiding full integration when simpler solutions suffice.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular lane keeping system includes a forward-viewing camera disposed at a windshield of a vehicle and an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is operable to (i) process map data relating to a current geographic location of the vehicle and (ii) process vehicle information relating to current operation of the vehicle in a traffic lane of a road. Responsive to (i) processing of image data captured by said forward-viewing camera and (ii) processing of the map data and (iii) processing of the vehicle information, the vehicular lane keeping system determines a path of travel for the vehicle that keeps the vehicle in the traffic lane during situations where lane markings are not readily determinable. The vehicular lane keeping system determines the path of travel even when no lane markings are present on the road. The vehicular lane keeping system maintains the vehicle along the determined path of travel.