Lane Line Estimation Using Orthogonal Projection of Keypoints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurately identifying lane lines from sensor data is complex due to detection errors and unordered keypoint detections, leading to erratic representations of lanes that can degrade the accuracy of downstream processes.

Innovation Solution

A heuristic-based approach is employed to estimate lane lines by acquiring sensor data, transferring headings to key point detections, and using these detections to project lines onto an orthogonal line, averaging projection points to define an estimated line point, and iteratively connecting these points to define the lane line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If lane lines are directly connected from raw sensor data, then the process is simple, but the accuracy of lane line representation deteriorates due to detection errors and unordered keypoint detections

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSimplicity of lane line generation processVSAvoidAccuracy of lane line representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by sorting keypoint detections in chronological order before connecting them to form lane lines. This preprocessing step ensures that detections are arranged in the correct temporal sequence, preventing erratic lane line representations while maintaining a relatively simple generation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary filtering mechanism that processes raw sensor detections before final lane line generation. This intermediary step validates and orders keypoint detections, resolving the contradiction by adding a processing layer that improves accuracy without significantly complicating the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If keypoint detections are connected in chronological order, then the process is straightforward, but the lane line exhibits erratic characteristics due to unordered detections and overlaps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveStraightforwardness of connection processVSAvoidSmoothness of lane line representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary sorting of keypoint detections in chronological order before connection. This ensures that overlapping and unordered detections are properly sequenced, eliminating erratic lane line characteristics while maintaining straightforward operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the quality of lane line representations and adjust the ordering and selection of keypoint detections accordingly. This feedback loop ensures smooth, stable lane lines by correcting erratic patterns detected during the representation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250118090A1Estimating lane lines
Publication Date: 2025.04.10 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US20250118090A1 patent drawing
  • US20250118090A1 patent drawing
  • US20250118090A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving the estimation of lane lines along a roadway. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring sensor data about a roadway. The sensor data includes at least frames and associated point detections about a lane line associated with the roadway. The method includes identifying a selected point and nearby points of the point detections. The method includes projecting lines from the nearby points to an orthogonal line extending from the selected point to define projection points. The method includes estimating a line point of the lane line according to the projection points. The method includes generating an estimated line for the lane line using the line point and other line points.