Lane-Width-Based Vehicle Navigation for Obstacle Distance Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face challenges in navigating due to the vast amounts of data they need to process and store, particularly with traditional mapping technologies, which can limit their ability to efficiently analyze and update maps while traveling.

Innovation Solution

The use of cameras and processing devices to analyze images, determine vehicle location, and calculate navigational actions based on elevation and lane width information, allowing for real-time navigation without the need for extensive data storage or updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional mapping technology is used for autonomous navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but data storage requirements and processing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoiddata storage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes only the essential geometric features (lane width, elevation, curvature) from map data that are necessary for navigation, rather than storing and processing complete traditional map datasets. This selective extraction reduces data storage requirements while maintaining navigation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using traditional approaches where the vehicle determines its position relative to pre-stored detailed maps, this patent inverts the approach by using the vehicle's known position to query only the specific map features relevant to current navigation decisions, thereby reducing data processing and storage needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If traditional mapping technology is used for autonomous navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary geometric parameters (lane width, elevation, curvature) from map data for navigation decisions, avoiding the complexity of processing complete traditional map datasets. This selective extraction simplifies the processing architecture while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the representation parameters from comprehensive traditional map data to specific geometric parameters (lane width, elevation, curvature) that are sufficient for navigation. This parameter transformation reduces processing complexity while preserving the essential information needed for accurate navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If comprehensive map data is stored and updated, then navigation reliability is improved, but loss of time for data updates and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation reliabilityVSAvoiddata update time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential geometric features needed for navigation reliability (lane width, elevation, curvature) rather than maintaining complete map datasets. This reduces the time required for data updates while preserving navigation reliability through the use of critical geometric parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If vast volumes of data are processed and stored, then navigation accuracy is improved, but productivity of navigation operations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidnavigation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and processes only the essential geometric parameters (lane width, elevation, curvature) necessary for navigation decisions, rather than processing vast volumes of comprehensive map data. This selective approach improves navigation efficiency while maintaining accuracy through the use of critical geometric features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the data processing approach by changing from comprehensive map data processing to specific geometric parameter processing. This parameter change enables faster processing and improved navigation productivity while maintaining the accuracy needed for safe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12125231B2Using mapped lane width to determine navigational parameters

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 MOBILEYE VISION TECH LTD

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for navigating a host vehicle. In an embodiment, a processing device may be configured to receive at least one image captured by an image capture device, the at least one image being representative of an enviromnent of the host vehicle; analyze the at least one image to identify an object in the environment of the host vehicle; determine a location of the host vehicle; receive map information associated with the determined location of the host vehicle, wherein the map information includes lane width information associated with a road in the environment of the host vehicle; determine a distance from the host vehicle to the object based on at least the lane width information; and determine a navigational action for the host vehicle based on the determined distance.