Neural Lane Departure Warning for Intent-Aware Driver Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driving warning systems are unable to account for various combinations of factors that may indicate unintentional lane line crossing, leading to inadequate or inappropriate warning issuance.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an input unit, a processing unit with an artificial neural network, and an output unit, which processes driving relevant data to generate driving awareness data and output timely and appropriate driving warning information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional distance-to-line-crossing and time-to-line-crossing methods are used for lane departure warning, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot account for various combination of factors indicating unintentional lane crossing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to account for various combination of factorsVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex driving scenario analysis into multiple independent factors including distance to line crossing, time to line crossing, steering angle, lane width, and driver behavior patterns. Each factor is processed separately by dedicated sensors and algorithms, then integrated to form comprehensive lane departure warnings. This segmentation allows the system to consider various combinations of factors without creating an unmanageably complex monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives data from multiple sensors (cameras, GPS, steering angle sensors) and combines them with map data and driver profile information. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator that integrates diverse data sources and applies complex decision logic, shielding the simplicity of individual sensor components while enabling sophisticated multi-factor analysis for lane departure warnings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If lane departure warning threshold is set to be sensitive to detect all potential lane crossings, then detection coverage is improved, but unwanted warnings increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidunwanted warnings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of driver behavior patterns and contextual factors before issuing lane departure warnings. By pre-processing steering angle data, acceleration patterns, and driver intent indicators, the system can predict whether a detected lane crossing is intentional or unintentional. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain high detection coverage while filtering out false alarms caused by intentional lane changes or driver corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors driver responses to warnings and adjusts warning thresholds accordingly. When drivers intentionally change lanes, the system learns from these patterns and adjusts future warning behavior. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain high reliability in detecting unintentional lane crossings while reducing unwanted warnings by adapting to individual driver behaviors and preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3266668B1Device for determining driving warning information
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3266668B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3266668B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP3266668B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (10) for determining driving warning information. It is described to provide (210) driving relevant data. The driving relevant data is provided by an input unit (20). The driving relevant data is processed (220) with an artificial neural network to generate driving awareness data. A processing unit (30) implements the artificial neural network. Driving warning information is output (230) based on the driving awareness data. An output unit (40) outputs the driving warning information.