Road Narrows Sign Validation Using Lane Count Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems face challenges in accurately verifying road narrows signs in real-time, leading to high false positives and potentially causing unnecessary transitions from autonomous to manual mode in vehicles, especially when road works signs are not correctly handled.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that validate road signs by comparing sensor data on the number of lanes with map data, using road sign observations and probe data to determine if a sign is a true indication of road works or a false positive, thereby updating map data for accurate navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If road narrows signs are detected using sensor data in navigation systems, then navigation accuracy is improved, but false positive rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing sensor-detected lane count with map data lane count to validate road sign observations. When the detected lane count matches the map data, the system confirms the road sign is valid; when they differ, the system identifies it as a false positive and corrects the map data accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces map data as an intermediary validation mechanism. Instead of relying solely on sensor data, the system uses pre-stored map information about lane counts as a reference to verify whether detected road narrows signs are genuine or false positives.
2Reliability
If road narrows signs are validated using sensor data comparison with map data, then false positive reduction is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-validation by automatically comparing its own sensor observations with stored map data and correcting its own map data when discrepancies are found. The navigation system serves its own validation needs without requiring external verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation mechanism serves multiple functions: it verifies road sign accuracy, updates map data in real-time, and provides navigation instructions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated validation systems.
3Reliability
If real-time road sign validation is implemented, then navigation reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation by continuously comparing sensor data with map data in real-time before navigation decisions are made. This ongoing preliminary check ensures that when navigation instructions are generated, they are already validated, reducing last-minute processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a system, a method, and a computer program product for validating a road sign. The method comprises receiving at least one road sign observation associated with a location wherein the road sign observation comprises at least a road sign type. The method may include obtaining sensor data associated with the at least one road sign observation, based on at least the road sign type. The method may include calculating a number of lanes based on the sensor data. The method further includes, validating the road sign based on the number of lanes, wherein the road sign is validated as a correct road sign when the number of lanes is less than the number of lanes obtained from map data associated with the location.