Road Sign Localization via Multi-Sensor Triangulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately identifying and localizing road signs, particularly in conditional driving zones like school zones, due to the limitations of existing sensor data processing and map validation methods, which can lead to errors and inaccuracies in navigation and routing.

Innovation Solution

The use of sensor data from multiple vantage points, including cameras and LiDAR, to perform accurate road sign localization through triangulation, facilitating the identification of road sign locations and conditional traffic zone boundaries, and enabling map validation and updating processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor data from multiple vantage points is used for road sign localization through triangulation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroad sign localization accuracyVSAvoidsensor data processing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the complex task of road sign localization into distinct processing stages: data collection from multiple sensors, triangulation computation, and result validation. Each stage handles specific aspects of the problem independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through coordinated multi-sensor input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If existing sensor data processing methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of road sign localization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor data processing system complexityVSAvoidroad sign localization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary triangulation computation layer that processes raw sensor data from multiple vantage points. This intermediary step transforms individual sensor measurements into accurate road sign locations without requiring direct complex coordination between all sensors, thereby improving precision while managing system complexity through structured intermediate processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the accuracy of road sign localization and conditional traffic zone identification, improving navigation and routing for autonomous vehicles by reducing errors and ensuring map data integrity.

Implementation Method 1

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors disposed on the AV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

cameras and/or Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors disposed on the AV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11741721B2Automatic detection of roadway signage

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 GM CRUISE HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

The disclosed technology provides solutions for detecting and localizing road signage, such as speed limit signs. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for receiving a first set of sensor data comprising a signage feature, wherein the first set of sensor data is associated with a first location, receiving a second set of sensor data comprising the signage feature, wherein the second set of sensor data is associated with a second location, and determining a location of the signage feature based on the first location and the second location. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.