Road Width Determination Using Lateral Distance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods do not effectively determine the useful width of a road section, which is crucial for route guidance and parking space management, as they lack precision in assessing road width, especially in varying traffic conditions and without pre-defined maps.
Innovation Solution
A method using a parking space determination device with sensors to calculate the useful width based on lateral distances and parking space detections, allowing for real-time estimation and transmission of data for precise route guidance and parking space availability, utilizing formulas that account for sensor range and noise thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If parking space detection is performed using distance-based sensors, then parking spaces can be detected, but the useful width of the road section cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The parking space determination device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only detects parking spaces using distance-based sensors but also determines the useful width of the road section by analyzing lateral distances to road boundaries. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by extracting additional useful information (road width) from the same sensor data used for parking space detection, without requiring separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary processing step that analyzes the lateral distances measured by the sensors. Instead of directly using raw sensor data only for parking space detection, the system processes this data to also derive road boundary information and calculate useful width. This intermediary analysis layer enables accurate width determination while maintaining the primary parking space detection function.
2Productivity
If the useful width is determined using only parking spaces detected to the right of the investigating vehicle, then the determination can be made with limited data, but the accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its calculation method based on the available data. When parking spaces are detected on both sides of the vehicle, the system uses the more accurate bidirectional calculation method. When data is limited to one side, it switches to the alternative calculation method that incorporates the sensor's range of action. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between determination speed and accuracy based on real-time data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the calculation parameters based on the detection scenario. The useful width calculation adjusts its formula depending on whether parking spaces are detected on the left, right, or both sides of the vehicle, and depending on the sensor's range of action. This parameter adaptation enables accurate width determination under varying data conditions while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Speed
If all determination data is processed in the investigating vehicle, then real-time determination is possible, but the computing capacity required is high
Solution Approach 1:
The determination process is segmented into two parts: initial real-time processing in the investigating vehicle using onboard sensors and computing resources, and optional subsequent refinement processing on a server. The vehicle performs immediate width determination for real-time navigation needs, while server processing can aggregate data from multiple vehicles for enhanced accuracy. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing computational load while maintaining real-time capability.
4Measurement precision
If the resolution of useful width determination is increased, then more precise width values can be obtained, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts the resolution parameter of useful width determination based on the specific application requirements and available data quality. The calculation can operate at different resolution levels, allowing the system to balance precision needs against processing complexity. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction by enabling high-resolution determination when necessary while allowing lower-resolution operation when processing resources are limited.
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
Enables accurate determination of road width, supporting in-vehicle assistance systems and server-based data aggregation for improved route guidance and parking space management, enhancing driver safety and efficiency by providing up-to-date and precise data on road usability.
Implementation Method 1
Various methods are known in the prior art for detecting parking spaces using distance-based sensors (e.g. ultrasonic, radar, laser, video, lidar sensors)
Implementation Method 2
Various methods are known in the prior art for detecting parking spaces using distance-based sensors (e.g. ultrasonic, radar, laser, video, lidar sensors)
Implementation Method 3
Various methods are known in the prior art for detecting parking spaces using distance-based sensors (e.g. ultrasonic, radar, laser, video, lidar sensors)
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining a usable width (20) of a section of a road (1), comprising the steps of: - driving along the road (1) in a first direction of travel (A) and determining parking spaces (15) using echo profiles from a detection device (12) arranged in a detection vehicle (10); - determining lateral distances (13, 14) between the detection device (12) and parked vehicles (11) on both sides of the road, wherein at least one determination of parking spaces (15) and lateral distances (13) is carried out to the right of the detection vehicle (10) and at least one determination of parking spaces (15) and lateral distances (14) is carried out to the left of the detection vehicle (10); and - determining the usable width (20) from the determined lateral distances (13, 14).