Vehicle Navigation on Elevated Roads Using Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle navigation systems face challenges in accurately differentiating between driving on elevated roads and ground-level roads due to the inability to determine height variations from satellite positioning signals, leading to inaccurate navigation information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that extract specific objects from images taken over time to determine the driving direction on a ramp, using area ratios of objects like sky and elevated road, or lane changes, to generate accurate vehicle navigation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite signal-based positioning method is used, then positioning coverage is provided, but height variation cannot be determined leading to inaccurate navigation information on elevated roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image processing as an intermediary mechanism between satellite positioning and navigation information generation. By capturing images of the road surface and processing them to detect lane markings and road features, the system obtains height variation information that satellite signals alone cannot provide, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning coverage and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges satellite positioning data with image processing data to create a comprehensive navigation system. The satellite signal provides overall positioning, while the image processing of road surface features provides height variation details, combining both data sources to achieve accurate navigation information on elevated roads.
2Measurement precision
If image processing is performed continuously to determine driving direction, then navigation accuracy is improved, but computational resources and processing time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing images to extract lane markings and road features before determining driving direction. By preparing the image data in advance and using pre-defined recognition patterns, the system reduces real-time processing requirements while maintaining high accuracy in driving direction determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by processing only the necessary portions of images (such as lane markings and road surface features) rather than analyzing every pixel. This selective processing approach maintains navigation accuracy while significantly reducing computational time and resources required.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing vehicle navigation information within an elevated road area comprising the steps of: extracting at least one specific object from each of a plurality of images in an advancing direction of a vehicle while the vehicle is approaching to one ramp of the elevated road area, the plurality of images being obtained over time; determining a driving direction of the vehicle on the ramp in accordance with time characteristic of the specific object; and generating the vehicle navigation information from the driving direction and rendering the generated vehicle navigation information.