Vehicle Navigation Lane Determination Using GPS and Camera Fusion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional navigation systems struggle to accurately determine the lane a vehicle is traveling on, especially in multi-lane road sections, due to the inaccuracy of GPS positioning, leading to incorrect lane guidance and potential deviations from the optimal route.

Innovation Solution

A method that combines GPS positioning with image recognition using a camera to determine the current lane by analyzing lane markings and surroundings, and compares this with the preferred lane from map data to provide accurate lane-related driving instructions to the driver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS positioning is used to determine vehicle position, then the navigation device can provide route guidance, but the lane determination accuracy deteriorates due to GPS inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute guidance reliabilityVSAvoidlane determination precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines GPS positioning data with image recognition technology to determine lane information. The navigation device merges the positional data from GPS with visual data from a camera to accurately identify the current lane, overcoming the limitation of GPS alone which cannot provide sufficient precision for lane-level navigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image recognition as an intermediary mechanism between GPS positioning and lane determination. The camera captures images of road markings and the image processing unit interprets these visual signals to determine lane position, acting as a mediator that translates visual information into navigational data to supplement GPS positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If static images with flashing arrows are displayed to indicate preferred lane, then the lane guidance function is provided, but the driver's attention is overly consumed leading to distraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane guidance clarityVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing lane guidance information only when the vehicle is approaching an intersection or junction where lane selection is critical. Rather than continuously displaying lane guidance, the system activates guidance selectively at relevant moments, reducing unnecessary visual stimuli while maintaining guidance effectiveness when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the driver about the current lane position and the preferred lane only when necessary for safe and efficient navigation. The navigation device monitors the vehicle's position and provides lane guidance feedback selectively, avoiding constant notifications and reducing driver distraction while ensuring critical information is communicated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method enhances route guidance reliability by ensuring drivers are aware of and can correct their lane position, reducing the risk of deviation from the optimal route and improving traffic safety by minimizing unnecessary announcements and focusing the driver's attention on the correct lane changes.

Implementation Method 1

The position of the navigation device is usually determined using a satellite navigation system, for example using GPS, GLONASS or GALILEO. For this purpose, the navigation device uses a satellite antenna to receive the signals from a number of geostationary satellites and evaluates these signals.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

A method that combines GPS positioning with image recognition using a camera to determine the current lane by analyzing lane markings and surroundings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage recognition: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentEP2505962B1Method for operating a navigation device in a vehicle and navigation device
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 PREH CAR CONNECT GMBH
  • EP2505962B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2505962B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2505962B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The method involves determining position of a vehicle (101) and determining the position related to a preferred lane by using the map data. The position related to a current lane, on which the vehicle travels, is determined by using an image recording unit (104). A test step is performed considering the preferred lane and the current lane so that a test result is provided, where route instruction is displayed by using an output unit. An independent claim is included for a navigation device.