Vehicle Position Detection Using Lane Marking Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle navigation systems lack the precision and timeliness to determine when a vehicle has exited onto an exit lane, leading to inaccurate route guidance and potential safety issues, especially when autonomous driving systems continue to operate on exit lanes unsuitably.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle position resolution system that uses lane markings and exit signs to accurately determine whether a vehicle has stayed on a main roadway or exited onto an exit lane by identifying predetermined patterns such as V-shaped or Y-shaped lane markings and exit signs, providing a two-step verification process for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional navigation systems are used for position determination, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of vehicle position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The position determination function is segmented into multiple independent detection modules: lane marking detection module, exit sign detection module, and position resolution module. Each module performs a specific detection task, and their results are integrated to achieve precise position determination, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives detection data from multiple sources (lane markings, exit signs), processes and fuses this information, and produces the final position determination. This intermediary layer coordinates the complexity of multiple detection modules while delivering precise results.
2Loss of time
If position determination is delayed until GPS signals are available, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary position determination using lane markings and exit signs before GPS signals become available or as a supplement to GPS. The detection modules continuously monitor roadway features, enabling early position determination that reduces time loss while maintaining reliability through multiple verification methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The position resolution module continuously compares detected lane marking patterns and exit sign positions against the vehicle's expected trajectory and updates the position determination in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures timely and reliable position information without waiting for GPS signals.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If autonomous driving systems continue operating on exit lanes, then the productivity is maintained, but the object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position determination system provides real-time feedback to the autonomous driving system about the vehicle's actual location relative to exit lanes. When the system detects that the vehicle has exited onto an exit lane, it sends a signal to disengage autonomous mode, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining productivity through continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based position determination with an optical detection system that uses cameras to identify lane markings and exit signs. This substitution enables more reliable and timely position detection, allowing the autonomous driving system to be safely deactivated when appropriate without interrupting overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle system for determining whether a vehicle has moved off of a main roadway and into an exit lane. A navigation unit determines that an exit is approaching on a first side of the vehicle, and a camera obtains image data regarding lane markings and exit signs in response to a notification that the exit is approaching. An image processor identifies predetermined patterns among the lane markings, including V-shaped patterns or Y-shaped patterns. The system determines that the vehicle has moved into the exit lane in response to an identification of one of the predetermined patterns on a second side of the vehicle opposite the first side of the vehicle. The system may verify its determination based on recognition of an exit sign on the second side of the vehicle.