Vehicle Steering Control Using Radar Reflectivity When Road Lines Unrecognizable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated driving systems fail to recognize the area in which a vehicle can run when road partition lines cannot be identified from images, leading to incomplete automated driving control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes an image capturer, a road partition line recognizer, and an object detector using radiowaves to detect objects with sufficient reflectivity, allowing the system to control steering based on these objects when road partition lines are unrecognizable, thereby estimating road positions and controlling vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If road partition line recognition is used for automated driving control, then the system can achieve automated steering control, but the system fails when road partition lines are not recognizable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces objects with high reflectivity (such as reflective posts or markers) as intermediary elements to mediate between the vehicle's detection system and the road structure. When road partition lines are not recognizable, these intermediary objects serve as alternative reference points for the object detector to identify drivable areas, ensuring continuous automated driving control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from visual recognition of road markings to radar-based detection of objects with specific reflectivity characteristics. By detecting objects whose reflectivity meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system can reliably identify road boundaries and drivable areas even when visual cues are unavailable or insufficient.
2Reliability
If the system switches to object detection when road partition lines are unrecognizable, then the system can maintain automated driving control, but additional detection equipment and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The object detector is designed with multi-functionality to perform both primary functions: detecting objects with high reflectivity for road boundary identification and potentially detecting other relevant objects for comprehensive environmental awareness. This universal detector reduces the need for separate specialized detection systems, managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes criteria for object detection, including predetermined reflectivity thresholds and spatial relationship rules (objects disposed at predetermined intervals along the road). By preparing these detection criteria in advance, the system can quickly switch to object-based control when needed, minimizing processing complexity during critical transitions.
3Measurement precision
If objects with predetermined reflectivity are used for steering control, then accurate run area recognition is achieved, but the system requires specific objects to be present on the road
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between road partition line recognition and object detection based on real-time conditions. When road markings are clearly visible, the system uses visual recognition; when they become unrecognizable, it transitions to radar-based object detection. This dynamic adaptability ensures accurate run area recognition across diverse environmental conditions while maintaining system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the recognizability of road partition lines and provides feedback to determine when to switch detection modes. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system uses the most appropriate detection method for current conditions, maintaining measurement precision while adapting to environmental variations through systematic mode switching.
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 recognition of the vehicle's run area even when road partition lines are not recognizable, ensuring reliable automated driving by using detected objects' positions and reflectivity to guide steering.
Implementation Method 1
an object detector configured to detect objects in the vicinity of the vehicle by emitting radiowaves and detecting reflected waves generated due to the radiowaves coming into contact with objects
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control device includes: an image capturer configured to image surroundings of a vehicle; a road partition line recognizer configured to recognize a position of a road partition line on the basis of an image; a driving controller configured to control at least steering of the vehicle on the basis of the position of the road partition line; and an object detector configured to detect objects in the vicinity of the vehicle by emitting radiowaves and detecting reflected waves generated due to the radiowaves coming into contact with the objects, wherein, in a case in which the position of the road partition line is unrecognizable using the road partition line recognizer, the driving controller is configured to control at least steering of the vehicle on the basis of the position of an object, of which the reflectivity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.