Vehicle Steering Control for Single-Side Lane Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in accurately estimating lane curvature when only single side markings are detected, especially on curved roads with slope changes, leading to potential unnecessary steering corrections due to marking distortion.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control apparatus with a marking detection unit, curvature estimation unit, single side determination unit, and slope determination unit that restricts steering control when only single side markings are detected and a road slope change is present, using an ECU to adjust steering change rates based on detected curvature and slope changes to prevent erroneous steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If curvature is estimated based on single side marking, then the system can operate when only one marking is detected, but the curvature estimation accuracy deteriorates due to marking distortion on sloped roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary variable (road slope angle) to mediate between the marking detection and curvature estimation. By detecting the road slope angle separately and using it to correct the curvature calculation, the system compensates for marking distortion without requiring both left and right markings to be visible. This resolves the contradiction by enabling single-side-marking operation while maintaining accuracy through slope-based correction.
2Productivity
If steering control is performed based on distorted marking detection, then the system provides continuous steering assistance, but unnecessary steering corrections are applied due to slope-induced marking distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the detected road slope angle to correct the curvature estimation in real-time. The slope detection result feeds back into the curvature calculation process, allowing the system to adjust the steering control based on actual road conditions rather than relying solely on distorted marking appearance. This ensures reliable steering control while maintaining continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Control unit estimates a curvature of an own lane based on a marking detected from an image captured by an imaging device. The control unit performs a steering control of the own vehicle in accordance with the estimated curvature of the own lane. When determining that only single side marking in both left and right markings is present and the road slope changes, the control unit apply restriction to the steering control performed in accordance with the curvature of the own lane.