Virtual Lane Course for Multi-Lane Turning Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-lane intersections without lane markings, drivers face challenges in navigating turns safely, leading to a higher risk of collisions due to unintentional lane changes during complex turning maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a lane departure warning system that determines environmental data to create a virtual lane course, assisting drivers by providing visual and warning signals to prevent leaving the intended lane, using a combination of navigation data, camera images, and sensors to define the virtual lane boundaries and update them in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple turning lanes are provided at intersections, then the capacity and efficiency of the intersection is improved, but the complexity of lane navigation and the risk of unintentional lane changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (lane guidance system with visual markers and control unit) that mediates between the complex intersection layout and the driver. This intermediary provides real-time lane identification and boundary detection, simplifying the navigation task without reducing the physical number of lanes, thus maintaining intersection capacity while reducing navigation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle's position relative to the determined lane course and provides feedback through visual markers and warning signals. This feedback loop helps drivers maintain correct lane position during complex turning maneuvers, preventing unintentional lane changes while preserving the multi-lane configuration for high capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lane markings are removed from intersection areas, then the flexibility of intersection design is improved, but the detectability of lane boundaries and driver guidance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on physical lane markings, the system creates a virtual copy of the lane course information through electronic determination and visual display. The control unit generates visual markers that replicate lane boundary information in the driver's field of view, providing detectability without requiring physical markings, thus maintaining design flexibility while improving boundary detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions lane boundary information from the two-dimensional road surface (physical markings) to the three-dimensional visual field (head-up display or windshield projection). This dimensional change allows flexible intersection designs without markings while providing clear lane boundary detection through virtual visual cues overlaid on the real-world view.
3Reliability
If a virtual lane course determination system is implemented, then the safety and guidance quality is improved, but the computational requirements and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it determines the lane course, generates visual markers, monitors vehicle position, and provides warning signals. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent improves safety through comprehensive lane guidance while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves determining (S1) an environment data (30) which describes about multiple turning lanes. A trafficked lane is determined (S2) within a virtual lane progression based on the environment data. The virtual lane progression describes a turning area, and has two virtual lane markings. The virtual lane progression is used for providing (S4) information or assistance to a driver of a vehicle.