Virtual Lane Marker Generation for Drivable Area Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated driving systems face challenges in controlling vehicle movement in road sections without visible lane markers, as existing techniques rely on lane marker data to define drivable areas, making it impossible to perform driving control in areas like intersections where lane markers are absent.
Innovation Solution
Generating virtual lane markers between terminal nodes on either side of lane marker non-presence sections and setting the area between these markers as a drivable area, allowing for driving control even in sections without physical lane markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If driving control is performed based on lane marker data, then driving control accuracy is improved, but drivable area cannot be determined in road sections without lane markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual lane markers that replicate the function of physical lane markers in road sections where actual markers are absent. These virtual markers are generated based on lane network data and terminal node positions, allowing the driving control system to operate in areas without physical guidance markers while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual lane markers as an intermediary element between the driving control system and road sections without physical markers. These virtual markers serve as a mediator that enables the control system to determine drivable areas in intersections and other locations where actual lane markers are not present.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual lane markers are generated in road sections without lane markers, then drivable area determination is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary generation of virtual lane markers and determination of drivable areas in advance, using lane network data and terminal node positions. By pre-calculating these virtual markers before actual driving control is needed, the system reduces real-time computational complexity while maintaining the capability to handle road sections without physical markers.
3Reliability
If driving control is performed only in sections with lane markers, then control reliability is maintained, but automated driving coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the driving control system universal by enabling it to operate in both road sections with physical lane markers and those without. The virtual lane marker generation mechanism allows the same control system to handle multiple road types and conditions, expanding automated driving coverage while maintaining reliability through consistent control methodology.
Data Source
AI summary
A drivable area setting device and a drivable area setting method, which can perform driving control based on a drivable area also in a road section in which a lane marker is not present. A terminal node specifying unit specifies a terminal node of a lane marker on an entry side and a terminal node of a lane marker on an exit side in a road section, such as an intersection, in which lane marker data are not present, a virtual lane marker generating unit for generating a virtual lane marker linking the terminal node of the lane marker on the entry side to the terminal node of the lane marker on the exit side, and an area setting unit for setting, as a drivable area of a vehicle, an area interposed between the generated virtual lane markers.