Lane Departure Technology

JMU

Lane Departure Technology
An Introduction

Prof. David Bernstein
James Madison University

Computer Science Department

bernstdh@jmu.edu

Traditional Technology

Lane Markings:
- Paint
- Reflectors
Warning Systems:
- Rumble Strips

Modern Technology

Lane-Departure Warning:
- Alerts the driver when the vehicle gets close to or crosses over a lane marker (when the turn signal is not on)
Lane-Keeping Assistance:
- Steers the car away from the lane marking
Lane-Centering Assistance:
- Continually steers the car to the center of the lane

Some Practical Issues that Arise

Lane versus Road Departure:
- Should lane departure (e.g., crossing a dashed line) be treated differently from road departure (e.g., crossing a solid or double line)?
Applicable Speeds:
- Should these systems be activated at all speeds or only highway speeds?

Components

Sensor:
- A (typically) front-mounted digital camera with image analysis to detect road markings
Information Provision:
- Visual (e.g., a light on the dashboard)
- Auditory (e.g., a warning beep)
- Haptic (e.g., vibration of the steering wheel)
Control:
- Turning the steering wheel
- Braking the appropriate front wheel

Complicating Factors

Environmental:
- No lane markings
- Faded lane markings
- Rain or snow
Roadway Design:
- Markings at exits

Regulation

An Important Question:
- What can/should the government do to regulate these kinds of technologies?
Where Are We Now?
- Governments are just starting to regulate these technologies
An Example:
- The United Nations uniform provisions on automated lane keeping systems includes requirements about minimum following distances, lane intrusions, human-machine interface requirements, etc.