Using digital maps to enhance lane keeping support systems

The development of a system that can be used for a safe, reliable, highly available onboard lane keeping support system is a critical research topic. One of the most important functions in driver assistant systems is the detection of unintentional lane departures. Current lane departure warning systems focus mainly in the detection of lane markings using vision sensors, such as CMOS cameras. In order to increase accuracy and robustness of such systems the utilization of digital maps is necessary. The goal of combining camera and map data is to extend the road geometry in further distances and eliminate false alarms based on unintentional maneuvers caused by the driver. The overall system efficiency is increased furthermore by using also vehicle dynamics and road geometry calculated using radar data.