# Real-Time Lane Detection via Efficient Feature Alignment and Covariance Optimization for Low-Power Embedded Systems

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.01696 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.01696/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 16 of its 26 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 5 Jan 2026.

## Builds on (most cited first, 16 of 16)

- [VICReg: Variance-Invariance-Covariance Regularization for Self-Supervised Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2105.04906/) (2021)
- [A Survey of Autonomous Driving: Common Practices and Emerging Technologies](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1906.05113/) (2019)
- [Spatial As Deep: Spatial CNN for Traffic Scene Understanding](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1712.06080/) (2017)
- [Learning Lightweight Lane Detection CNNs by Self Attention Distillation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1908.00821/) (2019)
- [Keep your Eyes on the Lane: Real-time Attention-guided Lane Detection](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2010.12035/) (2020)
- [Towards End-to-End Lane Detection: an Instance Segmentation Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1802.05591/) (2018)
- [End-to-end Lane Shape Prediction with Transformers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2011.04233/) (2020)
- [PolyLaneNet: Lane Estimation via Deep Polynomial Regression](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2004.10924/) (2020)
- [CondLaneNet: a Top-to-down Lane Detection Framework Based on Conditional Convolution](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2105.05003/) (2021)
- [Rethinking Efficient Lane Detection via Curve Modeling](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.02431/) (2022)
- [CLRNet: Cross Layer Refinement Network for Lane Detection](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.10350/) (2022)
- [RESA: Recurrent Feature-Shift Aggregator for Lane Detection](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2008.13719/) (2020)
- [LaneNet: Real-Time Lane Detection Networks for Autonomous Driving](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1807.01726/) (2018)
- [End-to-End Deep Learning of Lane Detection and Path Prediction for Real-Time Autonomous Driving](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.04738/) (2021)
- [ADNet: Lane Shape Prediction via Anchor Decomposition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.10481/) (2023)
- [Towards Driving-Oriented Metric for Lane Detection Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.16851/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Real-time lane detection in embedded systems encounters significant challenges due to subtle and sparse visual signals in RGB images, often constrained by limited computational resources and power consumption. Although deep learning models for lane detection categorized into segmentation-based, anchor-based, and curve-based methods there remains a scarcity of universally applicable optimization techniques tailored for low-power embedded environments. To overcome this, we propose an innovative Covariance Distribution Optimization (CDO) module specifically designed for efficient, real-time applications. The CDO module aligns lane feature distributions closely with ground-truth labels, significantly enhancing detection accuracy without increasing computational complexity. Evaluations were conducted on six diverse models across all three method categories, including two optimized for real-time applications and four state-of-the-art (SOTA) models, tested comprehensively on three major datasets: CULane, TuSimple, and LLAMAS. Experimental results demonstrate accuracy improvements ranging from 0.01% to 1.5%. The proposed CDO module is characterized by ease of integration into existing systems without structural modifications and utilizes existing model parameters to facilitate ongoing training, thus offering substantial benefits in performance, power efficiency, and operational flexibility in embedded systems.