3D Mapping Using Sign Reference Points for Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle positioning systems face challenges in accurately determining a vehicle's attitude, especially when stationary or moving slowly, and can be affected by obstructions that interfere with signal reception, leading to errors and delays in position determination.
Innovation Solution
An image-based position determination system that uses a vehicle-mounted image sensor to capture and analyze images of the surroundings, identify positional landmarks, and refine the vehicle's position and attitude by determining the distance and bearing of these landmarks using radar, lidar, or infrared systems, and image processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based GPS navigation systems are used for vehicle positioning, then position determination can be achieved, but accuracy deteriorates when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, and obstructions cause errors and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image sensors and visual landmarks as an intermediary system to supplement GPS positioning. When GPS signals are weak or obstructed, the system captures images, identifies landmarks, and calculates vehicle position and attitude based on the spatial relationship between the vehicle and identified landmarks, thereby maintaining positioning reliability in obstructed environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple positioning methods (GPS satellite-based positioning and image-based visual positioning) into a unified system that can operate effectively in different conditions. The image sensor system serves as a universal solution that works both when GPS is reliable and when GPS is obstructed, providing continuous positioning capability across various scenarios
2Measurement precision
If conventional GPS systems are used, then position determination is possible, but attitude determination (bearing, direction, heading) becomes difficult especially when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical motion-based attitude determination (which relies on vehicle movement to calculate heading) with an optical/image-based system. The image sensor captures visual information of landmarks, and the system calculates attitude by determining the angular relationship between the vehicle's optical axis and the identified landmarks, enabling attitude determination without requiring vehicle motion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy of vehicle navigation by providing additional information on direction and location, improving the precision of GPS and geolocation technologies, especially in scenarios where conventional methods fail, such as when the vehicle is stationary or in obstructed environments.
Implementation Method 1
using a vehicle mounted image sensor to capture an image of a scene proximate the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The distance to the identified positional landmark is determined using a vehicle-mounted radar, lidar or infrared system
Implementation Method 3
The distance to the identified positional landmark is determined using a vehicle-mounted radar, lidar or infrared system
Implementation Method 4
The distance to the identified positional landmark is determined using a vehicle-mounted radar, lidar or infrared system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for position refinement of a vehicle, and may include using a vehicle mounted image sensor to capture an image of a scene proximate the vehicle; analyzing the captured images and identifying a positional landmark of the scene proximate the vehicle; and refining a position of the vehicle based on the identified positional landmark.