3D Vehicle Geofencing for Elevation-Based Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional geofences are unable to distinguish differences in elevation, leading to inadequate control over vehicle operations in venues with varying elevations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing three-dimensional geofences that define restricted and limited operation areas based on a vehicle's vertical position, using a control system to manage vehicle operation modes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-dimensional geofences are used to define restricted areas, then the geofence implementation is simple, but the system cannot distinguish differences in elevation leading to inadequate control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional geofences (flat planes) to three-dimensional geofences (volumes with vertical extent) by adding elevation parameters to the geofence definition. This allows the system to distinguish between different vertical levels and properly control vehicle access in multi-elevation environments, resolving the inadequacy of 2D geofences while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
2Reliability
If three-dimensional geofences are implemented to distinguish elevation differences, then control accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geofence parameters by adding vertical position and elevation data to the existing horizontal coordinates. The control system uses these additional parameters to determine whether the vehicle is within a restricted volume, enabling more precise operational control without requiring a complete redesign of the geofence system.
3Reliability
If vertical position monitoring is added to geofence systems, then safety and operational control are enhanced, but the measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary system (the control system with access to vehicle position data) that bridges the gap between raw vertical position measurements and safety control decisions. The control system processes the vertical position information from existing vehicle sensors and compares it against the three-dimensional geofence parameters, making the detection process more manageable while maintaining enhanced safety control.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a vehicle and a control system. The control system is configured to monitor a location of the vehicle relative to a restricted operation area, permit unrestricted operation of the vehicle in a first mode of operation when the location of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle is located outside of the restricted operation area, and limit operation of the vehicle to a second mode of operation or a third mode of operation when the location of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle is located in the restricted operation area. The restricted operation area is defined by one or more three dimensional geofences such that operation of the vehicle is permitted or limited based on a vertical position of the vehicle relative to the three dimensional geofence.