Orientation Identification Using Acceleration Statistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orientation identification methods for devices mounted on moving bodies require additional information beyond acceleration sensor data, such as road grade information and magnetic sensor readings, to determine the mounting orientation effectively.
Innovation Solution
An orientation identification method that uses only acceleration data from an acceleration sensor to determine the orientation of a device mounted on a moving body by analyzing movement characteristics in a coordinate system with a gravitational acceleration direction as an axis, including steps to extract and process acceleration data to identify the device's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If road grade information and magnetic sensor readings are used to determine mounting orientation, then orientation identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and information requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dependency on external information sources (road grade information from maps, magnetic sensor readings) by developing a method that relies exclusively on acceleration sensor data. This removes the complexity associated with integrating multiple information sources while maintaining orientation identification capability through statistical analysis of acceleration patterns during vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification of mounting orientation using only its own acceleration sensor data, without requiring external assistance from map information systems or magnetic sensors. The method enables the device to determine its orientation autonomously by analyzing the statistical characteristics of acceleration data collected during vehicle movement, thereby eliminating dependence on external information sources.
2Reliability
If multiple information sources are integrated for orientation identification, then identification reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration sensor is made multi-functional by using it not only for motion detection but also for orientation identification. The patent demonstrates that the same acceleration sensor can serve dual purposes: monitoring vehicle movement and determining mounting orientation through statistical analysis, thereby eliminating the need for separate magnetic sensors or external information systems while maintaining reliable identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using static orientation data (magnetic sensor readings, map information) to analyzing dynamic parameters (statistical characteristics of acceleration data during movement). By transforming the problem from static to dynamic parameter analysis, the system achieves reliable orientation identification using only acceleration data, reducing system complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If external information sources are required for orientation identification, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the requirement for external information sources (map data, magnetic sensor inputs) from the orientation identification process. By doing so, it simplifies the deployment process significantly, as the device can be installed anywhere without requiring access to external systems or additional sensors, while maintaining accurate orientation identification through acceleration data analysis alone.
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
Enables the identification of a device's orientation using solely acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor, eliminating the need for external information and allowing effective use of data varying with mounting orientation, while also enabling quick identification and continuous data utilization even when the orientation changes.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a certain amount of acceleration in three mutually orthogonal directions detected by an acceleration sensor included in the device
Implementation Method 2
identifying the orientation of the device expressed in a coordinate system from acceleration data indicating the certain amount of acceleration obtained in the obtaining, according to movement characteristics indicated by statistics of acceleration during movement of the moving body expressed in the coordinate system, the coordinate system including a gravitational acceleration direction as an axis
Data Source
AI summary
An orientation identification method for identifying an orientation of a device installed by being mounted on a moving body includes: obtaining a certain amount of acceleration in three mutually orthogonal directions detected by an acceleration sensor included in the device; and identifying the orientation of the device expressed in a coordinate system from acceleration data indicating the certain amount of acceleration obtained in the obtaining, according to movement characteristics indicated by statistics of acceleration during movement of the moving body expressed in the coordinate system, the coordinate system including a gravitational acceleration direction as an axis.