Battery-Aware Vehicle Navigation Using GPS and Visual Landmarks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for battery-operated vehicles (BOVs) fail to provide accurate navigation when GPS signals are unavailable, and there is no effective method to determine if the vehicle has sufficient battery power to reach its destination, especially in urban environments or for users with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a processor and memory circuitry to obtain geographic location data, determine battery power consumption, and provide navigation indications based on current battery levels, using GPS and visual cues when GPS is unavailable, and adjust navigation routes to ensure sufficient battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based navigation is used for vehicle navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but GPS signal reception becomes insufficient in urban environments or tunnels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual cues (landmarks, signs, buildings) as intermediary reference points that mediate between the vehicle's movement and navigation guidance. These visual cues serve as alternative mediators when GPS satellites cannot directly provide positioning information, allowing the navigation system to function in GPS-denied environments through image-based landmark recognition and matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of navigation from satellite-based coordinate systems to image-based visual feature recognition. By transitioning from GPS coordinates to recognizing visual landmarks captured by cameras, the system adapts to environments where GPS signals are unavailable, maintaining navigation functionality through a different physical domain (optical rather than electromagnetic).
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle operates without checking battery power levels, then operational flexibility is improved, but the vehicle may stop without reaching the destination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary battery power assessment before initiating navigation and during the journey. The system calculates the required power for the planned route and compares it with available battery capacity in advance, preventing the vehicle from starting a journey it cannot complete. This preliminary check ensures reliable destination reachability while maintaining operational flexibility by only restricting journeys that would deplete power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of battery power levels during navigation. The system constantly compares remaining power with required power for the remaining route, providing real-time information about power sufficiency. This feedback loop allows the vehicle to maintain operational flexibility while ensuring reliability by alerting users before power depletion occurs.
3Reliability
If detailed battery power monitoring is implemented, then destination reachability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service battery monitoring where the navigation system automatically calculates power requirements based on the planned route and compares them with available battery capacity without requiring external intervention. The system autonomously determines whether sufficient power exists for the journey, eliminating the need for separate manual power assessment tools or complex external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates battery power monitoring into the existing navigation system, making the navigation computer perform multiple functions: route planning, visual landmark recognition, and power consumption calculation. By making the navigation system universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated power monitoring hardware, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery-operated vehicle (BOV), comprising a battery configured to provide the source power of the BOV, and at least one processor included in a processing and memory circuitry (PMC) operatively connected to the battery, where the at least one processor 5 being configured to a) obtain data indicative of first and second locations; b) determine data indicative of a battery power consumption that is required to navigate the BOV from the first location to the second location; c) obtain data indicative of a current power level of the battery; d) compare the data indicative of the required battery power consumption to the data indicative of the current power level of the battery for 0 determining remaining battery power status for navigating the BOV from the first location to the second location, and e) provide an indication based on the determination.