Cooperative Sensor Positioning via Interrogation Pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle-to-environment communication methods, such as satellite-based positioning, fail to provide precise positioning at a reasonable cost for safety applications like intersection assistance and lane change warnings, and existing communication systems are not reliable for safety-critical data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The method utilizes a cooperative sensor system with a frequency band reserved for vehicle-related safety applications, employing a pseudo-random noise code and phase shift measurements to achieve precise positioning and reliable data exchange between vehicles and infrastructure, leveraging the ITS-G5 standard and IEEE 802.11p for improved communication accuracy and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If satellite-based positioning systems (GPS, Galileo) are used for vehicle positioning, then positioning coverage is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates (cannot achieve very precise positioning required for safety applications)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary cooperative sensor communication system between vehicles and infrastructure. Instead of relying solely on satellite signals, the system uses interrogation pulses and response pulses exchanged between vehicles and roadside infrastructure as intermediaries to determine precise relative positions, achieving centimeter-level accuracy for safety applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-functional communication system that operates on frequency bands reserved for vehicle-related safety applications. The same transmission and reception units are used both for ad hoc network communication and for cooperative sensor communication, enabling the system to serve multiple purposes including positioning, data exchange, and safety communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different communication units are deployed for various communication purposes, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidnumber of communication units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication unit that integrates multiple communication functions. The transmission and reception units operate on reserved frequency bands and can perform both ad hoc network communication and cooperative sensor communication, eliminating the need for separate WLAN units, RKE units, and GPS modules while maintaining full communication versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges previously separate communication functions into a single integrated system. The cooperative sensor communication unit combines the functionalities of what were previously separate WLAN-based communication units, RKE units, and GPS modules, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining all necessary communication capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach enables precise relative positioning with an accuracy of 1 cm and high update rates, ensuring reliable data transmission for safety applications, reducing the need for additional sensors and improving navigation and safety device performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor of a first communication participant sends out an interrogation pulse with a transmission and reception unit, which is answered by a transmission and reception unit of a second sensor of a second communication participant with a response pulse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The carrier wave can be modulated with a pseudo-random code to increase the directional resolution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shift measurement: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP2438462B1Method for positioning and vehicle communication unit
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2438462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2438462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2438462B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to methods and to an accordingly designed communication unit for the positioning in the vehicle-to-environment communication. According to the method of the invention, a first sensor (4; S1) of a first communication subscriber with a transmitting and receiving unit (2) emits an interrogation pulse which is answered with a response pulse by a transmitting and receiving unit (2) of a second sensor (4; S2) of a second communication subscriber. The response pulse is received by the first sensor (4; S1), evaluated and the positioning is carried out. In order to achieve a reliable communication via cooperative sensors, the transmitting and receiving units (2) of the first and the second sensor (4; S1, S2) use a frequency band (SCH2) reserved for vehicle-related security applications.