Dynamic Curved Coordinate System for Vehicle Sensor Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing sensor information in vehicles require complex conversions from fixed Cartesian coordinate systems to curved representations, leading to increased computational complexity and precision errors when dealing with curved road environments.

Innovation Solution

Transforming sensor data directly into a dynamically adapted curved coordinate system, such as polar, cylindrical, or spherical, which is parameterized based on the vehicle's movement and current situation, allowing for immediate interpretation and use in vehicle control systems without the need for costly conversions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor data are transformed from a fixed Cartesian coordinate system to a curved coordinate system, then the representation accuracy for curved road environments is improved, but the computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepresentation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed Cartesian coordinate system to a dynamic curved coordinate system that adapts to the vehicle's movement and road geometry. The coordinate system parameters (curvature radius, orientation) are continuously updated based on sensor data and vehicle state, allowing accurate representation of curved road environments while maintaining computational efficiency through localized transformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the coordinate system parameters (curvature radius R, orientation angle α) based on the vehicle's current situation and road geometry. These parameter changes enable the coordinate system to adapt to different driving scenarios, improving measurement precision for curved roads without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed Cartesian coordinate system is used for sensor data processing, then the computational process is simpler, but the precision for curved road representation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational simplicityVSAvoidcurved road representation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the curvature principle by introducing a curved coordinate system that accounts for the natural curvature of roads. Instead of forcing curved road representations into a linear Cartesian framework, the system uses polar-like coordinates with radial and angular components that naturally represent curved geometries, significantly improving precision for curved road environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional dimensional aspect by adding the curvature dimension to the traditional 2D Cartesian coordinate system. The curved coordinate system incorporates radial distance and angular position, effectively adding a dimensional layer that captures the curvature information necessary for accurate curved road representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If coordinate system conversions are performed frequently to adapt to vehicle movement, then the adaptability to current situation is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to current situationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the curved coordinate system structure and transformation algorithms before actual sensor data processing. The coordinate system framework, including its mathematical transformations and adaptation rules, is established in advance, allowing rapid real-time updates without repeated complex setup procedures during vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring vehicle state and road geometry, then using this information to dynamically adjust the curved coordinate system parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures the coordinate system remains adapted to the current situation while optimizing processing efficiency through intelligent update frequency control based on change detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9903951B2Method for processing environmental data in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.02.27 AUDI AG
  • US9903951B2 patent drawing
  • US9903951B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Sensor information is processed in a vehicle by transforming sensor data acquired with at least one sensor of the vehicle from a current environment of the vehicle into a curved coordinate system, by continuously updating the sensor data while the vehicle is moving, and by dynamically adapting the curved coordinate system to a current situation of the vehicle.