Drone-Based Driving Maneuver Monitoring With Projected Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing autonomous driving maneuvers in motor vehicles are laborious and prone to errors, as they require manual measurement of vehicle positions and object locations, which can be damaged by weather or obscured by the vehicle and objects during recording.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a drone equipped with a camera, laser, and/or projector to project markers onto the vehicle and its surroundings during a driving maneuver, allowing for accurate recording and measurement of the maneuver from above.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If labels such as adhesive tape and chalk are used to mark the test scenario, then the positions can be indicated, but the labels can be damaged if precipitation occurs or if they are driven over

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of position markersVSAvoiddamage to labels from precipitation and vehicle contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical projection to create virtual copies of position markers on the ground surface instead of physical labels. The projection device projects markers that appear on the ground without requiring physical materials that can be damaged, thus resolving the contradiction between indicating positions and avoiding damage from precipitation or vehicle contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical labels (adhesive tape, chalk) with an optical system (projection device). This substitution eliminates the physical markers that are susceptible to damage while maintaining the function of indicating positions during the driving maneuver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If a camera is used to record the driving maneuver, then the maneuver can be documented, but certain situations are obscured by the motor vehicle and/or the nearby objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobscured information about driving maneuverVSAvoidrecording system limitations

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a top-down aerial view dimension by positioning the projection device and camera above the test scenario. This elevated perspective allows simultaneous visualization of the entire test area, vehicle positions, and marker locations without obstruction from the vehicles or objects, completely resolving the information loss problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If manual measurement with measuring tape is used to set up the test scenario, then the positions can be measured, but the procedure is laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup speed of test scenarioVSAvoidtime required for manual measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement process with an automated optical projection system. The projection device can rapidly mark multiple positions simultaneously without requiring physical measurement tools or manual positioning, dramatically reducing setup time and increasing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning by projecting markers at the desired locations before the actual test setup. This allows operators to quickly establish the test scenario layout without time-consuming manual measurements, as the projected markers serve as immediate visual guides for positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the driving maneuver, enabling precise measurement and quick detection of deviations from planned routes or positions, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of autonomous driving testing.

Implementation Method 1

providing a drone (3) comprising a camera (5) and a laser (6) and/or a projector; projecting a marker (10) onto the motor vehicle (2) and/or onto the surroundings of the motor vehicle (2) during the driving maneuver by means of the laser (6) and/or the projector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

recording a video sequence of the motor vehicle (2) and the marker (10) from above by means of the camera (5) during the driving maneuver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection and detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250036143A1Method for monitoring a driving maneuver, test device, computer program and medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a driving maneuver of a motor vehicle from a motor vehicle start position to a motor vehicle end position, comprising the steps of: a) providing the motor vehicle; b) providing a drone comprising a camera and a laser and/or the projector; c) raising the drone; f) projecting a marker onto the motor vehicle and/or onto the surroundings of the motor vehicle during the driving maneuver by means of the laser and/or the projector; g) recording a video sequence of the motor vehicle and the marker from above by means of the camera during the driving maneuver, wherein the video sequence optionally shows a nearby object. The invention also relates to a test device, a computer program and a computer-readable medium.