Road-Surface Magnetic Map Matching for Precise Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
To achieve sophisticated driving assist techniques, it is essential to accurately grasp the position of an own vehicle in a map used for vehicle control, as inaccurate positioning hinders the accurate perception of surrounding road structures, making autonomous vehicle control challenging.
Innovation Solution
A map generation method using a measuring vehicle equipped with a magnetic sensor to create a map associating road-surface magnetic data with corresponding points on the map, allowing for accurate vehicle positioning by matching measured magnetic data with pre-registered magnetic distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional positioning methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but the position estimation accuracy is insufficient for sophisticated driving assist techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic distribution data as an intermediary element between the vehicle and the map. Magnetic sensors on the vehicle measure magnetic field distributions, which are then compared with pre-stored magnetic distribution maps to estimate vehicle position. This intermediary magnetic field measurement system enables high-precision positioning without requiring complex direct sensing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electronic positioning systems with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Instead of relying on complex GPS receivers, inertial measurement units, or visual recognition systems, the invention uses magnetic sensors to detect magnetic field distributions and compares them with pre-stored magnetic maps for position estimation, thereby achieving high accuracy with relatively simple hardware.
2Reliability
If high-accuracy position estimation is achieved through magnetic data association, then the vehicle control accuracy improves, but the map generation and data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating and storing magnetic distribution maps for various locations before actual vehicle operation. During vehicle operation, the system only needs to measure the current magnetic field and compare it with the pre-stored maps, significantly reducing real-time processing complexity. The complex work of magnetic field mapping is performed in advance during map generation phases.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are used for position estimation, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field distribution patterns as a 'copy' or fingerprint of the physical environment. Instead of requiring complex direct sensing of road features or high-precision mechanical positioning systems, the invention creates a magnetic field copy of the environment and matches it with sensor measurements. This copying approach enables high-precision positioning using relatively simple magnetic sensors.
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
The proposed solution enables accurate estimation of a vehicle's position within the map by correlating measured magnetic data with pre-generated magnetic distributions, thereby facilitating effective autonomous vehicle control.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor, a position of the measuring vehicle is acquired, magnetic data on the road surface is measured by using the magnetic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A map (1) to be used by a vehicle which can measure magnetism acting from a road surface side forming a surface of a road to estimate an own vehicle position includes a structure map (M1) which represents a road structure and has position data indicating an absolute position linked to each point and a road-surface magnetic distribution (M2) which is magnetic data at each point on the road surface and has position data indicating an absolute position linked to each point. In the map (1), the structure map (M1) and the road-surface magnetic distribution (M2) are associated with each other via the position data indicating the absolute position.