Motion Sensor Reference Position Correction for GNSS Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining a vehicle's absolute position using GNSS lack the integration of independent information sources, leading to reduced accuracy and quality of merged sensor data, as they rely solely on GNSS for absolute positioning without alternative sensor systems.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects characteristic curves from movement recording sensors, such as those affected by road bumps, to create a reference position that can be updated and corrected using learning methods, thereby incorporating vehicle dynamics data to enhance position determination and fusion with GNSS data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only GNSS is used for absolute positioning, then the system is simple, but the positioning accuracy and quality of merged sensor data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces motion sensor data as an intermediary to bridge the gap between GNSS absolute positioning and vehicle dynamics. The motion sensor detects characteristic excitations (road irregularities) that serve as reference points, enabling correction of GNSS positions without requiring a complete alternative positioning system. This intermediary approach improves positioning accuracy while avoiding the complexity of fully independent sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces part of the mechanical/GNSS positioning system with a dynamics-based reference system. Instead of relying solely on satellite signals, the system uses vehicle motion dynamics and characteristic road feature detection to establish reference positions. This substitution improves accuracy in areas where GNSS may be unreliable while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensor systems are integrated for sensor fusion, then positioning accuracy improves, but the quality of merged sensor data deteriorates due to lack of independent reference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsensor fusion quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motion sensor system serves itself by detecting characteristic excitations from road irregularities to create its own reference positions. This self-service capability provides an independent reference source that is not dependent on GNSS or other external systems, ensuring the reliability and quality of the sensor fusion process while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If reference positions are stored without correction, then data storage is simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to accumulated errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference position accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing newly detected characteristic excitations with stored reference positions. When a characteristic waveform is detected, the system checks if a reference position exists in the surrounding area and corrects it based on the new measurement. This feedback mechanism maintains reference position accuracy while keeping the processing logic relatively simple through systematic comparison and correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3140615B1Allocation of a reference position to a characteristic progression of a motion sensor signal
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3140615B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3140615B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3140615B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a reference position (61) as a basis for a correction (46) of a GNSS position (12) of a vehicle (2), which GNSS position is located by means of a global satellite navigation system (15) called GNSS, the GNSS position containing an absolute position (76) of the vehicle (2), comprising: sensing the absolute position (76) of the vehicle (2) by means of the GNSS (15) when an output signal (20, 28, 34) from a motion recording sensor (18, 26, 32) of the vehicle (2) has a characteristic progression (60); determining the reference position (61) on the basis of the sensed absolute position (76); and associating the reference position (61) with the characteristic progression (60) of the output signal (20, 28, 34).