Multi-Sensor Vehicle Guidance System for GNSS Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic steering systems using GNSS data tend to lose accuracy due to calibration issues and loss of GNSS signal, leading to erratic turns and disrupted vehicle guidance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor guidance system that integrates GNSS with other sensors like inertial measurement units and wheel angle sensors, prioritizing reliable sensors for accurate positioning and recalibrating less reliable ones when GNSS signals are weak, ensuring continuous and precise vehicle steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS-based automatic steering system is used, then vehicle positioning and guidance capability is provided, but accuracy is lost due to calibration issues and signal loss leading to erratic turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor systems (GNSS, inertial sensors, wheel angle sensors, odometers) into an integrated sensor suite that works together to provide continuous accurate positioning and steering. When GNSS signals are weak or lost, the inertial sensors and other sensors continue to provide positioning data, preventing erratic turns and maintaining steering accuracy without requiring frequent recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors GNSS signal quality and sensor performance, using this feedback to dynamically adjust which sensors are prioritized for positioning calculations. When GNSS accuracy degrades, the system automatically increases reliance on inertial sensors and wheel angle data, maintaining overall positioning precision without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated to maintain accuracy when GNSS signals are weak, then positioning reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor suite is designed to perform multiple functions: primary positioning via GNSS, backup positioning via inertial sensors, steering angle measurement via wheel angle sensors, and speed measurement via odometers. This multi-functional design allows a single sensor integration system to handle various operating conditions (strong GNSS signal, weak GNSS signal, no GNSS signal) without requiring separate systems for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor weighting and fusion strategies based on real-time signal quality assessment. When GNSS signals are strong, the system primarily uses GNSS data. When signals weaken, it automatically transitions to relying more on inertial sensors and wheel angle data, creating a flexible system that adapts to changing conditions rather than requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A GNSS integrated multi-sensor guidance system for a vehicle assembly includes a suite of sensor units, including a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensor unit comprising a receiver and an antenna. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) outputs vehicle dynamic information for combining with the output of the GNSS unit. A controller with a processor receives the outputs of the sensor suite and computes steering solutions, which are utilized by vehicle actuators, including an automatic steering control unit connected to the vehicle steering for guiding the vehicle. The processor is programmed to define multiple behavior-based automatons comprising self-operating entities in the guidance system, which perform respective behaviors using data output from one or more sensor units for achieving the behaviors. A GNSS integrated multi-sensor vehicle guidance method is also disclosed.