Navigation Correction Using Optical Density Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dead-reckoning navigation in vehicles suffers from accumulation of errors when moving along dynamically variable paths, requiring a method for accurate navigation correction without significant direction changes, especially in areas with patterned position markers.
Innovation Solution
A single-sensor system using Fourier analysis to measure optical density variations in a vehicle-mounted sensor, which calculates navigation corrections by analyzing the path-density function across patterned markers, allowing for precise position and direction adjustments without the need for complex path changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors or complex path changes are used for navigation correction, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the necessary information from the environment - specifically the optical density variations along the vehicle's path - rather than using multiple sensors to capture comprehensive data. The Fourier analysis method processes this single extracted signal to obtain navigation corrections, achieving high precision with minimal sensing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or multi-sensor navigation systems with an optical sensing system combined with Fourier analysis. Instead of using multiple physical sensors or complex mechanical path changes, the system substitutes these with a single optical sensor and mathematical processing, achieving comparable or superior precision with reduced complexity.
2Measurement precision
If vehicle makes large path direction changes to sense markers, then navigation correction accuracy improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by continuously measuring optical density along the vehicle's natural path without requiring deliberate path changes. The Fourier analysis process extracts position information from the ongoing motion, allowing the vehicle to maintain its intended trajectory while still achieving accurate navigation corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the navigation correction process dynamic by adapting to the vehicle's natural, variable path rather than requiring fixed or predetermined path segments. The Fourier analysis method works with the dynamic, real-world trajectory the vehicle actually follows, converting operational flexibility into a measurement advantage.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple marker patterns are used, then ease of manufacture improves, but measurement precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement problem by changing the parameter being analyzed - instead of relying on complex spatial patterns, it analyzes the optical density parameter along the path. The Fourier analysis converts this density variation signal into precise position information, allowing simple patterns to provide high measurement precision through mathematical transformation.
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 simple, low-cost, and highly accurate navigation correction system for autonomous vehicles, reducing navigation errors by using patterned markers and Fourier analysis to determine position and direction corrections.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle-mounted sensor which measures an average optical density in a small region
Implementation Method 2
Fourier analysis can reveal features of an object that is the superposition of periodic structures
Data Source
AI summary
For a vehicle using dead reckoning or some other type of navigation which accumulates error as the vehicle moves, this invention provides a simple, single-sensor, low-cost, highly-accurate system for correcting navigation errors. The system uses a marker structure with optical density which is formed from one or more periodic patterns. The vehicle's navigation computer records the density, measured by the sensor, as the sensor moves on a line over a marker at a known location, then it processes the recorded density function to get the correct navigation parameters. If the vehicle's usual path passes over a marker, that path can be used without change for acquiring navigation corrections.