Optical Ground Marking for Vehicle Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for adjusting vehicle operating parameters, such as speed, based on location are expensive, prone to failure, and difficult to maintain, with limitations in functionality, especially in enclosed areas and compatibility issues, and lack clear visual indicators for drivers and bystanders.
Innovation Solution
A method using an optical detection device on the vehicle to detect colored markings on the ground, allowing for automatic adjustment of operating parameters without external transmitters, where the vehicle evaluates conditions over a predetermined time or distance, ensuring reliable and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If external transmitters and receivers are used to adjust vehicle operating parameters, then position-based parameter adjustment is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical markings (2D barcodes) on the ground as a simplified copy or representation of position information, replacing complex external transmitter-receiver systems. The markings contain encoded position data that the vehicle's camera can read and interpret, achieving automatic parameter adjustment with minimal infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic transmitter-receiver systems with an optical detection system using the vehicle's existing camera. The ground markings serve as passive optical signals that are detected and processed by the vehicle's vision system, eliminating the need for active external transmitters.
2Measurement precision
If multiple components are used for position detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system reliability decreases due to more failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vehicle's camera serve multiple functions: it is used for both driver assistance (existing function) and for reading ground markings to detect position (new function). This eliminates the need for separate dedicated position detection sensors, reducing component count while maintaining detection accuracy through software-based image processing.
3Loss of information
If GPS or RFID-based position detection is used, then position tracking is achieved, but functionality is limited in enclosed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground markings as an intermediary medium that carries position information in a format readable by the vehicle's camera. These markings can be placed anywhere the vehicle travels, including enclosed areas where GPS and RFID fail, providing universal position detection across all environments.
4Measurement precision
If photocell-based systems are used for detection, then position detection is achieved, but the system is prone to contamination and alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual markings that can be easily copied and applied to the ground surface using standard printing or marking techniques. These markings are robust to environmental conditions and can be replaced or updated without specialized installation equipment, unlike sensitive photocell systems requiring precise alignment.
5Loss of information
If visual markings are added to indicate areas, then driver awareness is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground markings serve dual purposes: they provide visual information to drivers about restricted areas or speed zones, and simultaneously encode position data that the vehicle's camera reads for automatic parameter adjustment. This eliminates the need for separate signage systems, reducing overall installation cost while improving information delivery.
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 approach eliminates the need for external transmitters, reduces maintenance, and provides clear visual cues for parameter adjustments, enhancing safety and operational reliability while being easy to install and update.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the ground (U) on which the vehicle (10) is driving by means of an optical detection device (28) assigned to the vehicle (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for adjusting at least one operating parameter of a vehicle (10) during its journey, comprising detecting the surface (U) on which the vehicle (10) is traveling by means of an optical detection device (28) associated with the vehicle (10), outputting data representing at least one property of the surface (U) by the detection device (28), evaluating the data with regard to the existence of a first predetermined condition, evaluating the data with regard to the existence of a second predetermined condition upon the existence of the first predetermined condition, and adjusting the at least one operating parameter according to a predetermined adjustment rule upon the existence of the second predetermined condition. The invention further relates to a corresponding vehicle and a system formed from the vehicle and a surface.