Optical Tag Vehicle Positioning Without GPS Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi or fully autonomous vehicle navigation systems lack the accuracy needed for reliable location determination, particularly in environments with limited satellite reception or insufficient GPS accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensor arrangement to measure distances to an optical machine-readable tag mounted on a fixed structure with a known convex shape, determining the shortest distance and using the tag's ID code and structure coordinates to calculate the vehicle's location, eliminating the need for triangulation with multiple points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite geolocation arrangement (GPS) is used for vehicle location determination, then global coverage and continuous operation are achieved, but accuracy is insufficient in environments with limited satellite reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical machine-readable tags mounted on fixed structures as intermediary reference points. These tags serve as mediators between the vehicle's sensor arrangement and the location determination system, enabling accurate local positioning by measuring distances to known reference points rather than relying solely on satellite signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the location determination problem into local segments by deploying multiple discrete optical tags at known coordinates throughout the environment. Instead of treating location determination as a single global problem, the system segments it into multiple local measurements to individual tags, which are then combined to determine the vehicle's position.
2Measurement precision
If local navigation means with optical tags are used, then accuracy is improved by measuring distance to known coordinates, but the method lacks sufficient accuracy for autonomous vehicle navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distance measurements to different optical tags with the known coordinates of these tags and the sensor arrangement's predetermined relation to the vehicle reference position. This combination of multiple measurement vectors creates a robust position determination system that achieves the accuracy required for autonomous navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual navigation methods with an optical measurement system. By using optical sensors to measure distances to optical tags and computationally determining position based on these measurements and known tag coordinates, the system achieves high-precision positioning suitable for autonomous operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple distance measurements are taken to optical tags, then position determination accuracy is enhanced, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically performs the coordinate calculations based on the measured distances, known tag coordinates, and predetermined sensor-vehicle relationships. The system is self-sufficient in computing the vehicle's position without requiring external intervention or complex manual calculations, thereby managing computational complexity internally while maintaining high accuracy.
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
Enhances the reliability and accuracy of vehicle location determination by combining distance measurements with known structure shape, enabling precise vehicle positioning even in environments with limited satellite reception.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arrangement provided at the vehicle with a predetermined relation to a vehicle reference position, wherein the method comprises the steps of determining, using the sensor arrangement and the control unit, at least one distance to an optical machine-readable tag
Data Source
AI summary
Method for determining coordinates of a vehicle (100), specifically using a sensor arrangement (202) arranged to acquire information in relation to an optical machine-readable tag (302) mounted in a surrounding of the vehicle (100). Furthermore, a location determining arrangement (200) and a corresponding computer program product.