Road Friction Mapping Using Semivariogram Weighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining road friction coefficients, such as active and passive measurement techniques, are complex and not easily applicable to series vehicles, and existing predictive methods like regression kriging and Gaussian Process-Based Approaches face challenges in providing accurate and reliable friction values, especially in spatial and temporal gaps.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using semivariogram modeling to determine the spatial and temporal relationships between friction measurement values, enabling the creation of a coefficient of friction map with high precision and accuracy, even in areas with limited data, by weighting friction values based on their temporal and spatial correlations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If active friction coefficient measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction coefficient measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses passive measurement by recording vehicle dynamics data (acceleration, yaw rate, steering angle) as a proxy for direct friction measurement. Instead of complex active measurement systems, it copies the vehicle's natural response to steering inputs to infer friction coefficients, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (force sensors, braking mechanisms) with computational methods. It substitutes physical measurement apparatus with algorithms that process existing vehicle sensor data to calculate friction coefficients, eliminating the need for specialized measurement hardware

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

2Device complexity

If passive measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidfriction coefficient precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through iterative optimization of the friction coefficient estimation. It uses the vehicle's actual trajectory and dynamics responses as feedback to adjust and refine the estimated friction coefficients, improving measurement precision through continuous validation and adjustment based on observed vehicle behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by using multiple vehicle operating conditions and steering scenarios to estimate friction coefficients. It varies the input parameters (steering angle, acceleration, velocity) and uses optimization to find the friction coefficients that best explain the observed vehicle responses across different conditions, thereby improving precision through multi-parameter analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If friction measurement data is collected at discrete positions and times, then data collection complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial and temporal gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection complexityVSAvoidfriction coefficient accuracy at arbitrary positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by collecting friction measurement data during normal vehicle operation at various positions and times. It proactively gathers data from multiple sources and uses this pre-collected information to estimate friction coefficients at any required position and time, eliminating the need for targeted measurements at every query point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that interpolates and extrapolates friction coefficients between measured positions and times. It uses a friction coefficient map and optimization algorithms as intermediaries to translate discrete measurements into continuous spatial-temporal friction information, bridging the gaps between measurement points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3665057B1Method and device for ascertaining a frictional value of a roadway
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3665057B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3665057B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3665057B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for ascertaining a frictional value (μ̑) of a roadway, having the step of providing a data set (14) of frictional measurement values (µ) of the roadway. Each of the frictional measurement values (μ) indicates a frictional coefficient of the roadway at a measurement position (si) at a measurement time (ti). The method is characterized in particular by the following steps: modeling a spatial and/or temporal relationship between at least one sub-quantity of the frictional measurement values (µ) on the basis of a semivariogram; ascertaining a weighting factor (wi) for each frictional measurement value (µ) relative to the time (t0) and roadway position (s0) of the prediction of the sub-quantity of frictional measurement values on the basis of the semivariogram; and ascertaining a frictional value (μ̑) for a roadway position (s0) and/or for a time (t0), thereby forming a weighted average value, wherein the weighted average value correlates to the sum of frictional measurement values (µ) of the sub-quantity of the frictional measurement values weighted with the respective weighting factors (wi). This allows frictional values of a roadway to be ascertained reliably, quickly, and with a high degree of precision.