Road Profile Matching for Vehicle Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle localization systems face inaccuracies and delays due to satellite signal latencies, vehicle acceleration, and signal refraction, especially in areas where GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable, which affects advanced driver-assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
The system generates real-time road profile data and matches it with previously recorded data using sensors to determine vehicle location, allowing for precise localization without relying on external signals, using a data processing system with components like a fingerprint generator, domain transformer, map manager, and localization engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite signals are used for vehicle localization, then the system can provide location data, but the localization accuracy deteriorates due to signal latency, refraction, and reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces road profile data as an intermediary element between the vehicle and the localization system. Instead of directly relying on satellite signals, the system uses sensors to capture road surface characteristics and compares them with pre-stored road profile maps. This intermediary approach allows accurate localization without being affected by satellite signal issues such as latency, refraction, and reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic satellite-based localization system with a mechanical sensing system that directly contacts the road surface. Sensors mounted on the vehicle measure vertical displacements and road surface characteristics, converting physical road features into localization data. This substitution eliminates dependence on external satellite signals and their associated problems.
2Ease of operation
If satellite positioning system is used, then location can be determined, but the resolution is insufficient for advanced driver-assistance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates detailed copies of road profiles by storing high-resolution vertical displacement data and road surface characteristics in a database. These copied road profiles serve as reference maps that can be matched against real-time sensor data. The copying process captures fine-grained road features with sufficient resolution for advanced driver-assistance systems, overcoming the resolution limitations of satellite positioning.
3Productivity
If GPS satellite signals are relied upon, then vehicle location can be tracked, but the system fails in areas where satellite signals are unavailable or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the vehicle localization system to be self-sufficient by using onboard sensors to directly measure road surface characteristics. The system does not need external satellite signals to function; instead, it autonomously captures road profile data through vehicle-mounted sensors and compares it with stored reference data. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation regardless of satellite signal availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing detailed road profile data and characteristics in a database before the vehicle reaches those locations. This advance preparation allows the system to immediately match real-time sensor readings against known road profiles, enabling rapid and accurate localization without waiting for satellite signals or performing complex real-time calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for vehicle localization. The vehicle can include a data processing system (“DPS”) including one or more processors and memory. The DPS can receive sensor data from sensors of the vehicle. The DPS can identify a historical road profile of the ground for a first location of the vehicle. The DPS can generate a current road profile of the ground. The DPS can determine a lateral deviation of the vehicle. The DPS can determine a match between the historical road profile and the current road profile at a second location that aligns with the lateral deviation. The DPS can provide an indication of a current location of the vehicle as the second location.