Road Surface Imaging for Indoor Vehicle Direction Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems for vehicles face challenges in accurately determining direction and position, especially indoors, due to noise in inertial sensors and reliance on GPS, which can be costly and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system that uses a first image sensor to capture images of the road surface, processing this information to derive direction and position data without inertial sensors, thereby reducing errors and costs, and allowing accurate positioning without GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inertial sensors are used for direction estimation, then positioning can be achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inertial sensors (mechanical/physical sensing system) with an image sensor-based vision system. The image sensor captures images of the road surface, and direction is estimated by analyzing the motion of road surface features between consecutive frames, eliminating the noise issues inherent in inertial sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces road surface images as an intermediary medium for direction estimation. Instead of directly measuring acceleration and integrating to get direction (which accumulates noise), the system uses road surface feature motion as an intermediary to infer direction, providing a noise-resistant measurement path.
2Reliability
If GPS is used for positioning, then position can be obtained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard image sensors (camera modules) which are inexpensive and widely available, replacing expensive GPS receivers. The image sensor data is processed to achieve positioning functionality that would otherwise require costly specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it captures road surface images for direction estimation, provides visual odometry for position tracking, and can potentially be used for other vision-based tasks. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate GPS hardware.
3Reliability
If inertial sensors are included in the positioning system, then positioning function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the inertial sensor component from the positioning system. By using only image sensors and processing road surface image data, the system eliminates the complexity associated with inertial measurement units, fusion algorithms, and calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a positioning system includes a sensor section and a processor. The sensor section is provided in a vehicle. The sensor section includes a first image sensor configured to image a road surface. The vehicle is configured to travel in the roar surface. The processor is configured to process a first information including a first image information regarding the road surface obtained by the first image sensor. The processor is configured to derive a direction information regarding a direction of the vehicle based on the first information.