Road Surface Estimation via Multi-Vehicle Wheel Speed Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating road surface conditions, such as those disclosed in Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 3 and Non Patent Literature 1, lack accuracy and do not clearly indicate the location of road surface deterioration, relying on data from a single vehicle and not providing sufficient precision in estimating road surface abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A road surface condition estimation system that utilizes a network of vehicles equipped with GPS, detect apparatus, and ECU to collect and transmit behavior data, which is then processed by a server to estimate road surface abnormalities based on specific behaviors indicative of avoiding or being affected by road surface issues, using abnormality conditions set to identify defects and obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If road surface condition is estimated using data from a single vehicle, then the estimation method is simple, but the accuracy of the estimated result is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines behavior data from multiple vehicles to perform road surface condition estimation. The server collects wheel speed information from several vehicles and integrates this data to estimate road surface conditions, thereby improving accuracy while distributing the measurement burden across multiple sources rather than requiring a single complex sensing system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes existing vehicle sensors (wheel speed sensors already present in anti-lock brake systems) for a dual purpose: their original function for brake control and the additional function of road surface condition detection. This multi-functional approach improves estimation accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple vehicles are used to collect behavior data, then the accuracy of road surface condition estimation is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that centralizes the complex tasks of data collection, processing, and road surface condition estimation. Individual vehicles only need to transmit their wheel speed data, while the server handles the multi-vehicle data integration and analysis, thereby improving accuracy without requiring complex systems in each vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copies of existing wheel speed data that vehicles already generate for other purposes (brake control). Rather than installing new sensors in each vehicle, the system leverages copies of data already being collected by standard vehicle equipment, improving measurement precision while minimizing additional hardware complexity
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to detect road surface deterioration, then the estimation accuracy can be high, but the inspection cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous road surface monitoring by utilizing wheel speed data that vehicles generate continuously during normal operation. Unlike periodic manual inspections, the system continuously estimates road surface conditions as vehicles pass over them, providing real-time detection without interrupting traffic or requiring dedicated inspection time
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows vehicles to effectively inspect the road surface themselves during their normal travel. Each vehicle's wheel speed sensor automatically detects road conditions without requiring separate inspection equipment or personnel, and the collective data from multiple vehicles provides comprehensive coverage without manual intervention
Data Source
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AI summary
A road surface condition estimation apparatus (1) is provided with a collecting device (111) for collecting, from vehicle (2), behavior information relating to a behavior of the vehicle; a determining device (112) for determining on the basis of the behavior information whether or not an abnormality condition is satisfied, the abnormality condition being set on the basis of a specific behavior that is expected to be taken by the vehicle when the vehicle encounters a road surface abnormality; and an estimating device (112) for estimating a condition of the road surface on the basis of a determined result of the determining device.