Satellite Signal Angular Distribution for Road Layer Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining a road portion used by a vehicle, such as those relying on satellite positioning systems, are inaccurate when the vehicle is under a bridge or on a multi-layer road, and often require additional costly sensors.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a receiver to detect satellite signals and determine the road portion by comparing the number or angular distribution of satellites in view to pre-recorded data in a library, allowing differentiation between road layers and obstacles like bridges, without the need for extra sensors or increased cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If satellite positioning systems are used to determine road portion, then the method is functional and easy to implement, but the accuracy deteriorates when the vehicle is driving under a bridge or on a bottom layer of a multi-layer road

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidroad portion detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter used for road portion determination from simple satellite position coordinates to the angular distribution of satellites in view. By analyzing the angular positions and elevations of visible satellites, the system can distinguish between different road layers and detect when a vehicle is under a bridge, thereby improving measurement precision without adding complex hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary analysis layer that processes satellite signal characteristics (angular distribution, elevation angles) to infer road portion information. This intermediary approach translates raw satellite data into meaningful road layer identification, resolving the contradiction between simple implementation and accurate detection in complex environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors are used to determine road layer position, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad layer position accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the existing satellite receiver perform multiple functions: not only determining vehicle position but also analyzing the angular distribution of satellites to identify road portion and detect bridge conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated sensors while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The satellite receiver system serves itself by utilizing its own received satellite signals to determine road portion information. The same antenna and receiver that provide positioning data also provide the angular distribution data needed for road layer identification, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4394452A1Method and a device for detecting a road portion used by a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • EP4394452A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4394452A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4394452A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for detecting a road portion used by a vehicle, the method (100) comprising the following steps: - a receiver detecting (102) signals respectively received by satellites in view; - determining (106) the road portion based on at least one feature characterizing the satellites in view. A corresponding device is also described.