Shared SGM Environment Modeling for Extended Vehicle Perception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle/robot systems are limited to constructing environment models based solely on their own sensor data, restricting the range of the model to their immediate surroundings.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that generate a Signatured Gaussian Mixture Model (SGM) based on local sensor data and combine it with SGM models from other vehicles/robots to create an enlarged environment model, utilizing shared sensor data via internet or direct connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional map data or LIDAR data is used to represent the environment, then the environment model can be constructed, but the system requires expensive specialized equipment and complex processing hardware

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironment model accuracyVSAvoidprocessing hardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses camera images (optical copies) instead of direct LIDAR point cloud data to represent the environment. The neural network processes these visual copies to generate occupancy grids and environment models, replacing expensive LIDAR hardware with standard camera equipment while maintaining environmental representation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical LIDAR scanning systems with an optical-based vision system using standard cameras and neural network processing. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical scanning hardware while achieving environment modeling through software-based image processing.

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

2Measurement precision

If LIDAR data is processed to create an environment model, then accurate spatial information is obtained, but the processing requires significant computational resources and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial information accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-processes camera images by detecting features and generating initial occupancy grid representations before full environment modeling is needed. This preliminary processing reduces the computational burden during real-time operation and accelerates the overall modeling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent processes only the necessary portions of image data at each processing stage, using selective feature detection and region-based processing rather than analyzing entire high-resolution images. This partial processing approach maintains spatial accuracy while reducing computational time and resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple data sources (LIDAR, maps, cameras) are integrated to build a comprehensive environment model, then the model completeness is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironment model completenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the vision system multi-functional by using standard cameras to perform multiple tasks: capturing images for environment modeling, detecting features for localization, and providing input for navigation decisions. This eliminates the need for separate specialized sensors for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining completeness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary neural network processing layer that integrates information from multiple sources (camera images, map data, localization data) and transforms them into a unified environment representation. This intermediary processing layer simplifies the integration of multiple data sources by providing a standardized interface and coordinated processing approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3631362B1Method and apparatus for constructing an environment model
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3631362B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3631362B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3631362B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a computer-implemented method and a data processing device for constructing an environment model. The method comprises: generating a first Signatured Gaussian Mixture, SGM, model corresponding to a first part of the environment based on a first sensor data; receiving a second SGM model corresponding to a second part of the environment; and constructing a third SGM model comprising the first SGM model and the second SGM model.