Ultrasonic Sensor Vehicle Positioning via Depth Map Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining a vehicle's precise position, such as GPS in urban environments and complex LIDAR/SLAM techniques, are either inaccurate due to obstructions or costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A method using ultrasonic sensor data from existing vehicle components to generate a local depth map, compared with a reference depth map, for precise position determination, utilizing odometrical data and correlation functions, without requiring additional expensive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for vehicle positioning, then the positioning system is simple and low-cost, but the positioning precision deteriorates in urban environments due to signal obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of ultrasonic sensors, odometric sensors, and a processor that mediates between the vehicle and the positioning task. This intermediary system processes sensor data to generate depth maps and determine precise position, resolving the contradiction by providing accurate positioning without direct reliance on GPS signals that are blocked in urban environments.
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR or SLAM methods are used for improved positioning precision, then the positioning precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive ultrasonic sensors and odometric sensors instead of expensive LIDAR systems. These simpler, lower-cost sensors are used to generate positioning data through processing and depth map generation, achieving accurate positioning without the high complexity and cost associated with LIDAR or SLAM technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems like LIDAR with a combination of ultrasonic sensors and computational processing. By substituting the mechanical complexity of LIDAR with electronic sensor arrays and software-based depth map generation, the system achieves similar positioning precision with reduced device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If additional expensive sensors are installed to improve positioning accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vehicle's existing sensors serve multiple functions. Ultrasonic sensors originally designed for other purposes are utilized for positioning by generating depth maps, and odometric sensors provide both motion tracking and positioning data. This multi-functionality approach improves positioning accuracy without requiring additional specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's own existing sensor infrastructure to provide positioning services. By processing data from ultrasonic and odometric sensors already present in the vehicle, the system achieves accurate positioning without external assistance or additional expensive sensor installations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and cost-effective vehicle positioning using existing ultrasonic and odometrical sensors, improving accuracy and reducing reliance on GPS in obstructed environments.
Implementation Method 1
sensor data, which are generated by the at least one ultrasonic sensor device while the vehicle is at least temporarily moving through an environment
Implementation Method 2
odometrical sensor data generated by at least one odometrical sensor device of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Method for determining a precise position of a vehicle with at least one ultrasonic sensor device based on sensor data generated by the at least one ultrasonic sensor device of the vehicle, including: - receiving one-dimensional sensor data generated by the at least one ultrasonic sensor device while the vehicle at least temporarily is moving through an environment, wherein the sensor data is characteristic for a distance between the vehicle and at least an object in the environment of the vehicle; - receiving odometrical sensor data generated by at least one odometrical sensor device of the vehicle; - generating a local depth map based on the received sensor data and the received odometrical data; determining a precise position of the vehicle by comparing the local depth map with a reference depth map, in particular by evaluation of a correlation function between the generated local depth map and a reference depth map.