UWB User-Vehicle Localization for GPS-Denied Autonomous Pickup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately locating users in areas with weak or no GPS signal, leading to inefficiencies, privacy concerns, and safety issues due to imprecise positioning.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing RF signals, specifically UWB (Ultra Wide Band) technology conforming to IEEE 802.15.4ab standard, along with inertial sensors and GPS, to measure distance and angle between user equipment and autonomous vehicles, enhancing localization accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If GPS signals are used for user location, then the system can operate globally, but the location accuracy deteriorates in areas with weak or no GPS connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal operabilityVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces RF signals as an intermediary medium to transfer location information between the autonomous vehicle and user equipment. The RF signals exchange enables direct communication and distance measurement without relying solely on GPS, thus resolving the contradiction between global operability and location accuracy in GPS-denied areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the GPS-based mechanical positioning system with an RF signal-based electromagnetic communication system. By using RF signals for distance measurement and location determination, the system can operate accurately in environments where GPS is unavailable, maintaining both global adaptability and local precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If GPS-based location is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the user experience deteriorates due to imprecise positioning and safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges GPS positioning with RF signal-based location determination into a hybrid system. This combination allows the system to maintain simplicity when GPS is available while automatically switching to RF-based precision positioning when needed, thus improving user experience without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic location determination system that adapts its methodology based on environmental conditions. The system dynamically switches between GPS and RF signal-based positioning, adjusting its behavior to maintain high accuracy and provide excellent user experience across diverse operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the vehicle stops on the other side of the street to ensure user safety, then user protection is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased pickup time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidpickup efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the autonomous vehicle continuously monitors the user's location via RF signals and adjusts its stopping position in real-time. This feedback loop enables the vehicle to stop precisely next to the user without requiring them to cross the street, thus maintaining both safety and pickup efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the stopping position parameter from the traditional safe distance (other side of the street) to an optimized position (next to the user). By using RF signal-based location feedback, the system can confidently adjust this parameter to improve both safety and efficiency without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 user localization, improving user experience and safety by ensuring vehicles can accurately approach users, even in GPS-denied environments, and guiding users to the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

measuring at least a distance, by direct means such as time of flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

exchanges RF signals with another localization device embedded in the autonomous vehicle or in the user's equipment respectively, measuring at least a distance using the RF signal exchanges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentEP4711797A1Device for locating a user from a vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

This description relates to a location device (100, 100.1, 100.2) providing location between a user and an autonomous vehicle (1000), configured to be embedded in user equipment (2000) or in the autonomous vehicle (1000), and comprising an electronic circuit that exchanges RF signals with another location device (100, 100.1, 100.2) embedded in the autonomous vehicle (1000) or in user equipment (2000) respectively, measuring at least one distance, by direct means such as time of flight or indirect means, between the user equipment (2000) and the autonomous vehicle (1000) using RF signal exchanges, and locating the autonomous vehicle (1000) or the user equipment (2000) respectively using the measured distance.