Vehicle Coordinate Determination Using a Single Optical Tag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for autonomous vehicles lack the accuracy needed for reliable navigation, especially in environments with limited satellite reception and require multiple reference points for triangulation, which is impractical for precise location determination.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensor arrangement on a vehicle to determine coordinates by measuring distances to an optical machine-readable tag mounted on a fixed structure with a predetermined convex shape, utilizing the tag's ID code and structure geometry to calculate the vehicle's position, eliminating the need for multiple reference points and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite geolocation arrangement (GPS) is used for vehicle location determination, then global coverage and continuous operation are achieved, but accuracy is insufficient in areas with limited satellite reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of optical machine-readable tags mounted on fixed structures and a sensor arrangement on the vehicle. This intermediary local navigation system mediates between the vehicle and the environment, enabling accurate location determination through tag recognition and geometric calculation without relying on satellite signals, thus resolving the contradiction between global coverage and local accuracy.
2Reliability
If local navigation means with identification devices (barcodes) are used, then operation in areas without satellite reception is enabled, but accuracy is insufficient for autonomous vehicle navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the identification system by using optical machine-readable tags with predetermined convex shapes and associated ID codes, combined with distance measurements from a sensor arrangement. This transforms the simple 2D barcode recognition into a 3D spatial measurement problem, enabling accurate coordinate determination through geometric calculations based on the known tag shape and measured distances, thus achieving the required navigation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D identification (barcode recognition) to 3D spatial measurement by incorporating distance measurements and utilizing the predetermined convex shape of the tag structure. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to calculate precise vehicle coordinates by analyzing the spatial relationship between the sensor arrangement, the tag, and the vehicle reference position, thereby achieving the accuracy needed for autonomous navigation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference points are used for triangulation, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational impracticality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information needed for location determination by using a single reference point (one optical machine-readable tag) instead of multiple reference points for triangulation. By utilizing the predetermined convex shape of the tag and distance measurements from the sensor arrangement, the system calculates vehicle coordinates directly from one tag, eliminating the complexity of multi-point triangulation while maintaining high accuracy.
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
This approach provides precise and reliable vehicle location determination, even in areas with limited satellite reception, by combining distance measurements with known structure geometry, allowing for accurate positioning and orientation without the need for triangulation, thus improving navigation accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
determining, using the sensor arrangement and the control unit, at least one distance to an optical machine-readable tag
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for determining coordinates of a vehicle (100), specifically using a sensor arrangement (202) arranged to acquire information in relation to an optical machine-readable tag (302) mounted in a surrounding of the vehicle (100). Furthermore, a location determining arrangement (200) and a corresponding computer program product.