Vehicle Localization via Frequency Audio Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle localization methods, such as image sensors and LiDAR, are limited in precision and confidence, especially in low-visibility environments, and require additional sensors for accurate navigation and autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
The method involves extracting frequency audio signatures from vehicle audio data and comparing them to a mapped audio feature database to refine vehicle location data, using geo-referenced locations associated with matching audio signatures, thereby improving localization precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image sensors and LiDAR sensors are used for vehicle localization, then navigation capability is provided, but localization precision deteriorates in low-visibility environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensing mechanisms (image sensors, LiDAR) with acoustic sensing mechanisms (microphones, audio processing). Audio sensors detect road noise characteristics that are independent of visual conditions, allowing reliable localization in low-visibility environments where optical sensors fail. The acoustic field interacts differently with the environment, providing complementary information that is not affected by light availability.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to improve localization accuracy, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing audio sensor system perform multiple functions: it simultaneously captures road noise for localization, identifies road surface characteristics, and provides environmental audio awareness. By enabling the audio sensors to serve multiple purposes including localization in addition to their primary function, the system achieves improved measurement precision without adding dedicated localization hardware, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for vehicle localization via frequency audio features. In this regard, a frequency audio signature of audio data received from one or more audio sensors of a vehicle is determined. Location data associated with the vehicle is also determined. Based on the location data for the vehicle, at least a portion of an audio feature map is selected. The audio feature map stores frequency audio signatures associated with road noise in relation to respective locations. Furthermore, the frequency audio signature of the audio data is compared with the frequency audio signatures of the audio feature map. Based on the comparison between the frequency audio signature of the audio data and the frequency audio signatures of the audio feature map, a location of the vehicle is refined to generate updated location data for the vehicle.