Vehicle Localization Control in GPS-Obstructed Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face inaccuracies and malfunctions in navigation due to GPS signal obstruction caused by various environmental factors, leading to unreliable localization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that identifies GPS signal obstructions by using supplemental data from cell phone triangulation, sensors, and real-time sensor data to enhance GPS accuracy, updating maps at higher frequencies, and adjusting operational states of the vehicle accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS data is used for navigation, then location information is provided, but localization accuracy deteriorates in obstructed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary systems (cell phone triangulation, sensors, map data) to mediate between the GPS receiver and the true location when GPS signals are obstructed. These intermediaries provide supplemental location information that compensates for GPS failures in obstructed areas, thereby maintaining localization accuracy without compromising system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameters of location determination by switching between GPS-based localization and alternative methods (cell tower triangulation, sensor fusion, map matching) based on signal quality and obstruction detection. This parameter change allows the system to maintain accurate localization by adapting to varying GPS signal reliability conditions.
2Measurement precision
If supplemental data sources are integrated, then GPS accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal location determination system that can perform multiple functions using a single integrated architecture. The same data processing system handles GPS data, cell phone triangulation, sensor data, and map data, allowing it to adapt to different conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each method, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service mechanisms where available devices (cell phones, sensors) and existing data (map data) serve themselves to provide location information. The system automatically selects and uses available resources without requiring complex external integration, reducing the burden of system complexity while improving accuracy.
3Reliability
If GPS maps are updated at higher frequency, then localization error identification is improved, but data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by updating GPS maps at higher frequencies in areas where localization errors are identified. The system monitors for errors and triggers map updates periodically in affected regions, allowing efficient identification and correction of localization errors without requiring continuous full-system updates, thereby limiting time loss.
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
Improves GPS data accuracy and reliability in obstructed areas, maintaining or changing operational states to ensure safe and effective vehicle navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The current location can be determined using user cellphones in the electric vehicle using, for example, cellphone tower triangulation.
Implementation Method 2
The actions can include comparing real-time sensor data received from one or more sensors on the electric vehicle with GPS map data to identify discrepancies between the sensor data and the GPS map data.
Data Source
AI summary
Overcoming localization errors in geographic regions where a global positioning system signal is obstructed is provided. A system can identify a geographic location with a localization error. In response, the system can supplement the global positioning system data associated with the geographic location with supplemental data to generate supplemental global positioning system data. Additionally, an operational state of a vehicle is controlled based on the supplemental global positioning system data.