Vehicle Position Estimation Using Road-Surface Magnetic Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Even with highly-accurate three-dimensional maps, insufficient accuracy in position estimation of a vehicle on these maps can hinder the utilization of high accuracy and prevent the achievement of highly-accurate driving assists.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation method and system that utilizes a magnetic sensor to measure magnetism from the road surface, generating a magnetic distribution which is then compared to a map-associated magnetic distribution to estimate the vehicle's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a highly-accurate three-dimensional map is used, then the representation accuracy of traveling environment is improved, but the position estimation accuracy of own vehicle remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position estimation methods (GPS, inertial sensors) with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic sensors detect the Earth's magnetic field variations caused by ferromagnetic materials in the road surface, converting magnetic field information into position data. This substitution enables high-accuracy position estimation that complements the three-dimensional map data, resolving the contradiction between map accuracy and position estimation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional position estimation methods are used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the position estimation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic field information as an intermediary between the vehicle and the position estimation system. Magnetic sensors detect magnetic field variations, which serve as an intermediate medium carrying position information. This intermediary approach enables accurate position estimation without requiring complex mechanical or computational systems, as the magnetic field naturally encodes spatial information through variations caused by road surface ferromagnetic materials.
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 allows for accurate estimation of the vehicle's position on a map, enabling the effective utilization of high-accuracy three-dimensional maps for improved driving assist systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor which measures magnetism acting from a road surface forming a surface of a traveling road
Data Source
AI summary
A position estimation system for a vehicle including a magnetic sensor which measures magnetism acting from a road surface side forming a surface of a traveling road to estimate an own vehicle position includes a map DB which stores a map (1) associated with a road-surface magnetic distribution (M2), which is a distribution of quantities of magnetism at respective points on the road surface, a magnetic distribution generation part which acquires magnetic measurement values from the magnetic sensor and generates a measured magnetic distribution, which is a distribution of magnetic measurement values, and a position estimation part which specifies an area corresponding to the measured magnetic distribution in the road-surface magnetic distribution (M2) associated with the map stored in the map DB and estimates the own vehicle position based on a position of the area corresponding to the measured magnetic distribution on the map.