Vehicle Motion Estimation Using Sensor Quality Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle motion estimation systems are prone to inaccuracy due to sensor failures and inaccuracies, leading to unreliable motion data.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that processes data from two sets of sensors with different types and common reference entities, determining a quality metric for each set to decide whether to use one, the other, or a combination for vehicle motion information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single set of sensors is used for vehicle motion estimation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to sensor failures and inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different types of sensors (e.g., GPS, inertial sensors, wheel speed sensors) for different aspects of motion estimation. Each sensor type has its own quality characteristics and is used to estimate specific motion parameters, allowing the system to maintain high reliability by selecting the most appropriate sensor for each local measurement need while avoiding the complexity of using a single complex sensor system for all measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite sensor system that combines multiple different sensor types to create a robust motion estimation system. This composite approach integrates data from heterogeneous sensors (GPS receivers, inertial measurement units, wheel speed sensors) to achieve reliable vehicle motion estimation, where the combination of different sensor technologies compensates for individual sensor weaknesses without requiring a single overly complex sensor system
2Reliability
If multiple sets of sensors are used for vehicle motion estimation, then the reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system into multiple independent sets, each capable of providing motion estimation data. By dividing the sensor system into separate modules (e.g., GPS-based system, inertial-based system, wheel-speed-based system), the patent achieves reliability through redundancy while managing complexity through modular design, where each segment can be independently evaluated and selected based on quality metrics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically selecting which sensor sets to use based on quality metrics that evaluate sensor performance parameters. The system monitors parameters such as signal strength, measurement consistency, and error estimates, and switches between different sensor sets or combinations based on these parameter evaluations, thereby maintaining reliability without permanently committing to a complex fixed multi-sensor configuration
3Measurement precision
If sensor data quality is not evaluated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to use of low-quality data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by evaluating sensor data quality before using the data for motion estimation. The system performs preliminary quality assessments on sensor data (checking for validity, consistency, and reliability) before incorporating the data into motion calculations. This preliminary filtering ensures that only high-quality data is used, improving measurement precision while keeping the processing logic straightforward through clear pre-checks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring sensor data quality metrics and using this information to adjust which sensor sets are used for motion estimation. The system provides feedback loops where measurement quality is assessed, and this assessment feeds back into the selection process for subsequent measurements. This automated feedback mechanism maintains high measurement precision without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-adjusts based on quality feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system comprising processing circuitry configured to determine vehicle motion information of a vehicle is provided. The processing circuitry is configured to receive first sensor data and second sensor data for estimating vehicle motion with respect to one or more common reference entities. The first sensor data has sensor data of a first type. The second sensor data is sensor data of a second type. The first type differs from the second type. The processing circuitry determines a first quality metric associated with the first sensor data. The processing circuitry is determines whether to use the first sensor data, the second sensor data, or a combination thereof as a basis for determining the vehicle motion information based on the first quality metric associated with the first sensor data.