Vehicle Motion State Detection Using Acceleration Sensor Vibration Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining a vehicle's movement state are not reliable and cost-effective, particularly in environments with noise sources that complicate the differentiation between stationary and moving states, and require precise dynamic vehicle data for traffic control and billing systems.

Innovation Solution

A method using an acceleration sensor to determine a vehicle's state of motion by comparing a vibration signal with predefined threshold values, which are adjusted based on GPS and speed signals, and employing signal processing techniques like low-pass filtering and rectification to correct for sensor tolerances and noise, ensuring accurate and efficient determination of the vehicle's state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vibration signals are evaluated using acceleration sensors to determine vehicle movement state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional signal processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement state detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The signal processing is divided into distinct sequential steps: DC component removal, rectification, and low-pass filtering. Each step processes a specific aspect of the signal separately, making the overall complex task manageable and systematic. The DC component is removed first to eliminate static influences, then rectification converts negative portions to positive, and finally low-pass filtering extracts the vibration characteristic at lower frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The method performs preliminary signal processing actions before the actual movement state determination. By pre-remove the DC component, pre-rectify the signal, and pre-apply low-pass filtering, the system prepares the signal in advance to highlight vibration characteristics while suppressing static and high-frequency noise, enabling more accurate movement state detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple sensors and complex evaluation methods are used to improve reliability, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement state determination reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic sensor arrays with a single acceleration sensor combined with sophisticated signal processing algorithms. Instead of using multiple physical sensors to achieve reliable measurement, the system uses one sensor and processes its output through mathematical operations (DC removal, rectification, filtering) to extract movement state information, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes the parameters of the signal through systematic transformations: removing the DC component changes the signal's offset, rectification changes the signal's polarity, and low-pass filtering changes the signal's frequency content. These parameter changes transform the raw sensor data into a form that clearly indicates movement state, achieving reliable detection without requiring multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If threshold values are dynamically adjusted based on GPS and speed signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshold determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple data sources (acceleration sensor, GPS module, speed sensor) into a unified evaluation approach. The acceleration sensor provides vibration data, GPS provides position and speed information, and the speed sensor provides vehicle speed. These multi-functional data sources work together to dynamically adjust threshold values, with each source contributing specific information that refines the movement state determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The method uses feedback from GPS and speed sensor data to dynamically adjust the threshold values for movement state determination. The system continuously monitors GPS position changes and speed measurements, and uses this feedback information to adaptively set threshold values that are appropriate for current vehicle conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain high measurement precision across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 reliable and cost-effective determination of a vehicle's state of motion, reducing errors and energy consumption, and enabling precise dynamic data collection for traffic control and billing systems.

Implementation Method 1

A vibration signal, which is representative of vibrations of the vehicle, is determined as a function of a measurement signal from the acceleration sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

the vibration signal is determined as a function of low-pass filtering of the rectified raw vibration signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP2329279B1Method and device for determining a state of motion of a vehicle comprising an acceleration sensor
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2329279B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2329279B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2329279B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

To determine a state of motion of a vehicle comprising an acceleration sensor, a vibration signal is determined as a function of a measurement signal of the acceleration sensor. The vibration signal is representative of vibrations of the vehicle. A determination is made as to whether the vehicle is at a standstill or whether the vehicle is moving, such determination made by comparing the vibration signal with at least one pre-determined threshold value.