Vehicle Position Estimation Using Ambient Light Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle position estimation systems face challenges in accurately estimating the position of a host vehicle when object targets are unlikely to be detected using laser light, as they rely solely on reflection light from laser irradiation, lacking effective utilization of ambient light for detection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle position estimation apparatus that incorporates a LIDAR system capable of receiving and detecting the reflection light of both laser light and ambient light, using this information to estimate the vehicle's position by matching it with pre-stored map data, thereby enhancing detection capabilities even in challenging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system relies solely on laser light reflection for object target detection, then the detection system is simple and cost-effective, but the detection reliability deteriorates when object targets are unlikely to be detected with laser light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser light reflection detection and ambient light reflection detection into a single integrated LIDAR system. The light reception unit processes both types of reflection light simultaneously, merging two detection approaches into one unified system that improves reliability without requiring separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system is designed to perform multiple detection functions using a single apparatus. The light reception unit can detect both laser light reflection and ambient light reflection, making the system universal and adaptable to different detection scenarios, thereby improving reliability across various conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses only laser light for position estimation, then the system operation is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates in challenging detection conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The estimation unit merges laser light information and ambient light information to perform position estimation. By combining data from both light sources, the system achieves higher measurement precision in challenging conditions while using a single integrated processing unit rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite information from both laser light and ambient light reflections. The estimation unit processes a composite dataset that includes characteristics from both light types, improving position estimation precision by leveraging the complementary strengths of different light sources.
3Measurement precision
If the system integrates both laser light and ambient light detection, then the detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges laser light detection and ambient light detection into a single LIDAR system with a unified light reception unit and estimation unit. This integration achieves high detection accuracy while avoiding the structural complexity of having separate independent detection systems, as both functions share common hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system is designed as a universal multi-functional apparatus where the light reception unit and estimation unit serve multiple purposes. The same hardware components process both laser light and ambient light, reducing overall system structural complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy through multiple detection modes.
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
The system accurately estimates the host vehicle's position by integrating laser light and ambient light data, improving detection accuracy and speed, especially in scenarios where laser light detection is unreliable, by utilizing ambient light as a complementary detection method.
Implementation Method 1
a LIDAR that detects an object target based on the reflection light of the irradiated laser light
Implementation Method 2
a LIDAR, which detects an object target by using the reflection light of the irradiated laser light and the result of light reception of the reflection light of the ambient light other than the irradiated laser light
Implementation Method 3
be able to detect an intensity of each of the received reflection light
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle position estimation apparatus that estimates the position of the host vehicle includes: a laser light irradiation unit configured to illuminate laser light; a light reception element configured to receive reflection light of the laser light and reflection light of ambient light which is light other than the laser light and be able to detect an intensity of each of the received reflection light; and a host position estimation unit configured to estimate the position of the host vehicle, based on a result of light reception of the reflection light of the laser light received by the light reception element and a result of light reception of the reflection light of the ambient light.