Vehicle Position Correction Using Onboard and External LiDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous driving systems face challenges in achieving accurate vehicle positioning due to the limitations of global positioning system (GPS) accuracy, which is often compromised by various factors.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance apparatus that combines GPS data with Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) technology, both onboard and external, to obtain and correct vehicle positioning by comparing image data from LiDAR systems installed on the vehicle and external facilities, such as traffic lights and signs, to enhance positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS information is used to determine vehicle positioning, then the system is simple to implement, but positioning accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS positioning with LiDAR-based positioning systems. The GPS module provides coarse positioning information while the LiDAR system (both onboard and external) provides fine positioning corrections. This merging of multiple positioning methods resolves the contradiction by achieving high accuracy without completely abandoning the simple GPS approach.
Solution Approach 2:
External LiDAR facilities (traffic lights, signs, street lights) act as intermediaries to transfer positioning information from a fixed reference frame to the moving vehicle. These external facilities provide stable reference points that enable accurate positioning without requiring complex onboard systems alone.
2Measurement precision
If only onboard LiDAR is used, then the system is relatively simple, but positioning accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges onboard LiDAR with external LiDAR facilities to achieve superior positioning accuracy. The onboard LiDAR captures image data of the external environment, which is then compared with image data from external LiDAR sources. This combination allows the system to leverage both the flexibility of onboard sensing and the stability of fixed external references.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point onboard LiDAR measurement to a multi-dimensional positioning approach by incorporating external LiDAR facilities distributed throughout the environment. This adds spatial distribution as a new dimension, enabling triangulation and cross-validation of positioning data from multiple vantage points.
3Measurement precision
If external LiDAR facilities are deployed, then positioning accuracy improves, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
External LiDAR facilities are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide positioning reference points for autonomous vehicles, traffic monitoring capabilities, and urban infrastructure intelligence. This multi-functionality justifies the infrastructure investment by delivering multiple benefits from a single deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The external LiDAR facilities serve themselves by providing positioning data to multiple vehicles simultaneously without requiring additional active components. Once deployed, these facilities continuously emit LiDAR signals that can be utilized by any vehicle in the vicinity, reducing the per-vehicle infrastructure cost.
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 solution enables precise vehicle positioning, improving the accuracy of autonomous driving systems by integrating LiDAR data with GPS, thereby enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of autonomous navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) installed in the vehicle to have an external field of view of the vehicle, and configured to obtain first image data for the external field of view of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assistance apparatus includes a global positioning system (GPS) module configured to obtain position data of a vehicle; a Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) installed in the vehicle to have an external field of view of the vehicle, and configured to obtain first image data for the external field of view of the vehicle; a communication interface configured to receive second image data obtained by an external LiDAR disposed at a position different from the vehicle; and a controller including at least one processor configured to process the first image data and the second image data. The controller may be configured to compare the first image data and the second image data, and to correct the position data when an error occurs as a result of the comparison.