Vehicle Position Change Detection via Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in detecting changes in the position of vehicles that are partially or completely switched off, particularly for track-bound vehicles, as existing methods are either unreliable or require significant effort, affecting energy efficiency and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a recording device that captures the surroundings of the vehicle before and after it is switched off, with a comparison of the two recordings to detect any changes in position, utilizing affordable and existing recording devices and algorithms for reliable detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If position determination devices and on-board control computers are switched off to reduce energy consumption, then energy costs are reduced, but the ability to detect position changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the surroundings (image data) before the vehicle is switched off and compares it with a new image after restart. This copying approach allows position verification without requiring continuous operation of position determination devices, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active position determination devices (mechanical/electronic systems requiring power) with a passive image comparison method. By using recorded image data and comparing it with new images, the system substitutes complex active sensing with simpler passive observation, enabling position detection without continuous power consumption.
2Reliability
If position determination devices remain switched on to detect position changes, then position detection reliability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the patent implements periodic position verification by capturing images at specific intervals (before shutdown and after restart). This periodic action maintains detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation of position determination devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing recording devices already present on the vehicle for their primary purpose (recording surroundings) to additionally perform position verification. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated position detection systems, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining functionality.
3Reliability
If additional devices are installed to detect position changes during shutdown, then position verification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing recording devices multi-functional by using them both for their primary recording purpose and for position verification. This universality eliminates the need for additional dedicated position detection devices, maintaining verification capability while avoiding increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses resources already available on the vehicle (recording devices, processors, storage) to perform position verification without requiring additional specialized equipment. This self-service approach maintains functionality while minimizing device complexity.
4Productivity
If location information is stored before shutdown and used after restart, then operational efficiency is improved, but reliability of location data cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the stored image data with new image data after restart. This feedback mechanism verifies whether the vehicle position has changed, allowing the system to confirm or reject the validity of stored location information, thus ensuring reliability while maintaining fast reactivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary recording of the surroundings before shutdown, creating a reference state. This preliminary action enables quick verification after restart by simple comparison, achieving both fast reactivation and reliable location validation without requiring complex real-time analysis.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, which allows a reliable detection of a position change of a vehicle (10) and which at the same time can be realized with comparatively low expenditure, for detecting a position change of an at least partially deactivated vehicle (10), in particular a track-bound vehicle. To this end, according to the invention, prior to an at least partial deactivation of the vehicle (10), a first image of the surroundings of the vehicle (10) is taken by means of a recording device (30). During a re-activation or after the re-activation of the vehicle (10), a second image of the surroundings of the vehicle (10) is taken by means of the recording device (30). A change in position of the at least partially deactivated vehicle (10) is detected on the basis of an at least partial comparison of the second image with the first image. The invention further relates to a device for detecting a change in position of an at least partially deactivated vehicle (10).