Vehicle Self-Position Estimation Using Reflecting Body Map
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of self-position estimation for vehicles is significantly reduced when radio waves from GNSS satellites and 5G base stations cannot be received, leading to errors from inertial measurement unit detection errors.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that performs self-position estimation using a reflecting body map, which indicates the distribution of reflecting bodies, in cases where communication with the base station is not possible, allowing for accurate positioning even without GNSS and 5G information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If self-position estimation is performed using GNSS information and 5G information, then the accuracy of self-position estimation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when radio waves cannot be received from GNSS satellites or 5G base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflecting body map as an intermediary data structure that enables position estimation through indirect measurement. When direct signals from GNSS or 5G are unavailable, the system uses radar to detect reflecting bodies (objects that reflect radio waves) and matches these detections against the pre-stored reflecting body map to estimate position, thus mediating between the absence of direct signals and the need for position information
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-acquiring and storing reflecting body map data in areas where GNSS and 5G signals may be unavailable (such as tunnels or urban canyons). This map data, which includes information about reflecting bodies like walls, vehicles, and other structures, is prepared in advance so that when direct signals are lost, the position estimation can immediately switch to using the pre-prepared map without interruption
2Reliability
If inertial measurement unit (IMU) is used to detect and integrate position changes when radio waves cannot be received, then self-position estimation can be maintained, but estimation error accumulates causing accuracy to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing radar detection results with the reflecting body map data. When the detected reflecting bodies match the map data, the system can correct drift errors that accumulate from IMU integration. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain both continuity (through IMU) and accuracy (through periodic correction using radar and map matching)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple positioning methods (GNSS, 5G, IMU, and radar-based reflecting body map matching) into a unified position estimation system. The system dynamically selects and combines these methods based on availability and reliability, using IMU for continuous tracking while periodically correcting with radar-based position fixes from the reflecting body map, thereby achieving both continuity and accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing system that are configured to improve accuracy of self-position estimation of a vehicle. The information processing apparatus includes: a communication unit that performs communication with a base station of wireless communication that transmits information used for self-position estimation of a vehicle; and a self-position estimation unit that performs self-position estimation of the vehicle on the basis of a reflecting body map indicating a distribution of reflecting bodies in a case where the communication with the base station is not possible. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a self-position estimation device that executes self-position estimation of a vehicle.