Hybrid Vehicle Position Estimation Using Low Emission Zone Signs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precision of position estimation by GNSS receivers can drop in certain driving environments, leading to erroneous position recognition and potential operation of the internal combustion engine within low emission zones.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation system that uses an imaging device to identify signs indicating the boundary of low emission zones, allowing the system to determine the vehicle's position within these zones independently of GNSS receiver output, thereby reducing erroneous recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS receiver is used for position estimation, then the system can determine vehicle position automatically, but the precision drops in certain driving environments causing erroneous position recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GNSS receiver-based position estimation with imaging device-based sign recognition to create a hybrid position determination system. When GNSS precision drops, the system merges in alternative position information from detected low emission zone signs to maintain reliable position recognition and avoid erroneous engine operation decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device acts as an intermediary to detect visual signs of low emission zones when GNSS positioning becomes unreliable. This intermediary detection method provides backup position verification, allowing the system to maintain accurate position recognition even when primary GNSS-based estimation degrades in precision.
2Device complexity
If the system relies solely on GNSS receiver output, then the system structure remains simple, but erroneous position recognition occurs when GNSS precision drops
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its complexity based on GNSS signal quality. When GNSS precision is sufficient, the system operates in a simple mode using only GNSS data. When precision drops, the system dynamically activates the imaging device and sign recognition algorithms, increasing complexity only when necessary to maintain accurate position recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors GNSS signal parameters (such as signal strength, satellite visibility, and position accuracy) and changes operational parameters accordingly. When precision parameters fall below thresholds, the system transitions to using imaging-based sign detection, effectively changing the operational mode to maintain accurate position determination.
Data Source
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AI summary
The home position estimation system 10, 10', 10" includes a GNSS receiver 12, an object detection device 11a, 11b for detecting an object in surroundings of the hybrid vehicle 1, 1', 1", an identifying part 25 configured to identify the object detected by the object detection device, and a position estimating part 26 configured to estimate a position of the hybrid vehicle based on an output of the GNSS receiver. If a predetermined condition is satisfied and the object identified by the identifying part is an object indicating a boundary of a low emission zone which requires that the internal combustion engine be stopped, the position estimating part is configured to judge whether the hybrid vehicle is located within the low emission zone, regardless of the output of the GNSS receiver, based on a result of identification by the identifying part.