Vehicle Positioning Accuracy via Satellite Obstacle Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite-based position determination methods in vehicles face inaccuracies due to reception obstacles, particularly in urban environments where multipath reflections from obscured satellites and movable obstacles like other road users can lead to incorrect position calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects and characterizes movable and immovable reception obstacles, dynamically selects a reduced set of visible satellites for position determination by excluding those obscured or shadowed by obstacles, using a combination of satellite data, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and environmental sensors to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If all detected satellites are used for position determination, then the quantity of satellites increases, but position determination accuracy deteriorates due to multipath reflections from obscured satellites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes satellites that are obscured by reception obstacles from the set of satellites used for position determination. By identifying satellites whose signals are blocked or reflected by obstacles (using data from environmental sensors and obstacle characterization), the system excludes these problematic satellites, thereby eliminating the source of multipath reflections and improving position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation step that assesses the visibility and signal quality of each satellite based on obstacle data and environmental sensor information. This intermediary layer acts as a filter between the raw satellite signals and the position determination algorithm, selectively admitting only those satellite signals that are not affected by multipath reflections.
2Measurement precision
If obstacle detection and satellite selection processing is added, then position determination accuracy improves, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of satellite visibility and signal quality before the actual position determination calculation. By pre-identifying and excluding satellites that are obscured by obstacles using environmental sensor data and obstacle characterization information, the system prepares a filtered set of reliable satellites in advance, avoiding the need for complex real-time corrections during position calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only those satellites that are potentially affected by obstacles, rather than uniformly processing all detected satellites. The system uses obstacle location and orientation data to identify specific satellites in the obscured sky regions and evaluates only these candidates for exclusion, reducing unnecessary computational effort.
3Measurement precision
If more environmental sensors and communication systems are integrated, then obstacle detection accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs existing environmental sensors (such as cameras, radar, or lidars) that are already part of autonomous vehicle systems for multiple purposes: their primary functions for obstacle detection and avoidance are enhanced by using their data additionally for satellite visibility assessment. This multi-functional use of existing sensors avoids the need for dedicated additional hardware while improving both obstacle detection and position determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own environmental sensors and obstacle detection capabilities to evaluate satellite visibility and select appropriate satellites for position determination. Rather than relying on external dedicated systems, the autonomous vehicle leverages its existing sensor suite and processing capabilities to serve the additional function of GNSS signal quality assessment, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enhances position determination accuracy by excluding multipath reflections and shadowed satellites, leading to more precise vehicle positioning, especially in challenging urban scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
Position determination using satellite-based navigation systems is usually based on the principle of measuring the travel time of signals emitted by the satellites of the navigation system
Implementation Method 2
obstacles to receiving satellite signals in the vicinity of the vehicle are detected and taken into account for position determination
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the satellite-supported determination of a position of a vehicle (1), comprising the following steps: a) identifying a plurality of satellites (2) that can be used for position determination, b) receiving data that characterize movable reception obstacles (3) in the environment of the vehicle (1), c) determining a reduced selection of satellites (2) from the plurality of satellites (2) on the basis of the data received in step b), d) determining a position of the vehicle (1) by means of signals (4) that were emitted by the reduced selection of satellites (2).