Vehicle Speed Estimation Using Accelerometer Data During GPS Outages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining vehicle speed, such as GPS technology, are unreliable during periods of intermittent or low-quality signal availability, which can lead to inaccurate insurance ratings in usage-based vehicle insurance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using accelerometer data from mobile devices to estimate vehicle speed by analyzing acceleration data, dividing driving sessions into segments based on idling points, and calculating speed at boundary points, even when GPS data is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS technology is used to determine vehicle speed, then speed can be obtained, but it is unreliable during periods of intermittent or low-quality signal availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses accelerometer data as an intermediary to estimate vehicle speed when GPS signals are unavailable. The accelerometer measurements of vehicle acceleration are integrated over time to calculate speed, providing a reliable alternative measurement method that does not depend on GPS signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based electromagnetic positioning system with a mechanical sensing approach using accelerometers. By measuring physical acceleration forces and integrating them to derive speed, the system substitutes a mechanical measurement method for the electromagnetic signal-based GPS method, achieving reliability independent of signal availability.
2Measurement precision
If monitoring devices interface with on-board diagnostic port to monitor vehicle speed, then accurate speed data can be obtained, but the devices are expensive or require expert installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to perform speed estimation using their built-in accelerometers without requiring external monitoring devices or expert installation. The system uses readily available consumer electronics that consumers already possess, eliminating the need for specialized equipment installation while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes inexpensive mobile devices that consumers already own rather than requiring expensive, permanently installed monitoring equipment. The approach leverages disposable or replaceable consumer electronics with lower cost and simpler deployment, sacrificing the need for permanent installation while maintaining functional capability.
3Measurement precision
If mobile device-based GPS is used to determine speed, then speed can be estimated, but it is a significant drain on the batteries of the mobile device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the speed estimation function from GPS-based methods and implements it using accelerometer data processing. By separating the speed calculation from GPS signal acquisition and using purely local accelerometer measurements, the system eliminates the high energy consumption associated with continuous GPS satellite communication and positioning calculations.
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
Provides a reliable and accurate means to estimate vehicle speed during intermittent GPS conditions, reducing resource consumption and improving insurance rating accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer sensor in the mobile device. The processor of the on-board computer or the processor of the mobile device may then use the accelerometer data to estimate the speed of the vehicle during periods of intermittent GPS
Data Source
AI summary
A system estimates the speed of a moving vehicle and hence the driving behavior of an individual driving the vehicle using accelerometer data. To do so, the system analyzes received accelerometer data to find idling points when the vehicle is not moving during a driving session. Based on the idling points, the system may divide the driving session into two or more segments. The system may then determine the speed of the vehicle at one or more boundary points of each segment. For each segment, the system may analyze the accelerometer data to determine the acceleration of the vehicle for points when the vehicle is moving. Subsequently, the system may calculate the speed of the vehicle for the points when the vehicle is moving based on the acceleration of the vehicle at the points when the vehicle is moving and the speed of the vehicle at the boundary points.