Method and system for image-based positioning and mapping for a road network utilizing object detection

US11761790B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Tom Tom Global Content B.V. · NL
• TomTom Location Technology Germany GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Tinosch Kolagheichi-Ganjineh · Berlin, DE
• Philipp Holzchneider · Berlin, DE
• Dimitri Schachmann · Berlin, DE
• Sergej Mann · Berlin, DE
• Sebastian Ihlefeld · Berlin, DE
• Michael Hofmann · Taufkirchen, DE
• Olaf Booij · Leiden, NL
• Nicolau Leal Werneck · Amsterdam, NL

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 11, 2017
• Grant date: Sep 19, 2023
• Expiry date: Dec 11, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T2207/30256
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method and system for determining a geographical location and orientation of a vehicle (200, 300) travelling through a road network is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining, from one or more cameras (202, 302) associated with the vehicle (200, 300) travelling through the road network, a sequence of images (500) reflecting the environment of the road network on which the vehicle (200, 300) is travelling, wherein each of the images has an associated camera location at which the image was recorded. A local map representation representing an area of the road network on which the vehicle (200, 300) is travelling is then generated using at least some of the obtained images and the associated camera locations. The generated local map representation is compared with a section of a reference map, the reference map section covering the area of the road network on which the vehicle (200, 300) is travelling, and the geographical location and orientation of the vehicle (200, 300) within the road network is determined based on the comparison. Methods and systems for generating and/or updating an electronic map using data obtained by a vehicle (200, 300) travelling through a road network re…