Apparatus for detecting the position of a vehicle

摘要

A vehicle position detecting apparatus comprises vehicle position estimating means for estimating a vehicle position on the basis of the travel direction and distance of a vehicle detected respectively by direction and distance detecting means, travel road determining means for determining a current travel road of the vehicle by comparing the estimated vehicle position and road network data stored by road network data storing means, vehicle position calculating means for calculating accurate vehicle position on the basis of the vehicle position data supplied by a designated satellite combination formed by a plurality of satellites revolving around the earth, and position correcting means for correcting the vehicle position estimated by the estimating means on the basis of the accurate vehicle position calculated by the accurate vehicle position calculating means in such a manner that the vehicle position data supplied from the designated satellite combination includes a minimum error in an extending direction of the determined travel road in the neighborhood of the estimated vehicle position. Various errors detected by sensors or means forming part of the vehicle position detecting apparatus can be minimized so as to enhance the accuracy of the vehicle position at a higher level.