Autonomous Vehicle Docking Using External Reference Point Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for autonomous vehicles struggle to achieve precise positional adjustments within centimeters of a docking location, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in loading and unloading operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an autonomous vehicle receiving data indicating its proximity to a docking location and using an external reference point detection module to identify external reference points. The vehicle then incrementally adjusts its position using a docking module, applying and releasing a braking mechanism to achieve precise alignment within a threshold distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing docking systems are used for autonomous vehicles, then the docking process is simpler, but the positional precision is insufficient and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is divided into multiple independent modules: external reference point detection module, internal reference point detection module, and docking adjustment module. Each module performs a specific function (detecting external references, detecting internal references, and adjusting position respectively), allowing the system to achieve high precision docking through coordinated operation of segmented components while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously comparing the distance between internal reference points and external reference points, calculating adjustment distances, and iteratively adjusting the vehicle position until the docking precision threshold is met. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high positional precision while automating the complex adjustment process
2Manufacturing precision
If incremental position adjustments are made to achieve precise docking, then docking precision improves, but the docking time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of external reference points and calculation of adjustment distances before actual position adjustment begins. By pre-computing the required adjustment based on initial reference point detection, the system reduces the number of iterative adjustments needed, thereby decreasing docking time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system dynamically adjusts the adjustment distance in each iteration based on the current position relative to the target docking location. The system starts with larger adjustments when far from the target and progressively reduces adjustment magnitude as it approaches the precision threshold, optimizing the balance between speed and precision
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
This solution enables autonomous vehicles to dock with high precision, reducing the risk of damage and improving the efficiency of loading and unloading operations, such as in shipping container handling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light and detection ranging (LiDAR) data points
Implementation Method 2
The external reference point has a light reflectivity that is of higher intensity than nearby surroundings of the external reference point
Implementation Method 3
The position is incrementally adjusted through an iterative series of applying and releasing a braking mechanism of the autonomous vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
System, method, and computer program product are described herein for autonomously docking an autonomous vehicle. Data including (i) an indication that the autonomous vehicle is within a docking location and (ii) an adjustment distance to place the autonomous vehicle within a threshold distance of the docking location is received. An external reference point detection module identifies an external reference point to the autonomous vehicle. A docking module incrementally adjusts a position of the autonomous vehicle in a first axis based on a distance between the autonomous vehicle and the external reference point until either (i) the autonomous vehicle is within the threshold distance of the docking location or (ii) a number of adjustments exceeds an adjustment maximum.