Autonomous Emergency Marker Placement After Driverless Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, there is a need for a system to automatically deploy emergency markers when an emergency stop is made, as there is no human driver to manually place the markers.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle is equipped with a marker deployment system that includes a support frame, a marker deployment system with a placement device, and an autonomy system comprising a processor and memory to locate markers at desired positions relative to the vehicle based on sensor data, using a mechanical arm or aerial drone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a human driver manually places emergency markers after an emergency stop, then the markers can be correctly positioned to alert other drivers, but there is no human driver available in autonomous vehicles to perform this task
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs the marker deployment task itself without human intervention. The autonomy system detects emergency stops and automatically triggers the placement device to deploy markers, making the system self-sufficient for this safety-critical function.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement device acts as an intermediary between the autonomy system and the emergency markers. It receives commands from the autonomy system and physically transports and positions the markers at the required locations relative to the vehicle.
2Productivity
If markers are manually placed by a human driver, then the positioning can be adjusted based on visual assessment, but the process is time-consuming and delays safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomy system continuously receives feedback from sensors about the vehicle's location, orientation, and surrounding environment. This real-time data allows the system to calculate precise marker positions and adjust the placement device accordingly, ensuring accurate positioning while maintaining high deployment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human visual-mechanical positioning system with an automated sensor-processing-mechanical execution system. Sensors capture environmental data, the processor calculates optimal marker positions, and the placement device mechanically positions markers with precision, eliminating human reaction time delays.
3Extent of automation
If emergency markers are deployed manually, then the system remains simple, but the task cannot be completed in fully autonomous vehicles without human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The placement device is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that can deploy multiple markers at different positions (front, rear, sides) and potentially perform other emergency functions. This universal design consolidates what could be multiple separate devices into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the autonomy system's detection capabilities with the marker deployment function into an integrated emergency response system. The sensor array, processing unit, and placement device work as a unified system rather than separate components, reducing overall system complexity while achieving full automation.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The autonomous vehicle comprises a frame including a support frame; at least one marker supported on the support frame; a marker deployment system including a placement device for locating each of the at least one markers from the support frame at a desired location relative to the vehicle; and an autonomy system that includes a controller, a processor, and a memory device, the memory device stores instructions that when executed by the processor transmit signals to the device causing the device to locate each of the at least one markers at the desired location relative to the autonomous vehicle.