Autonomous Vehicle Road Markers With Multi-Panel Sensor Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road signs are not effectively readable by autonomous vehicle systems, especially in adverse weather conditions, which hinders their ability to navigate safely and maintain lane position.
Innovation Solution
Development of autonomous vehicle markers with a front and rear panel configuration that provides unique RF, LIDAR, and ultrasonic signatures, allowing vehicles to detect and interpret these markers using sensors, and a method for processing these signatures to update navigation systems and provide feedback to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing road signs are used, then human readability is maintained, but machine readability by autonomous vehicle systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The road sign is divided into multiple panels (front panel with opening, rear panel, and optionally side panels) spaced at specific distances. This segmentation creates distinct reflection surfaces that generate a unique multi-component signature detectable by LIDAR and RADAR systems, thereby improving machine readability while maintaining human readability of the sign content.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds spatial dimensionality to traditional 2D road signs by creating a 3D structure with panels spaced in depth. The front panel, rear panel, and side panels are positioned at specific distances from each other, creating a volumetric structure that reflects electromagnetic waves in multiple paths, generating a distinctive signature that machine reading systems can detect and interpret.
2Reliability
If traditional road signs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but detection reliability in adverse weather deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is segmented into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. Each panel is spaced at specific distances from others, creating a structured configuration that generates reliable multi-component reflection signatures detectable by LIDAR and RADAR systems, ensuring consistent detection across various weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different panels of the marker have different properties optimized for specific functions. The front panel includes an opening for specific reflection patterns, the rear panel provides additional reflection surfaces, and side panels enhance angular visibility. This local differentiation of panel properties improves detection reliability while allowing each component to be manufactured using standard techniques.
3Loss of information
If simple panel structures are used, then manufacturing ease is maintained, but signature uniqueness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The marker structure is segmented into multiple panels (front panel with opening, rear panel, and side panels) positioned at specific distances from each other. This segmentation creates multiple reflection surfaces that generate a unique multi-component signature pattern detectable by LIDAR and RADAR systems, enabling reliable identification and differentiation of the marker.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker employs asymmetric panel configuration where the front panel includes an opening while the rear panel is solid, and side panels are positioned at specific angles. This asymmetric design creates a distinctive reflection pattern that is unique to this configuration, allowing machine reading systems to reliably identify and differentiate the marker from other objects.
4Ease of operation
If human-readable signs are used, then public communication is maintained, but autonomous vehicle navigation feedback deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sign is segmented into multiple functional panels: the front panel displays human-readable information while including an opening for machine detection, the rear panel provides additional reflection surfaces, and side panels enhance angular visibility. This segmentation allows the same structure to provide both human-readable communication and machine-readable navigation feedback simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker structure serves multiple functions: it provides human-readable road information through traditional sign content, generates unique LIDAR and RADAR reflection signatures for autonomous vehicle detection, and maintains visibility across various weather conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to serve both human drivers and autonomous vehicle systems.
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
Enables autonomous vehicles to accurately determine their location and maintain lane position even in adverse weather conditions by providing machine-readable feedback through unique signatures, enhancing navigation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a front panel, the front panel formed from a material that is at least partially RF reflective... a rear panel... The marker can be configured to return a unique RF signature based on factors of its construction
Implementation Method 2
the front panel formed from a material that is at least partially RF reflective or at least partially reflective in the electromagnetic spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
Markers and a system for use for autonomous vehicles which can help autonomous vehicles to be aware of their surroundings and/or their spatial location. Such markers can include metallic signage having one or more openings and which can include a front that is spaced a distance from a backing plate. The markers can also include patterns that are stamped, cut or otherwise formed in or on a roadway. When a vehicle traverses over the patterns, a sensor, which can include a sound sensor, can detect the sound or vibration produced by the pattern. Once the pattern is detected, the autonomous vehicle can access a database or other repository of patterns (including but not limited to internal memory) and thus obtain information about the location that the vehicle is traversing.