Autonomous Vehicle Celestial Navigation Using Coded Infrared Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for autonomous vehicles are limited in their ability to accurately navigate complex environments, as they often rely on obstacle detection and infrared patterns that can be interfered with by objects, making it difficult for vehicles to track their location and move independently in cluttered spaces.
Innovation Solution
A navigation control system that includes a transmitter emitting signals, a power source capable of wireless charging, and a receiver on the autonomous vehicle to determine its relative location within a working area, using infrared signals to calculate its position and navigate effectively, even in complex environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared patterns are used for navigation, then the vehicle can detect obstacles and navigate, but the system is interfered with by objects in the environment making location tracking difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coded signals as an intermediary medium for navigation. Instead of relying directly on infrared patterns that are easily interfered with, the system uses coded signals emitted by transmitters and received by the vehicle's receiver to determine location. This intermediary coding scheme provides a more reliable communication channel that is less susceptible to environmental interference from objects in the workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of signal encoding by using coded signals with specific patterns that can be distinguished from environmental noise. By modulating the infrared signals with unique codes and sequences, the system transforms the raw infrared detection into a more robust coded signal detection system that can reliably determine vehicle position even in the presence of interfering objects.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmitters are used to differentiate areas, then location determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into multiple independent transmitters distributed throughout the workspace, each emitting coded signals. This segmentation allows the vehicle to determine its location by receiving and processing signals from multiple transmitters, with the processor calculating relative location based on signal characteristics. The segmentation of the signal source into multiple transmitters improves location accuracy without requiring each individual transmitter to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Each transmitter in the system serves multiple functions: it emits navigation signals for location determination, provides area differentiation through coded patterns, and enables the vehicle to understand its position relative to different zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each purpose, thereby managing complexity while achieving high measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If wireless energy capture is implemented, then the transmitter can operate independently without power cables, but the energy conversion efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter is equipped with a wireless energy capture device that enables it to recharge its power source autonomously. The transmitter captures wireless energy transmitted by the autonomous vehicle and converts it to charge its battery or power source. This self-service capability allows the transmitter to operate independently without requiring physical power cable connections, greatly improving installation flexibility and ease of operation in various workspace environments.
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
The system enables autonomous vehicles to accurately determine their location and navigate within complex environments with improved accuracy, allowing for more independent operation and efficient task performance, such as cleaning, by using coded signals and multiple transmitters to differentiate areas and adjust cleaning behaviors.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter for emitting at least one signal... A receiver for detecting the at least one signal emitted by the emitter
Implementation Method 2
a device for capturing wireless energy to charge the power source
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation control system for an autonomous vehicle comprises a transmitter and an autonomous vehicle. The transmitter comprises an emitter for emitting at least one signal, a power source for powering the emitter, a device for capturing wireless energy to charge the power source, and a printed circuit board for converting the captured wireless energy to a form for charging the power source. The autonomous vehicle operates within a working area and comprises a receiver for detecting the at least one signal emitted by the emitter, and a processor for determining a relative location of the autonomous vehicle within the working area based on the signal emitted by the emitter.