Autonomous Vehicle Collision Avoidance via Centralized Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling multiple unmanned autonomous vehicles in overlapping or intersecting routes face challenges in preventing collisions, particularly due to high communication traffic and complexity, which can lead to faults and increased risk of collisions.
Innovation Solution
A method where a control device collects presence status data from detection devices at predefined positions to determine a safe condition for system operation, allowing vehicles to perform travel actions only when all vehicles are detected at these positions, thereby reducing the need for vehicle-to-vehicle communication and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles communicate directly or via central control system regarding their positions to prevent collisions, then collision prevention capability is improved, but communication traffic increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central control system that acts as an intermediary between vehicles. Instead of vehicles communicating directly with each other (which would generate high communication traffic), all position and status information is reported to the central control system, which then makes collision prevention decisions. This mediator approach reduces direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication overhead while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where detection devices monitor vehicle positions and report to the control system, which then adjusts vehicle routes and speeds to prevent collisions. This feedback mechanism ensures real-time collision prevention without requiring complex direct communication between all vehicle pairs.
2Reliability
If detection equipment is provided on vehicles to prevent collisions, then collision prevention capability is improved, but the amount of detection equipment and its complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines detection functions into fixed infrastructure elements rather than distributing detection equipment across all vehicles. Detection devices are installed at specific locations along routes, and multiple detection functions are merged into these stationary units, reducing the overall complexity and cost of detection equipment while maintaining collision prevention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex onboard detection and decision-making mechanisms on vehicles with simpler reporting devices on vehicles and a centralized control system. Instead of each vehicle having sophisticated detection equipment, vehicles simply report their status, and the central system performs the complex analysis and decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are allowed to travel independently on intersecting routes, then route flexibility is improved, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle routes and speeds based on real-time position information from detection devices. When vehicles approach intersecting points, the control system dynamically modifies their paths or timing to prevent collisions, while still allowing them to travel independently on their designated routes. This dynamic control maintains route flexibility while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning collision-free routes and schedules for vehicles before they reach intersecting points. By calculating and assigning safe paths in advance based on detected vehicle positions, the system prevents collisions before they can occur while maintaining route flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method for the control thereof, with a plurality of autonomous vehicles (2) with intersecting routes, a control (8), an operational area (1 ) and also a predefined place with positions (6a, 6b) which are provided with a vehicle presence detection device (9), wherein the method comprises: - detecting the presence of the vehicles in a detection device, - beginning to travel with a first vehicle, wherein the travel action is chosen from travelling of a route through the operational area from a predefined place and an advancing action within a predefined place from a first detection device to a second detection device which is not yet occupied, only if each of the vehicles has been detected as present at one of the predefined places, or, if the travel action relates to an advancing action, at most one vehicle has the status "not present at one of the predefined places".