Autonomous Vehicle Map Management for Dynamic Zone Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating autonomous vehicles in industrial facilities face inaccuracies in determining location due to movable items not being in the same place as mapped objects, leading to incorrect positioning.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method where temporary objects in temporary zones are assigned and deleted based on sensor detection, distinguishing between static and temporary zones to enhance location precision by deleting temporary objects when the vehicle leaves or returns to the zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If objects detected in temporary zones are permanently recorded on the map, then the system can track movable items, but location determination becomes inaccurate when items are relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the map data dynamic rather than static. Temporary objects detected in temporary zones are recorded on the map only while the autonomous vehicle is present in that zone, and are automatically deleted when the vehicle leaves. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing environments where movable items may be relocated, maintaining location determination accuracy while temporarily tracking movable objects during active operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of object persistence on the map from permanent to temporary based on the vehicle's location. By monitoring whether the autonomous vehicle is in a temporary zone and using this location parameter to control the recording and deletion of temporary objects, the system optimizes the balance between tracking movable items and maintaining accurate location determination.
2Loss of information
If all detected objects are recorded on the map, then complete environmental awareness is achieved, but system complexity and data processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational environment into static zones and temporary zones, and correspondingly segments map data into static objects and temporary objects. This segmentation allows the system to apply different data management strategies to different types of objects and zones, reducing overall data management complexity while maintaining complete environmental awareness where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different zones with different data retention policies. Static zones maintain permanent records of objects for consistent location reference, while temporary zones use transient records that are automatically deleted. This localized approach to data quality and persistence optimizes the balance between environmental awareness and system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If temporary objects are deleted immediately when leaving the zone, then location accuracy is maintained, but information about movable items is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts object recording and deletion based on the autonomous vehicle's real-time location. Temporary objects are recorded when the vehicle is in temporary zones and deleted when the vehicle leaves, creating a dynamic data management approach that balances positioning precision with temporary tracking needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary recording of temporary objects when the vehicle enters a temporary zone, ensuring objects are tracked during the period they are needed for navigation and collision avoidance. The deletion occurs as a preliminary action when the vehicle leaves the zone, preventing accumulation of outdated data while maintaining tracking during active operations.
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
Enhances the precision of autonomous vehicle location determination by accurately managing temporary objects, ensuring accurate mapping and navigation in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
One such sensor could be a laser scanner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a technical installation that comprises at least one autonomous vehicle (1), wherein the autonomous vehicle (1) has at least one sensor for detecting items, and wherein the autonomous vehicle (1) has a map of the technical installation. The technical installation comprises at least one static zone with which is associated in the map a static area (20) in which at least one static object (25) is recorded. The technical installation comprises at least one temporary zone with which is associated in the map a temporary area (30) in which temporary objects (32) can be recorded. If the sensor detects an item in a temporary zone, the detected item is assigned a temporary object (32), and the temporary object (32) is recorded in the temporary area (30) of the map that is associated with the temporary zone. If the autonomous vehicle (1) moves away from the temporary zone, all temporary objects (32) recorded in the temporary area (30) associated with the temporary zone are erased. The invention also relates to a technical installation that can be operated using the method according to the invention.