Sensor-Guided AV Launchpad for Obstruction-Free Departure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicle technologies lack efficient, safe, and reliable methods for launching, landing, and re-launching vehicles, requiring significant driver intervention and lacking resources for navigating obstructions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of launchpads and landing pads equipped with sensors and a control subsystem that communicate with vehicle sensors to assess obstruction-free zones, allowing autonomous vehicles to safely begin or resume movement without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles operate without driver assistance, then automation level is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to inability to handle obstructions and navigate safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated obstruction detection system with specialized sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) positioned on the vehicle, and a control subsystem that acts as an intermediary between sensor data and driving actions. This intermediary system specifically addresses the reliability concern by providing focused obstruction detection and response capabilities that enhance safety without reducing automation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The control subsystem continuously monitors sensor data to detect obstructions before they become critical threats. The system performs preliminary actions by identifying potential hazards in advance, allowing the autonomous vehicle to plan and execute avoidance maneuvers proactively, thereby maintaining both high automation and improved safety/reliability.
2Reliability
If comprehensive sensor systems are deployed to detect obstructions, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the obstruction detection system into multiple specialized sensor modules (cameras for visual detection, LIDAR for distance measurement, radar for motion detection) positioned at different locations on the vehicle. Each sensor type targets specific detection needs, and the control subsystem processes data from each segment independently before integrating conclusions. This segmentation improves detection reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control subsystem is designed to handle multiple sensor types and perform various functions including obstruction detection, distance measurement, motion analysis, and driving control. By creating a universal control platform that can process diverse sensor inputs and execute multiple functions, the system achieves comprehensive obstruction detection capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A launchpad is sized and shaped to accommodate an autonomous vehicle (AV) that includes at least one vehicle sensor. The launchpad includes one or more launchpad sensors located on or around the launchpad. A control subsystem receives launchpad sensor data from the launchpad sensor(s) and AV sensor data from the vehicle sensor(s). In response to the request for departure of the AV, the control subsystem determines, based at least in part upon the launchpad sensor data, whether the launchpad is free of obstructions that would prevent departure from the launchpad and determines, based at least in part upon the AV sensor data, whether the region in front of the AV is clear of obstructions that would prevent movement away from the launchpad. If both the launchpad and the region in front of the AV are free of obstructions, the AV is permitted to begin driving autonomously.