Autonomous Follower Vehicle Trajectory Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for signaling the presence of vehicles like construction machinery on the road, especially in low visibility conditions or on winding roads, are not always effective and can lead to accidents due to reliance on manual repositioning of signs and the need for driver-operated escort vehicles, which pose risks to operators and road users.
Innovation Solution
A method where a driverless follower vehicle replicates the trajectory of a lead vehicle using real-time detection and generation of both material and immaterial tracks, allowing it to maintain a safe distance and signal the lead vehicle's presence without human intervention, using means like position receivers, inertial units, and substance deposition for tracking and signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If manual repositioning of mobile worksite signage is used, then visibility of the worksite is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to exposure to traffic and worksite hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The follower vehicle autonomously follows the lead vehicle and maintains signaling devices without human intervention. The system uses automated trajectory coupling through material and immaterial track detection, allowing the signage system to service itself without exposing operators to traffic and worksite hazards while maintaining visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of operators physically moving signage with an automated vehicle-based system. The follower vehicle uses sensors, position receivers, and trajectory coupling algorithms to automatically maintain signaling positions, eliminating the need for human operators to expose themselves to dangerous environments
2Ease of operation
If driver-operated escort vehicles are used, then trajectory control and safe distance maintenance are improved, but operator exposure to accident risks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The follower vehicle autonomously controls its own trajectory and speed by detecting the material and immaterial tracks left by the lead vehicle. The system automatically maintains safe distances and follows the lead vehicle's path without requiring a human driver, eliminating operator exposure to accident risks while preserving precise trajectory control
Solution Approach 2:
The follower vehicle copies the lead vehicle's trajectory by detecting and reproducing its path through material and immaterial tracks. This automated copying mechanism maintains accurate trajectory control and safe following distances without requiring human operators in the follower vehicle
3Reliability
If unmanned escort vehicles with autonomous trajectory generation are used, then operator safety is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to dependence on detectable shoulders or areas
Solution Approach 1:
The follower vehicle uses multiple detection methods including material track detection, immaterial track detection through position receivers and inertial units, and optional odor detection. This multi-functional approach allows the system to operate reliably across diverse environments including winding roads, areas without shoulders, and various weather conditions, improving both safety and environmental adaptability
4Extent of automation
If complex geolocation and distance detection methods are used between vehicles, then autonomous following capability is improved, but system complexity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into distinct components: material track detection (physical markers), immaterial track detection (position receivers and inertial units), and optional odor detection. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by breaking down complex geolocation and distance detection into manageable, reliable subsystems that can be independently optimized and maintained
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
This solution ensures reliable and safe signaling of the lead vehicle's presence across various conditions, reducing the risk of accidents by eliminating the need for human operators and improving visibility through autonomous tracking and signaling, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
The lead vehicle is equipped with means for generating a material track in real time
Implementation Method 2
the follower vehicle is equipped with means for detecting said material and immaterial tracks in real time
Implementation Method 3
the lead vehicle is equipped on the one hand with means for generating a material track in real time and means for generating an immaterial track in real time
Implementation Method 4
the follower vehicle is equipped with means for automatically generating its trajectory from the detected material and immaterial tracks
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of coupling the respective trajectories of at least two vehicles intended to move in convoy, one of said vehicles defining a lead vehicle (10) and the other a follower vehicle (20).It is characterized in that, on the one hand, the lead vehicle (10) is equipped with means for generating in real time a material track (7) and means for generating in real time an immaterial track (70), said material (7) and immaterial (70) tracks being representative of the trajectory it follows, and on the other hand, the follower vehicle (20) is equipped with means for detecting in real time said tracks (7,70) and means for automatically generating its trajectory from the detected tracks (7,70), the convoy is deployed by placing the follower vehicle (20) behind the lead vehicle (10), and the means for generating in real time a material track (7) and an immaterial track (70), the means for detecting in real time said tracks (7,70) and the means for automatically generating the trajectory are triggered. The invention also relates to a use of this method to signal the presence of a convoy.