Golf Cart Following System Using Camera Positioning and Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic following systems for golf carts face issues with inaccurate positioning, delayed image processing, directional limitations, and power constraints on uneven terrain, leading to disconnection and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A following operation system that adjusts movement modes based on ground conditions, using a target device and vehicle body with a control module that sends and processes signals to maintain communication and adjust speed, direction, and power assistance, ensuring accurate following and reminding users of disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for positioning, then the vehicle can navigate to the golf player, but the positioning is not precise and fails to achieve accurate following effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the golf player, which are then processed to determine precise position and orientation. This intermediary approach overcomes the insufficient precision of direct GPS positioning by using visual recognition as a mediator between the vehicle and the player.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based positioning system with an optical/image processing system. By using camera imaging and picture processing algorithms, the system achieves more accurate position and orientation determination compared to GPS coordinates alone.
2Measurement precision
If a camera device is installed on the vehicle to follow the athlete by image determination, then positioning precision is improved, but a large amount of time is required for processing and calculating image features, resulting in delay during the following process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by continuously capturing and pre-processing images, and by pre-calculating position and orientation data when the player is within communication range. This allows the vehicle to be ready for immediate movement when the player enters the detection range, reducing actual response delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous image capture and processing operations, ensuring that position and orientation data are always available or nearly available when needed. This continuous operation eliminates gaps in the following process and reduces overall processing time by keeping the system in a ready state.
3Reliability
If ultrasonic wave signal is used for determining relative positions, then the following function is achieved, but the signal is directionally transmitted and the athlete must remain in front of the vehicle for maintaining the following effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the following system universal by implementing multiple detection methods (camera imaging, picture processing, and multiple signal transmission directions) that work together. This multi-functional approach allows the vehicle to follow the player regardless of the player's position relative to the vehicle, overcoming the directional limitation of single-method systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional directional ultrasonic detection to multi-dimensional spatial recognition using camera imaging and multiple signal directions. By adding the visual dimension and multiple transmission angles, the system can determine player position in any direction, not just in front of the vehicle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is controlled by electrical power on ground with greatly inconsistent heights, then the vehicle can move on varied terrain, but the movement is easily hindered by the inclination angle or the vehicle will suffer from damage due to toppling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the vehicle's movement by continuously adjusting speed and direction based on real-time position and orientation data from image processing. The vehicle can dynamically adapt to terrain changes by modifying its movement parameters, maintaining stability on inclined surfaces while preserving the ability to navigate varied terrain.
5Extent of automation
If the vehicle moves in automatic following mode, then the following function is achieved, but when the target device leaves the communication range, the vehicle is unable to follow and the athlete has to turn back for searching the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the communication status and distance between the vehicle and the player's device. When the player approaches or leaves the detection range, the system receives feedback signals and automatically adjusts its operation mode, ensuring continuous following capability and eliminating the need for the player to search for the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A following operation system includes a target device and a vehicle body. A control module of the vehicle body is connected with the target device and sends out a first signal. The control module controls the vehicle body to move in a manual or following mode according to a switch signal from the target device. In the manual mode, the user imposes an external force to move the vehicle body. In the following mode, the control module generates a movement signal according to the signal sent back by the target device, whereby vehicle body follows the target device according to the movement signal. When the target device leaves the communication range of the control module, the control module stops the vehicle body and sends out a reminder signal. Therefore, the movement method of the vehicle body is adjustable, and a reminder function is provided.