LiDAR Trailer Orientation Detection for Autonomous Port Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles in shipping ports face challenges in detecting and maintaining awareness of trailer position and orientation, which is crucial for preventing collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects, as human visibility and feedback are limited.
Innovation Solution
A trailer detection system using LiDAR scanning devices mounted on autonomous vehicles to collect data points and process them in real-time, defining planes associated with the trailer and its orientation, and adjusting vehicle maneuvers to avoid collisions based on this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LiDAR scanning devices are used to detect trailer position and orientation in real-time, then measurement precision and collision prevention capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple LiDAR scanning devices positioned at different locations on the autonomous vehicle, each responsible for scanning specific zones. This segmentation allows comprehensive trailer detection while distributing system complexity across multiple specialized components rather than requiring a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing system as an intermediary that receives raw scanning data from multiple LiDAR devices, processes the point cloud data to define planes and calculate orientations, and outputs interpreted position and orientation information. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by separating data collection from data interpretation.
2Reliability
If multiple LiDAR scanning devices are deployed to scan different zones, then detection coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LiDAR scanning devices scan different zones (front, rear, side zones) and their data is merged into a unified point cloud representation of the trailer. This combining approach ensures comprehensive coverage and high reliability while using standardized LiDAR components rather than a single complex multi-functional device.
Solution Approach 2:
Each LiDAR scanning device performs multiple functions: it scans its designated zone, contributes to defining trailer planes, determines trailer orientation, and enables collision prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each detection task.
3Speed
If real-time processing of scanning data is performed to define planes and determine orientation, then responsiveness and collision avoidance capability are improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously scanning and maintaining an updated point cloud representation of the trailer before collision scenarios occur. This allows the processing system to pre-calculate plane definitions and orientations, enabling rapid response when collision risks are detected without intensive real-time computation during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system focuses computational resources on processing only the relevant portions of scanning data that contribute to trailer detection and orientation determination, rather than processing all possible environmental data. This partial action approach reduces computational load while maintaining detection accuracy.
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
Enables precise real-time detection and prevention of collisions by accurately determining the trailer's position and orientation, enhancing safety in shipping port environments by automating the avoidance of obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, from a first scanning device, data comprising a plurality of points characterizing a trailer of an autonomous vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer program product are described herein for detecting location aspects of an autonomous vehicle to avoid collisions. Data including a plurality of points characterizing a trailer of an autonomous vehicle are received from a first scanning device. A first plane associated with the trailer is defined based on the plurality of points exceeding a first predetermined threshold. It is determined whether the first plane is perpendicular to ground. Based on the first plane being perpendicular to the ground, an orientation of the trailer is determined based on the first plane. Maneuvering of the autonomous vehicle is controlled through one or more commands based on the orientation.