Driving Direction Marker Imaging for Floor Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous driving technologies face challenges with high costs due to expensive LIDAR sensors, risk of overturning with near-infrared distance sensors, noise-related malfunctions with 3D cameras, and position tracking errors with map-based methods, which hinder the widespread adoption and safety of autonomous driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A driving apparatus and control method that uses a marker output unit to irradiate visible lasers or lights on the floor, an image acquisition unit to capture marker images, and a determination unit to assess risk factors such as obstacles and height differences, allowing the control unit to adjust the driving path to prevent collisions and overturns by comparing reference images with acquired images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR sensors are used for obstacle detection, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive LIDAR sensors with a combination of inexpensive components: a marker emission unit (visible laser or light), an image acquisition unit (camera), and processing unit. This substitution uses low-cost, readily available components to achieve the same obstacle detection function, directly resolving the contradiction between detection precision and manufacturing cost.
2Measurement precision
If near-infrared distance sensors are used for obstacle detection, then detection capability is improved, but response time increases causing overturning risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the near-infrared distance sensor with an optical imaging system (camera capturing marker images). The image acquisition and processing occurs in real-time as the marker is continuously illuminated and captured, providing immediate obstacle detection without the response delays characteristic of distance sensors, thus eliminating the overturning risk while maintaining detection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 3D cameras are used for floor detection, then detection function is added, but system reliability decreases due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marker (artificial visual target) as an intermediary between the camera and the floor surface. This marker provides high-contrast, easily distinguishable features that eliminate the noise problems encountered with 3D camera-based floor detection. The marker's distinct appearance against the floor background enables reliable detection without the malfunction issues associated with noise in limited-area 3D imaging.
4Ease of operation
If map-based prohibited area methods are used for navigation, then path planning is improved, but position accuracy decreases due to tracking errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously capturing marker images and comparing them with reference images to detect obstacles and floor conditions. This active feedback mechanism provides immediate positional correction information, eliminating the cumulative tracking errors inherent in map-based methods. The system constantly updates its understanding of the environment through marker image analysis, ensuring accurate position maintenance without relying on pre-defined maps.
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 approach enables effective detection of floor environment hazards like open gratings or stairs, ensures operator safety by clearly indicating the driving direction, and prevents accidents by controlling the driving speed or stopping the vehicle when risk factors are detected.
Implementation Method 1
a marker output unit configured to irradiate a marker in a predetermined driving direction of the main body
Implementation Method 2
the marker output unit irradiates a visible laser or a light
Implementation Method 3
an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a marker image by imaging the marker which is irradiated
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive concept provides a driving apparatus. The driving apparatus includes a main body; a driving unit configured to provide a driving force so the main body may drive; a marker output unit configured to irradiate a marker in a predetermined driving direction of the main body; an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a marker image by imaging the marker which is irradiated; and a determination unit for determining whether a risk factor of the predetermined driving direction exists from the marker image which is acquired from the image acquisition unit.