Mobile Robot Road Crossing With Dynamic Collision Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mobile robots to cross roads autonomously are limited, especially in the presence of dynamic objects, as they often require perfect knowledge of vehicle trajectories and are not effective for unsignalized or high-speed road crossings, leading to safety and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A road crossing method for mobile robots that involves a data processing unit estimating the location and time of collision with dynamic objects and generating control commands to avoid collisions, using object detection and trajectory prediction, allowing the robot to autonomously navigate across roads with improved safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motion planning algorithms are used to calculate safe paths avoiding static objects, then collision avoidance with static objects is improved, but the system cannot handle moving objects that may intersect the planned path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidance with static objectsVSAvoidhandling of moving objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static motion planning to dynamic motion planning by continuously updating the configuration space based on real-time sensor data. The motion planning algorithm recalculates paths dynamically as moving objects are detected, allowing the robot to adapt its trajectory to avoid collisions with both static and dynamic obstacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data from cameras and other detectors is processed to identify moving objects, update the configuration space, and recalibrate the motion plan. This closed-loop control ensures the robot responds to changing environmental conditions in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the robot waits for moving obstacles to pass to avoid collision, then safety is improved, but the time required to reach the destination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during road crossingVSAvoidtime to reach destination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and prediction of moving object trajectories before the robot reaches potential collision zones. By anticipating the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, the robot can plan alternative paths or timing in advance, reducing the need to wait and minimizing time loss while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The motion planning system dynamically adjusts the robot's speed and trajectory based on real-time predictions of moving object behavior. Rather than static waiting, the system continuously optimizes the path and timing to safely navigate around moving obstacles, balancing safety with efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If perfect knowledge of vehicle trajectories is required for safe road crossing, then collision avoidance with vehicles is improved, but the system becomes ineffective for unsignalized or high-speed road crossings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidance with vehiclesVSAvoideffectiveness in unsignalized or high-speed crossings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring perfect knowledge of all vehicle trajectories, the system uses partial information from sensors to detect potential conflicts and takes excessive caution by planning conservative paths that account for uncertainty in vehicle behavior. This allows safe operation in unsignalized and high-speed environments where complete trajectory information is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts its motion planning parameters based on the detected environment characteristics. For unsignalized or high-speed crossings, it adjusts speed limits, detection ranges, and safety margins to operate effectively with limited information, transforming the planning approach to match environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to build a computer vision picture of surroundings, then navigation and mapping accuracy is improved, but the complexity of processing sensor data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputer vision picture accuracyVSAvoidsensor data processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor data processing system is segmented into specialized modules, each handling specific tasks such as object detection, trajectory prediction, and configuration space generation. This modular approach reduces overall complexity by dividing the complex processing burden into manageable, independent components that can be optimized separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multi-functional sensors and processing algorithms that serve multiple purposes. For example, the same sensor data used for navigation can also be used for mapping and obstacle detection, reducing redundant processing and overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12164301B2Methods, devices and systems for facilitating operations of mobile robots
Publication Date: 2024.12.10 STARSHIP TECH OU
  • US12164301B2 patent drawing
  • US12164301B2 patent drawing
  • US12164301B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a road crossing method for a mobile robot. The road crossing method comprises the mobile robot approaching a road crossing. Further, the road crossing method comprises estimating, with a data processing unit, a location and time of collision with at least one dynamic object on the road crossing. Further still, the road crossing method comprises generating, with the data processing unit, control commands for the mobile robot to avoid collision with the at least one dynamic object based on the estimated location and time of collision with the at least one dynamic object. In addition, the present invention relates to a mobile robot comprising the data processing unit and configured to carry out the road crossing method. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a positioning method for a wheeled mobile robot positioned on a sloped terrain, comprising the mobile robot performing at least one maneuver for minimizing a magnitude of an acceleration vector of the mobile robot due to the gravity force acting on the mobile robot. In addition, the present invention relates to a mobile robot configured to carry out the positioning method.