Modular AI Sensor Fusion Navigation for Offline Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous systems, such as unmanned aircraft and vehicles, face challenges in maintaining functionality when wireless communication connections are interrupted, limiting their ability to operate in areas without infrastructure, especially in difficult-to-access regions where external data sources are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A control and navigation device equipped with a LiDAR sensor, fisheye camera, radar sensor, and AI-based software application for data processing, allowing for independent navigation and control without reliance on external computing units, integrated into a detachable module that can be retrofitted onto various systems, enabling flexible assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If autonomous systems rely on external information sources such as cloud, IT infrastructure, or data from other aircraft or vehicles, then the system can access comprehensive data for navigation and control, but the system becomes unable to fulfill its task if the connection to data sources is interrupted or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The control and navigation device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate using external data sources when available (cloud, IT infrastructure) and switch to independent autonomous operation when external connections are unavailable. This multi-functionality ensures the system adapts to different operational environments and maintains reliability across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates onboard sensors (LiDAR, cameras, radar) and computing units that enable it to gather and process its own navigation data independently. This self-service capability allows the autonomous system to function without continuous external support, ensuring operation continuity when external connections are interrupted.
2Extent of automation
If sensor technology and computing units are pre-installed in autonomous systems, then the system achieves inherent autonomy, but the system becomes complex and difficult to retrofit or upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The control and navigation device is designed as a modular, detachable unit that can be independently installed or removed from the autonomous system. This segmentation allows the complex autonomous navigation functionality to be added as a separate module rather than requiring integration throughout the entire system, simplifying retrofitting and upgrading processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control and navigation device combines multiple sensors (LiDAR, cameras, radar) and computing units into a single integrated module. This merging consolidates the complex components into one unified unit that can be easily installed as a complete assembly, reducing the complexity of installation and maintenance while maintaining full autonomous functionality.
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 autonomous systems to generate and execute flight or movement plans independently, using data fusion to create accurate 3D environmental maps, ensuring operation even in areas without wireless connectivity, and is suitable for various types of autonomously moving systems.
Implementation Method 1
a LiDAR sensor device configured for 360-degree detection
Implementation Method 2
a radar sensor device configured for 360-degree detection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The application relates to a control and navigation device (1) for an autonomously moving system, comprising: a sensor device configured to acquire sensor data, and for this purpose a LiDAR sensor device (11) configured for 360-degree sensing; a fisheye camera device (12a, 12b) configured for 360-degree sensing; and a radar sensor device (13a, 13b) configured for 360-degree sensing; a data processing device with an AI-based software application configured to determine control signals for navigating an autonomously moving system by processing the sensor data; and a data communication interface connected to the data processing device and configured to provide the control signals for transmission to a control device of the autonomously moving system.The sensor device, the data processing unit, and the data communication interface are arranged on a mounting component (2) which is designed to detachably mount the sensor device, the data processing unit, and the data communication interface together as a single assembly on the autonomously moving system. Furthermore, an autonomously moving system is created.