Modular 360° Sensor Fusion Navigation for Infrastructure-Free Autonomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous systems, such as drones and vehicles, rely on external data sources for navigation and control, which can lead to failure if wireless communication is interrupted or unavailable, limiting their operation to areas with established infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A control and navigation device equipped with a 360-degree LiDAR sensor, fisheye camera, radar sensor, and AI-based software application, capable of processing sensor data to generate control signals for autonomous navigation, and featuring a detachable assembly component for flexible integration with various autonomous systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If autonomous systems use external data sources for navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when external connections are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (LiDAR, cameras, radar, IMU, GPS) into an integrated sensor suite that works together to provide navigation capabilities. This fusion of sensors allows the system to maintain accurate navigation even when external data sources are unavailable, as the combined sensor data can be processed locally to determine position and navigate without continuous external connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous system is equipped with onboard sensors and processing capabilities that allow it to independently acquire and process navigation data without relying on external infrastructure. The system can perform self-localization, environment mapping, and path planning using its own sensor suite, making it self-sufficient in areas without wireless communication or external data sources.
2Loss of information
If autonomous systems rely on wireless communication infrastructure, then information availability is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing sensor data and maintaining local copies of environment maps and navigation data. The onboard computer is pre-equipped with the capability to process sensor inputs and generate navigation decisions independently, allowing the system to operate in remote areas without requiring real-time wireless communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous system is designed with universal capabilities to operate in diverse environments, both with and without wireless communication infrastructure. The sensor suite and onboard processing system can function in multiple modes: connected mode for enhanced information availability and disconnected mode for independent operation in remote areas, making the system adaptable to various operational conditions.
3Extent of automation
If sensor and computing units are integrated into existing vehicles, then autonomy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous system is divided into modular components: sensor modules (LiDAR, cameras, radar, IMU, GPS), onboard processing unit, and control system. This segmentation allows the components to be independently developed, tested, and integrated into existing vehicles. The modular architecture reduces overall system complexity by allowing each component to be optimized separately and facilitates easier maintenance and upgrades.
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 navigate and operate independently of external data sources, even in areas without wireless communication, by creating a unified 3D environment map from diverse sensor data and generating effective control signals for navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a LiDAR sensor device (11) that is configured for 360-degree acquisition
Implementation Method 2
a radar sensor device (13) that is configured for 360-degree acquisition
Data Source
AI summary
A control and navigation device for an autonomously moving system, which includes: a sensor device, configured to acquire sensor data, and a LiDAR sensor installation, which is configured for 360-degree acquisition; a fisheye camera installation, configured for 360-degree acquisition; and a radar sensor installation, configured for 360-degree acquisition; a data processing installation with an AI-based software application, configured to determine control signals for purposes of navigating an autonomously moving system; and a data communication interface, connected to the data processing installation, and is configured to provide the control signals. The sensor device, the data processing installation, and the data communication interface are arranged at an assembly component to assemble, in a detachable manner, the sensor device, the data processing installation, and the data communication interface together as a common module. Furthermore, an autonomously moving system is provided.