Autonomous Mobile Navigation Using Radio Waves and Acoustic Obstacle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous moving apparatuses face challenges in navigating to a target object while avoiding obstacles, particularly when line-of-sight is blocked or when obstacles create complex environments, without relying on imaging devices like cameras, LiDAR, or radar.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus uses an array of antennas to receive and analyze radio waves, employing techniques such as digital pheromones and echolocation to estimate the target's direction and avoid obstacles by detecting radio wave intensity and acoustic reflections, utilizing a control unit to adjust movement paths based on reliability indices and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging devices like cameras, LiDAR, or radar are used for navigation and obstacle detection, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imaging devices (cameras, LiDAR, radar) with acoustic wave-based detection systems. The autonomous moving apparatus uses acoustic waves to detect obstacles and estimate distances, substituting expensive optical and electromagnetic sensing systems with acoustic sensing that achieves comparable measurement precision without the high manufacturing cost associated with imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective acoustic sensors and radio wave receiving units instead of expensive imaging devices. By using multiple inexpensive antenna elements and acoustic wave receivers, the system achieves reliable obstacle detection and navigation functionality without requiring costly long-lived imaging components, effectively using cheaper sensing elements that can be replaced or updated more easily.
2Reliability
If imaging devices like cameras, LiDAR, or radar are used for navigation and obstacle detection, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a unified acoustic wave-based system. The same acoustic wave receivers used for obstacle detection also provide distance estimation and environmental mapping capabilities. By combining these functions into a single integrated acoustic sensing system rather than using separate imaging devices for each function, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable obstacle detection and navigation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic wave detection system performs multiple functions simultaneously: obstacle detection, distance estimation, and environmental perception. The radio wave receiving units also serve dual purposes for communication and sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high reliability across all navigation and detection tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex sensing systems are used to handle blocked line-of-sight and complex environments, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic movement and sensing strategies where the autonomous apparatus actively moves to change its position relative to obstacles and the target. The system dynamically adjusts its acoustic wave emission patterns and radio wave receiving directions based on real-time environmental feedback. This dynamic approach allows the apparatus to adapt to blocked line-of-sight and complex environments by maneuvering around obstacles rather than relying on complex static sensing systems, thereby improving environmental adaptability while keeping device complexity manageable.
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 efficient navigation to a target object while avoiding obstacles, reducing manufacturing costs by dispensing with expensive sensors and allowing for adaptability in new environments without pre-mapping, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving unit 110 that receives a radio wave signal from the target object 200
Implementation Method 2
an information acquiring unit 150 that receives an acoustic wave signal reflected by an obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
A movement improvement method for an autonomous moving apparatus that autonomously moves based on a received signal and an autonomous movement algorithm, the method comprising: acquiring data of a signal received by the autonomous moving apparatus and an image captured by a camera mounted on the autonomous moving apparatus; identifying the data of the signal and the image in a predetermined movement state of the autonomous moving apparatus; and changing the autonomous movement algorithm of the autonomous moving apparatus, based on the identified data of the signal and the image.