Remote Vehicle Actuation from Trajectory and Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle control systems lack the ability to seamlessly combine autonomous vehicle control with remote operation, limiting their efficiency and safety in navigating environments and preventing collisions.

Innovation Solution

A remote station system that includes a transmitter to receive sensor data from vehicles, a display to show the data and vehicle trajectory, and remote actuation controls to generate driving actions, allowing for the integration of autonomous and remote vehicle control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If purely autonomous vehicle trajectory generation is used, then the vehicle can operate without human intervention, but it lacks the benefits of user-controlled operation such as manual and remote control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous control capabilityVSAvoiduser control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between autonomous control mode and remote control mode based on operational needs. The vehicle control system can transition from fully autonomous trajectory generation to remote operator control, allowing the control architecture to be flexible and adaptive rather than fixed in one mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle control system is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both autonomous operation and remote control operation. The same vehicle platform can operate in purely autonomous mode when conditions permit, or switch to remote control mode when human judgment or intervention is beneficial, making the system universally applicable to various operational scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If purely manual or remote vehicle control is used, then user control flexibility is maintained, but the benefits of autonomous vehicle control are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control flexibilityVSAvoidautonomous control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the level of automation based on situational requirements. When complex decisions or edge cases are encountered, the system can transition from autonomous control to remote control, allowing human operators to provide judgment and flexibility when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote control is implemented, then user control flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional communication and control infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a remote station as an intermediary between the operator and the vehicle. This intermediary handles the complexity of communication protocols, data transmission, and control signal routing, isolating the vehicle's control architecture from the complexity of remote communication infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where sensor data from the vehicle is transmitted to the remote station, operator commands are sent back to the vehicle, and the results are monitored. This feedback mechanism manages system complexity by creating structured communication channels and validation protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 safe and efficient vehicle navigation by combining the benefits of autonomous and remote control, enhancing collision prevention and operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

A LIDAR sensor is configured to emit light, which strikes material (e.g., objects) within the vicinity of the LiDAR sensor. Once the light contacts the material, the light is deflected. Some of the deflected light bounces back to the LiDAR sensor.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The LiDAR sensor is configured to measure data pertaining to the light bounced back (e.g., the distance traveled by the light, the length of time it took for the light to travel from and to the LiDAR sensors, the intensity of the light returning to the LiDAR sensor, etc.).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight time of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20250044789A1Systems and methods for generating vehicle actuator commands based on vehicle trajectories

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 KODIAK ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

Systems, including remote station systems, and methods for remotely controlling a vehicle are provided. The remote station system may comprise a transmitter configured to receive one or more data points generated by one or more sensors coupled to a vehicle and, from the vehicle, a trajectory of the vehicle. The remote station system may comprise a display configured to display the one or more data points generated by the one or more sensors and display the trajectory of the vehicle. The remote station system may comprise one or more remote actuation controls configured generate one or more driving actions. The one or more driving actions may correlate to one or more actuator commands configured to cause the vehicle to perform the one or more driving actions. The transmitter may be configured to transmit the one or more driving actions to the vehicle.