Roadside Active Signaling for Autonomous Navigation in Poor Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicle navigation systems are inefficient and prone to failure in severe weather and luminous conditions, requiring frequent updates and re-mapping due to constant changes in road networks, and are costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active sensor devices on autonomous vehicles that can detect and process road information from passive signage and traffic cones, transmitting discovery signals and receiving information in real-time to formulate safe navigation paths, using a hub that communicates with the autonomous control system and 3D map navigation database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera (optical) and LiDAR systems are used for roadway detection, then navigation capability is provided, but the systems fail under severe weather conditions and certain luminous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function across multiple sensor types (camera, LiDAR, and additional sensors) strategically placed on the vehicle, allowing each sensor to contribute to overall navigation reliability while compensating for individual weaknesses in specific weather or luminous conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system is designed to perform multiple detection functions using different sensor modalities, enabling the system to adapt to various weather conditions and luminous environments by switching or combining sensor inputs based on environmental suitability
2Loss of information
If pre-mapped road networks are used for navigation, then roadway information is provided, but frequent changes in road networks require continual re-mapping which is inefficient and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and recording of roadway features using multiple sensors before navigation decisions are required, allowing the vehicle to have advance knowledge of road conditions, signs, and changes without requiring system-wide re-mapping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares detected roadway features against stored map data, providing feedback that identifies changes in real-time and allows for selective updates rather than complete re-mapping, reducing both time and resource requirements while maintaining information accuracy
3Loss of information
If detailed pre-mapped navigation systems are implemented, then road network information is obtained, but the cost of implementation and continual updates is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sensor inputs (camera, LiDAR, and other sensors) to collectively provide comprehensive roadway information detection, reducing the need for expensive proprietary systems while maintaining complete navigation information through the combined capabilities of more affordable sensor components
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the guidance of autonomous vehicles and in particular, relates to guiding an autonomous vehicle along a roadway by means of active devices with a system which works during normal and inclement weather as well as under any luminous conditions. These active devices are embedded in the passive and/or active road details such as traffic signs traffic lights, warning lights etc. These active devices provide data relating to road conditions, speed, road layout etc. as well as other information such as availability of parking spaces. Accordingly, through networks of sensors and devices the autonomous vehicle can obtain road details in real-time in any weather, illumination, visibility etc.