Autonomous Robot Road Crossing With Adaptive Operator Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous robots traveling on sidewalks face challenges in safely crossing vehicle roads, as existing technologies lack efficient methods to determine whether road crossings should be automatic and autonomous or operator-based, especially in varying traffic conditions and road types.
Innovation Solution
A method using a data processing device to determine whether a mobile robot can cross a road automatically and autonomously or requires operator-based assistance, by analyzing data from sensors and maps to assess road safety and type, and sending data to an operator terminal if operator assistance is needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all road crossings are performed automatically and autonomously, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to safety concerns in dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of automation for each road crossing based on real-time assessment of traffic conditions, road type, and environmental factors. The data processing device evaluates multiple parameters and adaptively determines whether to execute autonomous crossing or request operator intervention, allowing the system to optimize between productivity and reliability on a case-by-case basis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary assessment layer between autonomous decision-making and actual crossing execution. The data processing device acts as an intermediary that evaluates crossing conditions and determines the appropriate level of human involvement, serving as a mediator that balances automated efficiency with safety requirements by selectively engaging operator control when conditions warrant
2Reliability
If operator-based control is used for all road crossings, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to constant human oversight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the mobile robot to autonomously assess crossing conditions and execute crossings when conditions are favorable. The data processing device performs self-evaluation of traffic conditions, road characteristics, and sensor data to determine when autonomous crossing is safe, eliminating the need for constant operator intervention and reducing control system complexity while maintaining reliability
3Ease of operation
If autonomous road crossing is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in detecting occluding obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment actions by evaluating multiple data sources before executing autonomous crossings. The data processing device预先 analyzes traffic patterns, road conditions, and potential occluding obstacles using sensor fusion and map data, making preliminary judgments about crossing safety that compensate for limitations in real-time obstacle detection during the actual crossing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method comprising a data processing device determining whether a mobile robot road crossing is performed automatically and autonomously by the mobile robot or operator-based. The present invention also relates to a method comprising indicating that the mobile robot will cross a road. The present invention also relates to corresponding mobile robots, systems and uses.