Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Segmentation for Route and Stability Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face challenges in ensuring safe operation and adaptability due to limitations in sensor configurations, control strategies, and redundancy, particularly in handling varying terrain, passenger safety, and dynamic object detection.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle is equipped with a plurality of sensors and processing circuitry that calibrate and adapt based on inputs from various sources, including radar, ultrasonic, and Light Detection and Ranging Sensors, to adjust routes, maintain stability, and respond to dynamic objects, while also managing power systems and manual/automatic mode transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sensors are positioned at various locations on the frame, then the vehicle's ability to detect and respond to dynamic objects is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe operationVSAvoidsensor configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensor units positioned at different locations on the frame (front, rear, sides, top). Each sensor independently monitors its specific zone, and the processing circuitry integrates data from all segments to achieve comprehensive environmental awareness and reliable object detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing circuitry serves multiple functions: it processes data from all sensor types (radar, ultrasonic, LIDAR), performs calibration, detects dynamic objects, determines vehicle behavior, and controls autonomous operation. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single versatile processing unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the processing circuitry calibrates sensors based on test pieces in the vehicle path, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time occurs during calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibrationVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs sensor calibration using test pieces that are placed in the vehicle's path during normal operation or setup. The processing circuitry automatically detects these test pieces and adjusts sensor parameters accordingly, ensuring precise measurements are ready before actual autonomous operation begins, eliminating the need for separate calibration sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processing circuitry automatically performs calibration operations without external intervention. When test pieces are detected in the vehicle path, the system self-adjusts sensor parameters based on the test piece data, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle adapts behavior based on sensor output and multiple inputs, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebehavior adaptationVSAvoidcontrol strategies
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuitry is designed as a universal control unit that receives and processes multiple types of inputs (sensor data, terrain information, vehicle state parameters) and generates appropriate behavioral adaptations. This single multi-functional unit replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems, managing complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle behavior is dynamically adjusted based on real-time sensor output and environmental conditions. The processing circuitry continuously modifies control parameters such as speed, steering angle, and acceleration to adapt to changing conditions, enabling versatile behavior through dynamic parameter adjustment rather than fixed control strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the processing circuitry determines route changes based on multiple inputs including terrain and vehicle conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time in processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute adaptationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuitry continuously monitors all input parameters (sensor data, terrain characteristics, vehicle conditions) and maintains an updated planned route without interruption. Rather than periodically recalculating the route, the system continuously processes inputs and makes incremental adjustments, ensuring adaptability while minimizing processing delays through uninterrupted operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-processes and stores terrain data and vehicle condition parameters before route planning is needed. When route determination is required, the processing circuitry retrieves pre-prepared data and performs rapid calculations based on current sensor input, reducing real-time processing time while maintaining comprehensive route adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration enhances the vehicle's ability to safely navigate diverse environments, maintain stability, and adapt to changing conditions, ensuring both passenger safety and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of sensors includes at least one of a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a Light Detection and Ranging Sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of sensors includes at least one of a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a Light Detection and Ranging Sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The plurality of sensors includes at least one of a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a Light Detection and Ranging Sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentUS20230305155A1Autonomous-ready systems for vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.09.28 WAEV INC
  • US20230305155A1 patent drawing
  • US20230305155A1 patent drawing
  • US20230305155A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to autonomous and autonomous-ready vehicles. In an embodiment, a vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members which support a frame. The frame of the vehicle supports a plurality of sensors which include a first set of sensors on a top of the frame, a second set of sensors at a front of the frame, a third set of sensors at a rear of the frame, and a fourth set of sensors at a side of the frame. The vehicle further comprises processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors.