Autonomous Vehicle Beam Alignment for Precise Grid Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately aligning themselves with their environment, especially in environments lacking reference objects, which affects their precision in tasks like surface marking and positioning.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using first and second signal beam emitters on the vehicle to align with predefined alignment targets, emitting signal beams that are monitored for reflection, allowing for automatic or manual adjustment of the vehicle's position and orientation to achieve precise alignment, reducing the need for complex equipment like total stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional global positioning systems are used to monitor vehicle position, then the vehicle can determine its location relative to beacons, but the vehicle cannot accurately align with the environment itself in environments lacking reference objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment targets as intermediary reference objects placed in the environment. These targets serve as mediators between the vehicle's positioning system and the physical environment, enabling the vehicle to accurately align with environmental features like walls and floors even in environments that originally lacked such reference points
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment targets are pre-positioned in the environment before the vehicle arrives. This preliminary setup creates a ready-made reference framework that the vehicle can immediately use for alignment, eliminating the need for the vehicle to search for or create reference points upon arrival
2Measurement precision
If complex equipment like total stations is used to achieve accurate alignment, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical surveying equipment like total stations with a simpler optical alignment system. The vehicle uses cameras and signal beam emitters to align with alignment targets, substituting mechanical measurement instruments with optical-field-based alignment that is easier to operate and requires less specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment targets create a simplified optical copy or representation of the environmental geometry. Instead of using complex mechanical instruments to directly measure physical dimensions, the system uses visual alignment with targets that represent key environmental features, making the alignment process simpler and more accessible
3Measurement precision
If manual alignment procedures are used, then the vehicle can be positioned at predetermined points, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs alignment operations autonomously using its own onboard cameras and signal beam emitters. The system captures images of alignment targets, processes the visual data, and automatically adjusts its position and orientation without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex external equipment operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from camera images and signal beam alignment detection to automatically adjust the vehicle's positioning. The vehicle monitors its alignment status in real-time and makes corrective adjustments based on the detected deviation from target alignment, enabling rapid and accurate self-alignment
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 method enables accurate alignment of autonomous vehicles with an accuracy of ±0.0023° for a 50 m path length, improving positioning precision and simplifying processes across multiple floors without requiring realignment of global positioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a signal beam towards a target and monitoring a return signal from the target
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method comprises, for an autonomous vehicle: coarsely positioning a first signal beam emitter located on the vehicle in line with a first alignment target and coarsely positioning a second signal beam emitter located on the vehicle in line with a second alignment target, wherein the first and second alignment targets are each aligned with a predefined grid. The method may include emitting a first signal beam from the first signal beam emitter towards the first alignment target and emitting a second signal beam from the second signal beam emitter towards the second alignment target. The method may further include monitoring a first return signal beam from the first alignment target and adjusting at least one of a position and an orientation of the vehicle based at least in part on the first return signal beam and determining that alignment is complete based at least in part on the first return signal beam.