Autonomous Vehicle Charging Alignment Using Multi-Stage Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated marshaling systems for vehicles require human intervention for charging, despite the use of automated charging stations, and there is a need for efficient and precise localization and navigation of vehicles to charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for autonomously maneuvering a vehicle to a charging station using a central server, positioning sensors, and updated location data, combined with deep learning models and vehicle alignment with wheel chocks, to achieve precise alignment for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated charging stations are used, then charging automation is improved, but human intervention is still required which limits marshaling distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to autonomously navigate to the charging station and automatically align for charging without human intervention. The vehicle's onboard sensors and processors work with the charging station's localization system to achieve self-service marshaling and charging, eliminating the need for human operators to guide vehicles to charging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical guidance with an automated system combining onboard sensors (cameras, LIDAR, GPS), wireless communication, and automated control systems. This substitution of mechanical human guidance with electronic and software-based systems enables fully autonomous vehicle marshaling to charging stations.
2Measurement precision
If human intervention is required to guide vehicles to charging stations, then alignment precision can be maintained, but marshaling distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication and automated localization systems as intermediaries between the vehicle and charging station. These intermediaries transmit positioning data and control signals, enabling precise alignment over extended distances without requiring human operators to physically guide the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the marshaling process into distinct phases: long-distance navigation using GPS and map data, mid-range positioning using wireless communication tags, and final alignment using onboard sensors and visual recognition. This segmentation allows each phase to operate independently, extending the overall marshaling distance while maintaining precision at each stage.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are integrated for localization, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (cameras, LIDAR, GPS, ultrasonic sensors, RFID tags) into an integrated localization system. By merging these sensors and their processing functions into a unified system managed by a central processor, the patent achieves high positioning accuracy while managing complexity through systematic integration rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: navigation, obstacle detection, charging station identification, and precise alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, managing complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy through versatile sensor utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of marshaling an autonomously operated vehicle including the maneuvering of a vehicle toward a position and orientation associated with a charging station, the receipt of location data associated with a first position of the vehicle, and the initiation of an approach to engage the charging station based on updated location data associated with a second position of the vehicle.