Autonomous Vehicle Localization Using Reflective Location Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing localization methods for autonomous vehicles, such as GPS, are limited by signal interference and loss of satellite signal, making it difficult to determine a vehicle's location and pathway in environments like underpasses or indoor facilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of a memory sub-system with location circuitry that sends signals to multiple sensors, such as reflective mirrors, to determine a vehicle's location along a pathway, allowing for adjustments in direction and navigation even without GPS data, utilizing signals like laser reflections for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for vehicle localization, then global positioning capability is provided, but signal interference and loss occur in environments like underpasses or indoor facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location indicators as intermediary objects that mediate between the vehicle and the localization system. These indicators are placed at known locations along the pathway and serve as reference points for determining vehicle position, replacing direct GPS satellite signal dependency with a local reference system that is not affected by satellite signal interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the localization system into multiple independent location indicators distributed along the pathway. Each indicator independently provides positioning information, and the vehicle determines its location by detecting signals from multiple indicators. This segmentation allows the system to function without relying on a single centralized GPS signal source
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and location indicators are deployed for precise positioning, then localization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple signal transmission and reflection mechanisms to create virtual copies of position information. Location indicators transmit signals that are reflected back to the vehicle, creating a simplified measurement system that determines distance and position through time-of-flight calculations rather than complex sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses its own sensors to both transmit signals to and receive reflections from location indicators. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external sensing infrastructure, as the vehicle's existing sensors perform dual functions for signal transmission and reception
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
Enables accurate and reliable vehicle localization and pathway determination in environments where GPS is unreliable, ensuring efficient navigation and adaptability to changes in the vehicle's path.
Implementation Method 1
determining a distance to the plurality of location indicators based on a reflected signal back from the plurality of location indicators
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include sending, via a processing device, a signal to at least two of a plurality of location indicators from an autonomous vehicle in motion and transporting equipment or passengers. The method can further include receiving signals from the at least two location indicators. The method can further include determining a location of the autonomous vehicle within an indoor facility based on the received signals. The method can further include comparing the determined location to a corresponding pre-determined location. The method can further include, in response to the determined location being different than the pre-determined location, adjusting a direction of the autonomous vehicle along a predetermined path within the indoor facility.