Autonomous Vehicle Obstacle Detection Sensitivity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomously traveling work vehicles face issues with obstacle detection accuracy, as the sensitivity of obstacle detection means is not effectively adjusted in cases where obstacles are not detected despite their presence, or vice versa, leading to false notifications and notification failures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an autonomously traveling work vehicle system that includes a satellite positioning system, an obstacle detection means, an alarm system, and a false notification system, where the control device adjusts the sensitivity of the obstacle detection means based on the number of false notifications or notification failures, and judges sensor breakage accordingly, to prevent continuous false alarms and ensure timely obstacle detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensitivity of the obstacle detection means is increased to detect all obstacles, then the detection coverage is improved, but false notifications increase due to detecting non-obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse notifications
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sensitivity of the obstacle detection means adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically changes the sensitivity level based on the number of false notifications received, reducing sensitivity when false notifications occur and restoring it when false notification count decreases, thereby adapting the detection system to operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the false notification means that provides information back to the control device when false detections occur. The control device uses this feedback to automatically adjust the sensitivity of the obstacle detection means, creating a closed-loop system that learns from false notifications and self-corrects the detection threshold

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the sensitivity of the obstacle detection means is decreased to reduce false notifications, then false alarms are reduced, but obstacles may be missed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse alarmsVSAvoidobstacle detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts sensitivity based on operational feedback. When false notifications decrease below a threshold, the control device automatically increases the sensitivity of the obstacle detection means, ensuring that detection capability is restored and obstacles are not missed during periods of reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The false notification means provides continuous feedback to the control device about detection accuracy. When the number of false notifications falls below a predetermined threshold, this positive feedback triggers the control device to increase sensitivity, ensuring the system maintains high detection capability when operating correctly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the obstacle detection means continuously monitors for obstacles, then safety is improved, but the alarm means may be operated continuously by false notifications

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The alarm system operates dynamically rather than continuously. The control device monitors the number of false notifications and temporarily suspends or reduces alarm operations when false notification thresholds are exceeded, preventing continuous false alarms while maintaining safety monitoring capability through sensitivity adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The false notification means provides feedback that triggers control actions to manage alarm operations. When false notifications occur, the control device uses this feedback to adjust alarm behavior and sensitivity, preventing continuous false alarms while maintaining safety through automated response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3125059B1Autonomous travel working vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 YANMAR CO LTD
  • EP3125059B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3125059B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3125059B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to adjust the sensitivity of an obstacle detection means and improve detection accuracy when an obstacle is actually present although the obstacle detection means detects no obstacle or when no obstacle is actually present although the obstacle detection means detects an obstacle, an autonomous travel working vehicle (1) is provided with a position calculation means for measuring the position of a vehicle body using a satellite positioning system, and a control device (30) for automatic travel and work along a set travel path. The autonomous travel working vehicle is provided with an obstacle sensor (41), an alarm means, and a false report switch (76), and if, although an obstacle has been detected and an alarm has been issued, an operator does not recognize the obstacle and activates the erroneous report switch (76), the control device (30) cancels the alarm.