Virtual Path Navigation for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line-following autonomous vehicles require cumbersome and expensive physical modifications to change their mission paths, as they rely on physical lines and tags for navigation, which limits flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A navigation control system that uses a 360° laser scanner and a path following module to generate virtual paths and tags, allowing for flexible reprogramming of robot routes and speed profiles without physical modifications, enabling dynamic path changes and advanced control strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical lines and tags are used for navigation, then the vehicle can follow predetermined paths reliably, but modifying mission paths becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical lines and tags with virtual copies represented as coordinate data and graphical user interface elements. The path is defined by a series of coordinates stored in memory, and tags are represented as virtual objects in software rather than physical stickers or markers, allowing easy modification without physical changes to the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of physical lines and tags with an optical/electronic system using a laser scanner and software-based path definition. The laser scanner detects environmental features and the controller uses this data to establish virtual paths, replacing the need for physical guidance infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If physical lines are used for path guidance, then the navigation system is simple and robust, but reconfiguration requires physically moving lines which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path reconfiguration where the path coordinates and tag positions can be modified in real-time through software without physical intervention. The system transitions from static physical lines to dynamic virtual paths that can be adjusted instantly by updating coordinate data in memory.
Solution Approach 2:
By using virtual copies of paths and tags represented as coordinate data, the system eliminates the time-consuming physical movement of lines while maintaining the functional equivalence of path guidance, allowing instant reconfiguration through software updates.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional line-following sensors are used, then the system is economical and rugged, but it lacks advanced navigation capabilities and speed control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser scanner serve multiple functions: it acts as both a safety device for obstacle detection and a navigation sensor for path following. The same sensor data is used for both collision avoidance and determining position relative to the virtual path, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the safety detection function and navigation guidance function into a single integrated system using the laser scanner. The controller processes laser data for both obstacle detection and path following, merging previously separate functions into one unified navigation system.
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 easy reconfiguration and dynamic path adjustments for autonomous vehicles, eliminating the need for physical line modifications and tags, enhancing flexibility and reducing costs while allowing for real-time speed control and advanced navigation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may comprise ranging sensors, like for example radars, laser rangefinders
Implementation Method 2
The present document will refer mainly to laser scanner
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displacing a mobile robot on a virtual path within a workspace, comprising the generation of a synthetic offset, indicative of a lateral displacement between the instantaneous position of the mobile robot and the virtual path. The method may also include the generation of virtual tags and may be used in the retrofit or upgrade of autonomous vehicles of the line-following type.