Multi-Sensor Safe Path System For Autonomous Vehicles
First Claim
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1. A system for guiding an autonomous vehicle, the system comprising:
- an autonomous vehicle configured to travel along a path intersecting an area;
a camera oriented toward the path;
an image processing server configured to receive and process image data acquired by the camera to determine a position of an object in the area;
a path control server configured to receive processed data from the image processing server and configured to generate vehicle guidance information when the path control server determines at least one of the following;
(a) that the object is in close proximity to the autonomous vehicle, and (b) that the object is in an obstructing position along the path of the autonomous vehicle; and
a vehicle management system configured to receive the vehicle guidance information and to transmit corresponding control signals to the autonomous vehicle,wherein the autonomous vehicle is configured to alter a current movement in response to receipt of the control signals.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for guiding autonomous vehicles by monitoring the entire planned path and sending alert messages to a vehicle management system for delays, reroute, or emergency stop to avoid collision with an obstruction. The system initiates alternative paths when the primary path is blocked and is capable of reporting a vehicle identifier and the current positions of the vehicle and any obstruction along the planned path of the autonomous vehicle.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for guiding an autonomous vehicle, the system comprising:
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an autonomous vehicle configured to travel along a path intersecting an area; a camera oriented toward the path; an image processing server configured to receive and process image data acquired by the camera to determine a position of an object in the area; a path control server configured to receive processed data from the image processing server and configured to generate vehicle guidance information when the path control server determines at least one of the following;
(a) that the object is in close proximity to the autonomous vehicle, and (b) that the object is in an obstructing position along the path of the autonomous vehicle; anda vehicle management system configured to receive the vehicle guidance information and to transmit corresponding control signals to the autonomous vehicle, wherein the autonomous vehicle is configured to alter a current movement in response to receipt of the control signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for guiding an autonomous vehicle in an area, the area including a path and a camera oriented toward the path, the autonomous vehicle configured to travel along the path, the method comprising:
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acquiring image data using the camera; processing the image data to determine a position of an object in the area; determining at least one of the following;
(a) that the object is in close proximity to the autonomous vehicle and (b) that the object is in an obstructing position along the path of the autonomous vehicle;generating data representing vehicle guidance information; converting the vehicle guidance information into corresponding control signals; transmitting the control signals to the autonomous vehicle; and altering a current movement of the autonomous vehicle in response to receipt of the control signals. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for guiding an autonomous vehicle in an area, the area including a path and a camera oriented toward the path, the autonomous vehicle configured to travel along the path, the method comprising:
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acquiring image data using the camera; processing the image data to determine a position of an object in the area; determining that the object is at least one of the following;
(a) in close proximity to the autonomous vehicle and (b) in an obstructing position along the path of the autonomous vehicle;generating data representing vehicle guidance information; transmitting control signals, which are a function of the vehicle guidance information and configured to control movement of the autonomous vehicle, to the autonomous vehicle; and altering a current movement of the autonomous vehicle in response to receipt of the control signals. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification