Method for collision avoidance with the assistance of a steering angle field for an autonomous mobile unit
First Claim
1. Method for collision avoidance for an autonomous mobile unit, comprising the steps of:
- measuring obstacles in an environment of the mobile unit;
identifying a collision distance by determining at least a shortest travel path of the mobile unit from its location to a potential collision point with at least one obstacle located within a defined, variable observation area between said mobile unit and a boundary line surrounding said mobile unit,;
identifying a steering angle to be respectively set at said mobile unit using the collision distance and a safety zone around said mobile unit, said steering angle being identified so as to just avoid leading to a collision with said at least one obstacle when said mobile unit travels thereby to derive a permitted steering angle range with reference to said location of said mobile unit therefrom;
reversing travel direction of said mobile unit after locating said at least one obstacle in said safety zone; and
using said permitted steering angle range to control said mobile unit to avoid collision.
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Abstract
An improved method for the orientation of autonomous mobile units is provided. Collision distances to obstacles are thereby calculated on the basis of the steering and drive geometry of the movable unit. On the basis of these distances, allowed steering angle ranges for the unit are defined. Additionally, a defined observation horizon is prescribed for the sensor equipment of the unit. The obstacles to be evaluated are within this horizon. Moreover, a safety zone is defined around the unit in which no obstacles can be located; otherwise, travel in reverse is triggered. For route optimization of the unit, steering angle ranges that derive from different observation horizons and safety zones are combined on a case-by-case basis. By reducing the safety margin only in narrow passages down to the housing contour of the unit in the extreme case, the maximum steering angle can be utilized. As a result thereof, a greatest possible degree of maneuverability is also assured between obstacles residing close to one another.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. Method for collision avoidance for an autonomous mobile unit, comprising the steps of:
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measuring obstacles in an environment of the mobile unit; identifying a collision distance by determining at least a shortest travel path of the mobile unit from its location to a potential collision point with at least one obstacle located within a defined, variable observation area between said mobile unit and a boundary line surrounding said mobile unit,; identifying a steering angle to be respectively set at said mobile unit using the collision distance and a safety zone around said mobile unit, said steering angle being identified so as to just avoid leading to a collision with said at least one obstacle when said mobile unit travels thereby to derive a permitted steering angle range with reference to said location of said mobile unit therefrom; reversing travel direction of said mobile unit after locating said at least one obstacle in said safety zone; and using said permitted steering angle range to control said mobile unit to avoid collision. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification