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Method for collision avoidance with the assistance of a steering angle field for an autonomous mobile unit

  • US 5,913,919 A
  • Filed: 11/21/1997
  • Issued: 06/22/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/04/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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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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