Autonomous vehicle with improved simultaneous localization and mapping function

US10191488B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NOKIA RESEARCH INSTITUTE EUROPE GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Mathias Franzius · Offenbach am Main, DE
• Nils Einecke · Offenbach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 19, 2016
• Grant date: Jan 29, 2019
• Expiry date: Sep 19, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05D1/0274
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An autonomous vehicle comprises an environment sensing means for sensing an environment of the autonomous vehicle, and a computing unit configured to perform a mapping function and a localization function. The mapping function is based upon signals supplied from the environment sensing means to build a map. The localization function localizes the autonomous vehicle within the map and generates localization information. The autonomous vehicle further comprises boundary distance sensing means configured to generate a distance signal correlated to a distance between the autonomous vehicle and boundary indication means. The computing unit is configured to receive the distance signal and to perform the mapping function or the localization function based upon a signal from the environment sensing means and the distance signal from the boundary distance sensing means. The system also comprises a boundary wire indicating a border of an area in which autonomous driving of the vehicle can be performed.