SoftThought, Inc. > Home Company Information SoftThought is engaged in developing intelligent software solutions to problems in autonomy. The technical approach that we take with this research is to rely heavily on visual interpretation. The image processing portion of our system is used to find safe, traversable pathways using color ratios and texture. Learned safe passage is stored in a database and reviewed each time we examine the environment around the vehicle. We use a grid system which is updated five times a second to measure distances and width of road. Artificial intelligent techniques are used to evaluate the data leading to mapped areas which the vehicle traverses. We will augment our image processing with a laser range finder, additional cameras and an electronic compass which will be added in the fall of 2006. Our System Overview which follows shows the upper level relationships between hardware and software; between collision avoidance and image processing. Image processing allows us to recognize traversable paths while avoiding collisions and maintaining safe and appropriate speeds. We can follow and queue at requested distances. We introduce a mapping system which allows us to look for clear and safe roadway for us to move in. This is updated at the image capture rate of 5 Fps and provides mapping data for archiving as well. These ‘minimaps’ can be connected with orienteering techniques so that we can maintain a directional bias whenever GPS is compromised. A database is used to store information relevant to learning. Whenever safe roadway is found and the minimaps show clear non-collision areas, the characteristics are saved for later usage. Special techniques which must be learned such as backing out of a parking spot or making an effective U-turn are stored as well. Rules of the road and driving techniques are also stored here along with any learned data that the system makes. The key benefit to these techniques is that they develop successful solutions to navigation and traffic management using small computers. Our system does not require large hardware and can be easily transferred to other vehicles. We envision a small mechanical box with cameras and range finders which can be used in many different vehicles. These units could be fitted to appropriate actuators to manage autonomous functions for a wide range of vehicles. They should be easy to install and replace. These systems could be used in a wide variety of settings such as in delivery trucks, wheel chairs, medical evacuation units and for safety in current vehicles. Home | Contact Us Copyright 2006 SoftThought, Inc.