Obstacle detection for the Mars Rover by a two dimensional rapid estimation scheme

Abstract

This paper discusses an obstacle detection system applicable to a Mars Rover mission forseen possible in the early 1980's. The sensing device on the rover will be a laser rangefinder which scans the surface ahead of the vehicle. Terrain range data information is stored in matrix form. The range varies from point to point along the surface with sharp changes due to the presence of obstacles. The noise contaminated laser rangefinder readings are processed by an algorithm involving a modified version of the Kalman Filter, along with a decision scheme, to obtain complete outlines of discrete obstacles.