Adaptive Model Predictive Control for Autonomous Vehicle Path Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current model predictive controllers for autonomous vehicles rely on fixed operational parameters that do not account for dynamic changes in vehicle and external conditions, leading to suboptimal performance in path tracking and maneuvering.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a trained machine learning vehicle performance circuit to dynamically update operational parameters, such as vehicle and external parameters, using simulations to determine optimal values for path tracking, corridor keeping, and collision avoidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed operational parameters are used in model predictive controllers, then the controller structure is simple and easy to implement, but the controller cannot adapt to dynamic changes in vehicle conditions and external factors, leading to suboptimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to dynamic changesVSAvoidcontroller structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operational parameters that are continuously updated based on real-time vehicle conditions and external factors. The machine learning circuit dynamically adjusts parameters such as vehicle mass, friction coefficients, and aerodynamic drag based on sensor inputs and simulated experiences, transforming the static controller into an adaptive system that evolves with changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service through automated machine learning processes that continuously train and update the operational parameters without manual intervention. The neural network automatically processes sensor data, simulates vehicle behavior, and refines parameters based on performance feedback, enabling the controller to self-optimize its performance across diverse operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If learned operational parameters are used to adapt to vehicle and external condition changes, then path tracking and maneuvering performance is improved, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath tracking performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-training the machine learning model through extensive simulations before actual vehicle operation. The neural network is trained offline using simulated vehicle behavior across various conditions, allowing it to learn optimal parameter values in advance. This pre-learning reduces the computational burden during real-time operation while maintaining high path tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating virtual copies of the vehicle system in simulation environments. The machine learning model learns from simulated vehicle behavior and external conditions, copying real-world physics and dynamics into the virtual training environment. This allows the system to accumulate training data and refine parameters without requiring extensive real-world testing, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If extensive simulations are conducted to train the machine learning circuit, then the accuracy of determined operational parameters is improved, but the training time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter optimization accuracyVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by conducting simulations only for the specific vehicle maneuvers and conditions most relevant to the autonomous vehicle's operational envelope. Rather than exhaustively simulating all possible scenarios, the training focuses on representative cases that capture the essential dynamics, achieving sufficient parameter accuracy with reduced computational effort and training time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12409841B2Systems and methods for updating the parameters of a model predictive controller with learned external parameters generated using simulations and machine learning
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US12409841B2 patent drawing
  • US12409841B2 patent drawing
  • US12409841B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer implemented method for determining optimal values for operational parameters for a model predictive controller for controlling a vehicle, can receive from a data store or a graphical user interface, ranges for one or more external parameters. The computer implemented method can determine optimum values for external parameters of the vehicle by simulating a vehicle operation across the ranges of the one or more operational parameters by solving a vehicle control problem and determining an output of the vehicle control problem based on a result for the simulated vehicle operation. A vehicle can include a processing component configured to adjust a control input for an actuator of the vehicle according to a control algorithm and based on the optimum values of the vehicle parameter as determined by the computer implemented method.