ODD Expansion Interface for ADS Road Segment Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Automated Driving Systems (ADS) face challenges in expanding their Operational Design Domains (ODDs) due to underutilization of road segments with insufficient sensor data, leading to restricted ODD expansion and suboptimal utilization of road networks.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus that allow users to request and display ODD verification completion rates for various road segments, enabling user demand-based ODD expansion by categorizing road segments and providing guide marks for areas needing further verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensor data collection is relied upon to expand ODD, then ADS capability is improved on well-covered road segments, but road segments with insufficient sensor data coverage cannot be opened for ADS functions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveADS capabilityVSAvoidODD coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having vehicles collect sensor data and submit verification results for road segments before ADS functions can be activated. The ODD verification completion rate is calculated based on accumulated verification results, enabling proactive expansion of ODD coverage as vehicles naturally traverse and verify road segments during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring ODD verification completion rates and using this information to determine when road segments are ready for ADS activation. The graphical user interface provides visual feedback to users about verification progress, enabling informed decisions about ODD expansion timing and prioritization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If ODD expansion is restricted to road segments with sufficient sensor data, then ADS safety is maintained, but the utilization of the road network is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveADS safetyVSAvoidroad network utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares road segments for future ADS deployment by collecting verification data in advance. Road segments are categorized based on their ODD verification completion rates, with the system ready to activate ADS functions automatically when verification thresholds are met, thereby expanding road network utilization without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If driver involvement is required for road segments with insufficient sensor data, then ADS safety is ensured, but the travelling experience is negatively affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveADS safetyVSAvoidtravelling experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of road segments through accumulated sensor data from multiple vehicles before requiring driver involvement. By displaying ODD verification completion rates and categorizing road segments, the system prepares the infrastructure in advance so that drivers can enjoy hands-free operation on verified segments without unnecessary interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If ODD verification is performed systematically across the road network, then comprehensive ADS certification is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveODD certification completenessVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service ODD verification by leveraging sensor data automatically collected during normal vehicle operation. Vehicles contribute verification data passively while performing their primary function, eliminating the need for dedicated verification trips or manual data collection processes. The ODD verification completion rate is automatically calculated and updated as data accumulates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the ODD verification process with normal vehicle operation and sensor data collection activities. By combining verification data collection with routine vehicle sensing and communication functions, the system achieves comprehensive ODD certification without requiring separate verification processes or additional resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250128729A1Method for managing a user demand-based operational design domain expansion for an automated driving system of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.04.24 ZENSEACT AB
  • US20250128729A1 patent drawing
  • US20250128729A1 patent drawing
  • US20250128729A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for managing user demand-based Operational Design Domain (ODD) expansion for an Automated Driving System (ADS) of a vehicle is presented. The method includes: requesting an ODD verification completion rate for each of a plurality of road segments by transferring a request from the vehicle to a remote server, obtaining road segment ODD status data, including the ODD verification completion rates, for the plurality of the road segments from the remote server, displaying, via a display apparatus, a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising: a graphical representation comprising: categorized road segments comprising at least road segments under ADS verification, wherein the categorized road segments include the plurality of road segments categorized based on the road segment ODD status data, and guide marks associated with a sub-set of the road segments under ADS verification, wherein one defining criteria for the sub-set is an ODD verification completion rate range.