Autonomous Driving Test Course With AI Obstacle Scenario Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional traveling test courses are inadequate for testing autonomous driving vehicles, particularly when using AI, as they do not account for various obstacles and conditions that a human driver can easily navigate, leading to insufficient verification of the autonomous driving system's performance.

Innovation Solution

A test method and program that involve setting multiple obstacles on a test course, using sensors and AI to acquire information, and performing a traveling test to verify the autonomous driving vehicle's behavior and control, enabling precise control at the nanosecond level through deep learning and Level 6 calculation power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional traveling test courses are used for autonomous driving vehicles, then the test course structure is simple and easy to set up, but the verification of autonomous driving system performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification of autonomous driving system performanceVSAvoidtest course structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting multiple types of obstacles (static obstacles like walls and cones, dynamic obstacles like moving vehicles and pedestrians) on the test course before conducting autonomous driving tests. This allows the autonomous driving system to be verified in advance against various realistic scenarios including obstacle detection, avoidance, and navigation, thereby improving verification reliability without requiring complex real-time test course modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test course is segmented into multiple functional zones with different obstacle configurations and test scenarios. Each zone focuses on specific autonomous driving capabilities (e.g., obstacle detection zone, avoidance maneuver zone, navigation zone), allowing systematic verification of different system aspects while maintaining manageable course complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If AI-based autonomous driving control is implemented, then the autonomous driving capability is enhanced, but the control precision requirement increases to nanosecond level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous driving capabilityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with AI-based autonomous driving control that processes sensor data and makes driving decisions through machine learning models. This substitution enables enhanced autonomous capability by using deep learning algorithms to interpret complex environments and generate control commands, with timing precision achieved through software-based nanosecond-level control signal generation rather than mechanical timing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors constantly monitor the environment and vehicle state, AI algorithms process this information in real-time, and control commands are adjusted accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains nanosecond-level control precision by continuously correcting deviations and adapting to changing conditions, ensuring reliable autonomous driving performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple obstacles are set on the test course to simulate real-world conditions, then the test realism is improved, but the test course complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest realismVSAvoidtest course setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic obstacles that can move autonomously or be controlled remotely, allowing the same physical obstacle to appear in multiple positions and configurations. This dynamic capability enables diverse test scenarios (moving vehicles, pedestrians, varying obstacle patterns) using the same set of physical objects, thereby improving test realism without proportionally increasing setup time or course complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses virtual copies or digital representations of obstacles in conjunction with physical obstacles. Virtual obstacles can be programmed to appear, disappear, or move without physical manipulation, allowing rapid scenario changes and realistic test conditions while minimizing the time and effort required for physical course setup and reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4603357A1Automated driving test method and program
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SOFTBANK GROUP CORP
  • EP4603357A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603357A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4603357A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An autonomous driving test method includes setting a plurality of obstacles on a test course, acquiring information regarding the obstacles, and performing a traveling test related to autonomous driving of an autonomous driving vehicle by using a plurality of pieces of the acquired information and AI.