Automated Vehicle Diagnostics With Sensor-Based Functional Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with automated systems face issues due to operator complacency and misinterpretation of automation performance capabilities, leading to potential operational failures and mistrust.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing diagnostic information to vehicle operators, including a set of sensors, a display device, and a processor to evaluate sensor status and display a simplified automation status using a sense-decide-act paradigm, with visual indicators for sensor, decision, and action statuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to control vehicle functions, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but operator trust and understanding of system capabilities deteriorate due to complacency and misinterpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors automated system performance and provides real-time diagnostic feedback to the operator through the user interface. This feedback mechanism includes status indicators, alert messages, and functional level information that keep the operator informed about system capabilities and limitations, thereby maintaining trust while preserving productivity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic information system acts as an intermediary between the automated control system and the operator. It translates complex system performance data into understandable diagnostic information, bridging the gap between automated operations and operator understanding, thus resolving the trust issue without reducing operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If detailed sensor and component status monitoring is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system is segmented into functional levels (first functional level, second functional level, etc.) with each level monitoring specific sensor and component requirements. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring without overwhelming complexity, as each functional level can be independently evaluated and reported.
Solution Approach 2:
Different functional levels have different monitoring requirements and thresholds. The system applies local quality by tailoring the diagnostic criteria to each functional level, using appropriate thresholds and alert mechanisms for each level without requiring uniform complex monitoring across the entire system.
3Productivity
If automated control systems operate at higher functional levels, then productivity is improved, but risk of operational failure increases when sensor status falls below required thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of sensor and component status against required thresholds before automated operations commence. By pre-assessing functional level eligibility and identifying potential failures in advance, the system can prevent operational failures while maintaining high productivity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback on sensor status and functional level compliance provides continuous monitoring during automated operations. When status falls below thresholds, the system can adjust operations or alert operators, preventing harmful failures while preserving the productivity benefits of automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing diagnostic information to an end user of an off-road vehicle, such as a combine, is provided. A set of sensors required for an automated system of the off-road vehicle to function at different predetermined automated system functional levels and a display device accessible to the end user is included. A processor in communication with the set of sensors and the display device, cooperates to present a simplified automation status for the off-road vehicle. A memory in communication with the processor stores computer readable instructions for the processor to evaluate an operational status of the sensors, determine the operational status of any required sensor, and determines whether the evaluated operational status of any required sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold required for a lower functional level. A maximum functional level of the required sensor is displayed on the user interface.