Autonomous Vehicle Routing With Road Suitability Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in safely navigating through varying environmental conditions and road segments, as existing systems may not function properly in irregular conditions, such as fog or heavy rain, and can be impaired by sensor damage or malfunctions, increasing operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for analyzing roadway suitability for autonomous vehicle operation, which includes receiving map data and operating data from vehicles, determining risk levels, and generating suitability scores for road segments, allowing for optimized route planning and risk management by avoiding high-risk areas, and enabling emergency routing through safe segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous vehicles operate in all environmental conditions, then service coverage is improved, but safety deteriorates due to sensor impairment in fog, heavy rain, and other irregular conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different operational characteristics to different road segments based on their environmental conditions. Each road segment is evaluated and classified with specific suitability scores for different autonomous operation levels, allowing the system to adapt routing decisions to local conditions rather than applying a uniform approach across all areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time environmental conditions and road segment assessments. The routing algorithm continuously updates path recommendations by evaluating current weather, traffic, and road conditions, transforming static routing into a dynamic adaptation process that responds to changing environmental factors.
2Reliability
If autonomous vehicles avoid high-risk road segments, then safety is improved, but travel time increases due to longer routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by allowing autonomous vehicles to operate on certain high-risk road segments under specific conditions rather than completely avoiding all potentially risky routes. The system evaluates whether conditions warrant avoidance or if cautious passage is acceptable, enabling selective rather than blanket avoidance strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of road segments before routing decisions are made. By pre-evaluating road conditions, weather patterns, and historical safety data, the routing algorithm can identify safe paths in advance, allowing vehicles to plan efficient routes that prioritize safety without requiring last-minute detours that会增加 travel time.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive road segment analysis is performed, then routing accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the road network into discrete road segments that can be independently evaluated and classified. Each segment is assessed separately for suitability to different autonomous operation levels, allowing the system to manage complexity through modular analysis rather than evaluating the entire network as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by transforming complex environmental and operational data into simplified suitability scores and classifications for each road segment. By converting multiple variables (weather conditions, traffic density, road geometry, sensor performance) into standardized parameters, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining routing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle routing are disclosed. Roadway suitability for autonomous operation is scored to facilitate use in route determination. Maps of roadways suitable for various levels of autonomous operation may be generated. Such map data may be used by autonomous vehicles or other computer devices in determining routes based upon criteria for vehicle trips. Such routes may be automatically updated based upon changes in road conditions, vehicle conditions, operator conditions, or environmental conditions. Emergency routing using such map data is described, such as automatic routing and travel when a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency.