Autonomous Vehicle Test Trip Scheduling for Automated Data Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing and evaluating autonomous vehicle performance lack efficiency and effectiveness in gathering comprehensive data for performance evaluation, as they often rely on manual deployment and matching processes that are time-consuming and limited in scope.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for controlling autonomous vehicle test trips through a test trip index, which allows for the automatic deployment of test trips to autonomous vehicles, enabling them to travel according to pre-defined parameters such as origin, destination, and route, thereby facilitating efficient data collection and performance evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual deployment and matching processes are used for test trips, then the system is simpler to implement, but the efficiency and speed of data collection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous vehicles to self-register availability, self-match with appropriate test trips through automated algorithms, and self-execute test protocols without manual intervention. The vehicle autonomously communicates its status and capabilities to the test trip management system, which automatically assigns and coordinates test trips based on vehicle availability and test requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (human operators physically deploying test trips and matching vehicles) with automated electronic systems. The test trip management system uses software algorithms to automatically match vehicles with test trips, eliminate manual coordination steps, and streamline the entire test deployment workflow through digital automation.
2Quantity of substance
If manual deployment processes are used, then the system is easier to operate, but the comprehensiveness and scope of test data gathering is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The test trip management system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it registers vehicle availability, matches vehicles with appropriate test trips, coordinates test execution, tracks test progress, and collects comprehensive test data. This multi-functional automated system replaces multiple manual processes, enabling broader and more comprehensive test coverage while maintaining ease of operation through integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where autonomous vehicles report their availability status, test progress, and completion data back to the test trip management system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to dynamically adjust test trip assignments, optimize resource utilization, and ensure comprehensive data collection across the entire fleet without requiring manual monitoring.
3Speed
If automated test trip deployment is implemented, then the speed and efficiency of testing is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering test trip parameters, pre-identifying suitable vehicles based on availability and capabilities, and pre-coordinating test assignments before actual test execution. This advance preparation enables rapid deployment when tests are needed, as the automated system already has pre-processed information and matched vehicles ready for immediate test execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The test trip management system acts as an intermediary between autonomous vehicles and test trip requirements, mediating the matching process through automated algorithms. This intermediary system translates vehicle availability data into appropriate test trip assignments, coordinating between vehicle capabilities and test requirements without requiring direct manual intervention, thereby speeding up deployment while managing complexity through centralized automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling autonomous vehicle test trips are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining, by a computing system, data indicative of a test trip index associated with an autonomous vehicle. The test trip index includes a plurality of test trips for the autonomous vehicle and each test trip is associated with one or more test trip parameters. The method includes obtaining, by the computing system, data indicating that the autonomous vehicle is available to travel in accordance with at least one of the test trips of the test trip index. The method includes selecting, by the computing system and from the test trip index, at least one selected test trip for the autonomous vehicle. The method includes causing, by the computing system, the autonomous vehicle to travel in accordance with the test trip parameters associated with the at least one selected test trip.