Autonomous Vehicle Trip Handoff Beyond ODD Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicle systems, particularly at SAE Level 4, face limitations in operating outside their defined Operational Design Domain (ODD), requiring mechanisms to safely transition and manage risks when encountering conditions beyond their designated parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system enabling autonomous vehicles to connect with mobile communication devices to initiate and manage trips without human input, using a networked system that includes a vehicle, mobile communication devices, and a server to navigate, park, and summon vehicles within designated areas, while maintaining safety by adhering to predefined operating conditions and risk mitigation protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If level 4 autonomous vehicles operate outside their defined Operational Design Domain (ODD), then the vehicle's versatility and adaptability improve, but safety and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A remote operator system acts as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle and human control. When the vehicle encounters conditions outside its ODD, it automatically transitions to remote operator mode, where a human operator receives sensor data and control signals to safely manage the vehicle. This mediator enables operation beyond predefined parameters while maintaining safety through human oversight.
2Reliability
If autonomous vehicles require human interaction during trips, then safety and control improve, but automation level and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of automation based on operational conditions. During normal operations within the ODD, the vehicle functions fully autonomously (level 4). When conditions exceed the ODD, the system automatically transitions to remote operator mode, creating a dynamic adjustment between autonomous and human-controlled operation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high automation when safe and human control when needed.
3Reliability
If level 4 vehicles are limited to specific operational design domains, then safety and reliability improve, but adaptability and operational scope deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The operational domain is segmented into two distinct modes: autonomous operation within the defined ODD and remote operator mode for conditions outside the ODD. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain strict safety boundaries for autonomous operation while expanding operational scope through the separate remote operator pathway. Each segment has its own control mechanism and safety protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for an autonomous vehicle to perform an autonomous trip. A mobile communication device establishes a connection with an autonomous vehicle. The mobile communication device transmits a request for the autonomous vehicle to perform an autonomous trip. The autonomous trip includes the autonomous vehicle traveling from a first location to a second location without operator input. The autonomous trip is to be initiated by the autonomous vehicle based on the reception of the request.