Autonomous Vehicle Emergency Trigger Authentication and Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack a method to effectively respond to external triggers from emergency vehicles, relying heavily on visual and audible perception which can result in false positives and failures to detect emergency vehicles, posing danger to the public and risking fines, while also being designed to limit communication to reduce security risks from malicious actors.
Innovation Solution
The system enables communication between emergency vehicles and autonomous vehicles using external triggers through a network of communication links, including direct communication methods like Bluetooth and modulated light transmission, with redundancies to authenticate and authorize instructions, allowing emergency vehicles to control the autonomous vehicle safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If autonomous vehicles use visual and audible perception to detect emergency vehicles, then they can identify emergency vehicles, but false positives and failures to detect occur resulting in safety risks and fines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between emergency vehicles and autonomous vehicles. Emergency vehicles transmit authenticated signals through communication networks (direct, indirect, or hybrid paths) that serve as reliable mediators, eliminating the need for autonomous vehicles to independently detect and interpret emergency vehicle signals, thereby resolving false positives and detection failures
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where autonomous vehicles receive authenticated communication signals from emergency vehicles, confirm receipt and compliance, and provide status updates. This bidirectional feedback loop ensures reliable detection and response, eliminating the uncertainty and errors associated with unidirectional visual and audible perception
2Reliability
If autonomous vehicles limit communication to reduce security risks, then security is improved, but the ability to respond to emergency vehicles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different communication security levels for different scenarios. Normal operations maintain limited communication for security, while emergency situations authenticated through specific protocols (emergency vehicle signal authentication, trusted path verification) enable enhanced communication capabilities. This localized approach to communication quality allows security to be maintained while enabling emergency responsiveness when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system dynamically adjusts its state between restricted normal operation and expanded emergency response modes. The system transitions between these states based on authenticated signals and communication path verification, allowing the autonomous vehicle to adapt its communication capabilities in real-time based on operational context and security requirements
3Loss of time
If emergency vehicles communicate directly with autonomous vehicles, then response time is reduced, but security risks from malicious actors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication actions before direct communication occurs. Emergency vehicles and autonomous vehicles establish trusted communication paths in advance through authentication protocols, verify signal legitimacy, and confirm identity before exchanging operational commands. This preliminary security verification enables direct communication without exposing the system to malicious actors
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes redundant authenticated communication paths and verification mechanisms in advance to cushion against potential security threats. Multiple trusted communication routes (direct, indirect, hybrid) are pre-configured and verified, providing fallback options if one path is compromised, thereby enabling rapid response while maintaining security through layered protection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures safe and reliable interaction between autonomous and emergency vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents and fines by providing a secure and efficient means for emergency vehicles to communicate instructions to autonomous vehicles, even in areas with limited connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
Other communication links 212, 214, 216 may utilize a variety of different technologies to transmit and/or receive data including, but not limited to radio frequencies, cellular technologies, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communications, etc.
Implementation Method 2
Other communication links 212, 214, 216 may utilize a variety of different technologies to transmit and/or receive data including, but not limited to radio frequencies, cellular technologies, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communications, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure relates to technologies for vehicle interactions with emergency vehicles. A process of the disclosed technologies can include steps for receiving a command from an emergency vehicle identifying an autonomous vehicle and initiating actions to cause the autonomous vehicle identified by the emergency vehicle to obey the command.