Autonomous Vehicle Parallel and Failover Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicle systems lack effective backup mechanisms to detect and mitigate failures that could lead to collisions, especially when the primary autonomy system fails to recognize potential hazards or is compromised by errors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a parallel autonomy system that operates in parallel with the main autonomy system to detect undetected failures and intervene when necessary, and a failover autonomy system that takes control if a detected failure could result in a collision, both working in conjunction with a remotely operated system to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a main autonomy system operates alone without backup mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect and mitigate failures
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomy system is segmented into three independent subsystems: main autonomy system, parallel autonomy system, and failover autonomy system. Each system operates independently with separate processing channels, allowing failure detection and mitigation without complete system shutdown. The parallel system monitors the main system for undetected failures, while the failover system provides backup control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring backup autonomy systems that remain standby ready to intervene. The parallel autonomy system continuously monitors for failures before they cause collisions, and the failover autonomy system maintains readiness to take control if the main system fails. This proactive approach cushions against potential failures rather than reacting after damage occurs.
2Reliability
If parallel and failover autonomy systems are added to detect and mitigate failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel autonomy system serves multiple functions: it monitors the main autonomy system for failures, independently processes sensor data to detect hazards, and can intervene to prevent collisions. The failover autonomy system provides universal backup control capabilities across all vehicle operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel and failover autonomy systems are implemented as simplified copies of the main autonomy system's core functionality. Rather than creating entirely new complex systems, the backup systems replicate essential perception, decision-making, and control functions at reduced complexity levels, sufficient for safety-critical interventions.
3Measurement precision
If the parallel autonomy system continuously monitors for failures, then measurement precision of failure detection is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel autonomy system maintains continuous monitoring of the main autonomy system to ensure uninterrupted safety oversight. This continuous action detects failures at any moment without gaps, providing precise real-time failure detection. The system processes sensor data continuously and maintains readiness to intervene immediately upon detecting hazards.
4Reliability
If the failover autonomy system is configured to intervene on detected failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to control switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A control switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the main autonomy system, parallel autonomy system, and failover autonomy system. This mediator manages the complexity of switching control authority between systems based on failure conditions, isolating the switching logic from the individual autonomy systems and simplifying their design while enabling reliable failover capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle is operated using a main autonomy system that analyzes data collected by a sensor system of the autonomous vehicle to determine a trajectory of travel of the autonomous vehicle, and wherein the main autonomy system provides instructions to a propulsion system of the autonomous vehicle to cause the propulsion system to navigate the autonomous vehicle according to the trajectory. In response to determining that navigating the autonomous vehicle according to the trajectory is likely to result in collision, instructions are provided from a parallel autonomy system to the propulsion system to cause the autonomous vehicle to avoid collision. In response to detecting a fault in the main autonomy system, control of the propulsion system is provided from the main autonomy system to a failover autonomy system, wherein the failover autonomy system is configured to override the propulsion system.