Autonomous Vehicle Fallback Parking Under Primary Sensor Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in safely parking when primary sensors malfunction, as existing techniques lack the ability to determine a safe path to park without reliable sensor data.
Innovation Solution
A method and navigation unit that determine the required angular velocity and curvature for an autonomous vehicle to reach a safe parking space by using secondary sensors to detect obstacles and maintain safe distances, allowing the vehicle to navigate safely to the edge of the road even when primary sensors fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the AV uses primary sensors for navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to sensor failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces secondary sensors as intermediary components that take over the sensing function when primary sensors fail. These secondary sensors act as a backup mechanism, allowing the navigation system to maintain operation through an alternative sensing pathway when the primary pathway becomes compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching from primary to secondary sensors based on detected failure conditions. This parameter change involves altering the active sensing modality and adjusting navigation algorithms to accommodate the different characteristics of secondary sensors.
2Reliability
If the AV switches to secondary sensors upon primary sensor failure, then system reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-planning alternative navigation paths and having backup sensing systems ready before primary sensor failure occurs. This preparation allows the system to transition smoothly to secondary sensors with pre-computed fallback trajectories that account for reduced measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts navigation parameters such as speed, acceleration, and path selection based on the active sensor set. When using secondary sensors, the system modifies its behavior to be more conservative and cautious, adapting its operational dynamics to compensate for the lower measurement precision of backup sensors.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the AV navigates cautiously to prevent collisions, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system dynamically adjusts its caution level based on real-time sensor data and environmental context. When primary sensors are functional, the system can navigate more efficiently with standard safety margins. When secondary sensors are activated, the system increases caution levels appropriate to the reduced sensing capability, optimizing the balance between safety and efficiency for each operational state.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for safely parking an autonomous vehicle on sensor anomaly. Based on current position of the AV, an angular velocity and curvature required for the AV to reach a safe parking space may be determined, upon detecting non-working of at least one primary sensor associated with the AV. Further, one or more obstacles proximal to the AV may be detected using one or more secondary sensors attached to the AV. Furthermore, based on detection of the one or more obstacles, the AV may be navigated in a track by maintaining a safe distance from the one or more obstacles. Finally, the AV may be navigated along the determined curvature upon detecting absence of the one or more obstacles to reach the safe parking space at the edge of the road.