Autonomous Vehicle Remote Diagnostics for Occupantless Fleet Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional diagnostic testing methods are inadequate for autonomous vehicles due to the increased complexity of systems and sensors, and technicians cannot interact with occupantless vehicles effectively.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle management system (AVMS) is employed to manage fleets of autonomous vehicles, facilitating remote diagnostics and self-testing through remote commands, data processing, and monitoring, ensuring vehicles operate at desired performance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional diagnostic testing methods are used on autonomous vehicles, then technicians can perform manual testing, but the increased complexity of systems and sensors makes traditional techniques insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs self-diagnostics automatically without requiring technician intervention. The vehicle's control system executes diagnostic routines, collects data from sensors and systems, and generates diagnostic reports autonomously, allowing the complex vehicle to test itself rather than requiring external expertise to navigate its complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical diagnostic procedures are replaced with automated electronic diagnostic systems. The control system uses software-based diagnostic routines to test vehicle systems, replacing the need for technicians to physically inspect and manually test complex sensor arrays and control systems
2Ease of operation
If technicians attempt to interact with occupantless autonomous vehicles for testing, then traditional testing procedures could be followed, but there is no ability to enter the vehicle to interact with internal controls
Solution Approach 1:
A remote interface system acts as an intermediary between technicians and the autonomous vehicle's internal controls. The system transmits diagnostic commands to and receives data from the vehicle's control system, allowing technicians to interact with internal vehicle systems remotely without physical access to the cabin or controls
Solution Approach 2:
Physical interaction with manual controls is replaced with electronic communication interfaces. The diagnostic system uses digital command protocols to interact with the vehicle's control systems, replacing the need for technicians to physically operate switches, buttons, or other manual controls inside the vehicle
3Ease of operation
If remote diagnostics commands are implemented for autonomous vehicles, then technicians can remotely test vehicles, but the system requires complex data processing and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it controls vehicle operations, manages sensor data collection, executes diagnostic routines, and communicates with remote systems. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system implements feedback loops where the control system receives diagnostic commands, executes tests, collects data from vehicle systems and sensors, transmits results back to technicians, and adjusts testing based on received feedback. This automated feedback mechanism manages system complexity by creating self-regulating diagnostic processes
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a method includes obtaining an input and identifying at least a first vehicle which is to be commanded to perform at least one diagnostics test. The method also includes providing a remote diagnostics command to the first vehicle, the remote diagnostics command configured to command the first vehicle to perform at least a first diagnostics test, wherein the first diagnostics test is performed by the first vehicle on at least a first system included on the first vehicle. The first vehicle is monitored during the first diagnostics test. Diagnostics data associated with the first diagnostics test is obtained from the first vehicle and processed to generate diagnostics for the first vehicle.