Autonomous Vehicle Self-Checks Using Test Routes and Sensor Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles require thorough system checks before operation, especially in autonomous mode, to ensure safety and efficiency, as sensors and components can be moved or damaged, necessitating a method to quickly and efficiently perform these checks without relying on human intervention.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for autonomous vehicles to perform performance checks on detection systems, map data, and vehicle components by navigating along a test route, collecting data, and comparing it with stored values to select an operation mode based on check results, allowing for timely preparation and efficient fleet management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If comprehensive performance checks are conducted on detection systems and vehicle components, then safety and reliability are improved, but time consumption and operational delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs performance checks on detection systems and vehicle components before the vehicle begins its operational route. By conducting these checks preliminarily at designated locations along the planned route, the system ensures safety and reliability are verified in advance, preventing delays during actual operation while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous vehicle autonomously performs its own performance checks without requiring external human intervention. The vehicle navigates to designated check locations, executes self-diagnosis of detection systems and components, and determines its own operational status, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining thorough safety verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If multiple performance checks are performed on detection systems, map data, and vehicle components, then measurement precision and safety are improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The performance check system is divided into multiple independent check modules, each dedicated to specific detection systems or vehicle components. This segmentation allows each module to perform specialized measurements with high precision while keeping individual module complexity manageable. The system executes relevant check modules based on the vehicle's operational status and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts which performance checks are executed based on changing parameters such as environmental conditions, vehicle operational status, and location. By selectively activating only the necessary checks rather than performing all possible checks uniformly, the system maintains high measurement precision for critical parameters while reducing overall system complexity and computational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3877229B1Automated performance checks for autonomous vehicles
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 WAYMO LLC
  • EP3877229B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3877229B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3877229B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure provides for a method for performing checks for a vehicle 100. In this regard, a plurality of performance checks may be identified including a first check for a detection system of a plurality of detection systems of the vehicle and a second check for map data. A test route for the vehicle may be determined based on a location of the vehicle and the plurality of performance checks. The vehicle may be controlled along the test route in an autonomous driving mode, while sensor data may be received from the plurality of detection systems of the vehicle. An operation mode may be selected based on results of the plurality of performance checks, and the vehicle may be operated in the selected operation mode.