Autonomous Vehicle Speed Profiles for Mixed Traffic Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicles in industrial environments face inefficiencies due to speed restrictions imposed for personal safety, limiting their operational range and effectiveness, especially in mixed traffic areas where reliable person detection is limited.
Innovation Solution
A method for adjusting the speed of autonomous vehicles based on their operating range by defining distinct speed profiles for different areas and using a control device to manage drive energy, allowing the vehicle to operate safely and efficiently across various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the autonomous vehicle travels at higher speeds to improve efficiency over longer distances, then productivity increases, but the risk of collision with persons increases when detection range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the speed limit adaptive rather than static. The control device dynamically adjusts the speed limit based on real-time sensor detection capabilities and environmental conditions. When sensor detection range is sufficient, higher speeds are permitted; when detection range is limited, speeds are automatically reduced, resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of speed limit based on detection range parameters. The control device monitors sensor performance and adjusts the speed parameter accordingly. This parameter change approach allows the vehicle to optimize productivity when conditions permit while maintaining safety when detection capabilities are constrained.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous vehicle operates in mixed traffic areas with people present, then versatility of operation increases, but safety risks increase due to limited person detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on the detected environment type. When mixed traffic areas with persons are detected, the control device automatically modifies speed limits and operational behavior. This dynamic adaptation enables versatile operation across different environments while maintaining safety through context-aware parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data about persons and environment is continuously fed back to the control device. This feedback loop enables the system to recognize when it is operating in mixed traffic areas and automatically adjust operational parameters to mitigate risks, allowing versatile operation while managing safety concerns.
3Reliability
If the speed is reduced to ensure safety within limited detection range, then collision avoidance improves, but operational efficiency deteriorates over longer distances
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than applying a uniform speed reduction, the system dynamically determines appropriate speed limits based on real-time sensor capabilities and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the vehicle to maintain higher speeds when detection range is sufficient while reducing speeds only when necessary, thereby preserving operational efficiency while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes speed parameters adaptively rather than applying a fixed reduction. Based on sensor performance parameters and environmental factors, the system optimizes speed settings to achieve the best balance between safety assurance and operational efficiency for each specific operating condition.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
In a method (V) for adjusting a speed of an autonomous vehicle (1) according to on an operating region (I, II, III) of the autonomous vehicle (1), wherein the autonomous vehicle (1) can be operated in at least two adjacent operating regions (I, II, III), a speed profile (A, B, C) for the autonomous vehicle (1) is specified for each operating region (I, II, III). A changeover between the two operating regions (I, II, III) is detected. Starting from the detected operating region (I, II, III), a suitable speed profile (A, B, C) is selected from the speed profiles (A, B, C). A drive system (2) of the autonomous vehicle (1) is controlled by means of a control device (3) of the autonomous vehicle (1) in such a way that said drive system provides energy so that the speed of the autonomous vehicle (1) is adjusted and the autonomous vehicle (1) moves in accordance with the selected speed profile (A, B, C).