Autonomous Vehicle Warning Device Deployment During Stop Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack effective systems for deploying warning devices during stop maneuvers to enhance visibility and safety, particularly in situations where a fault necessitates a stop, without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle computing system determines the need for and optimizes the deployment of warning devices like flares, safety triangles, or LED lights based on environmental conditions, vehicle trajectory, and map data, adjusting the stop trajectory to maximize visibility and ensuring timely and effective deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles implement stop maneuvers without human intervention, then automation level is improved, but safety and visibility warning capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs the warning device deployment function itself without human intervention. The vehicle's computing system automatically determines when warning devices are needed and controls their deployment, making the system self-sufficient for safety functions during autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The warning devices are deployed in advance during the stop maneuver execution. The system determines the need for warning devices before or during the stop, and deploys them proactively to ensure safety before potential hazards arise, rather than waiting for an emergency situation.
2Reliability
If warning devices are deployed during stop maneuvers, then safety and visibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing system performs multiple functions: it determines when warning devices are needed, controls the deployment mechanism, and monitors the stop maneuver execution. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The warning device deployment function is merged with the existing stop maneuver control system. The computing system that manages autonomous vehicle operation is extended to also manage warning device deployment, combining safety functions with operational control rather than adding a completely separate system.
3Reliability
If stop trajectory is adjusted to maximize warning device visibility, then visibility and safety are improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop trajectory is made dynamic and adaptive rather than fixed. The computing system adjusts the trajectory in real-time based on environmental conditions, vehicle type, and warning device characteristics to optimize visibility. This dynamic adjustment is integrated into the existing motion planning system rather than requiring a separate control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are directed to deploying warning devices by an autonomous vehicle. In one example, a system includes one or more processors and memory including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include obtaining data indicating that a vehicle stop maneuver is to be implemented for an autonomous vehicle. The operations further include determining whether one or more warning devices should be dispensed from the autonomous vehicle during the vehicle stop maneuver based in part on the obtained data. The operations further include, in response to determining one or more warning devices should be dispensed from the autonomous vehicle, determining a dispensing maneuver for the one or more warning devices, and providing one or more command signals to one or more vehicle systems to perform the dispensing maneuver for the one or more warning devices.