Camera-Based AV Testing With Virtual Lane Marker Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory testing methods for automotive exhaust gas emissions and energy efficiency are inadequate for accurately predicting real-world emissions and energy efficiency of vehicles with internal combustion engines and autonomous features, as they fail to simulate the wide range of real-world environmental, road, and driving conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of apparatuses and methods to simulate real-world traffic scenarios in a controlled laboratory environment, using physical or electronic simulations of other vehicles to replicate the presence and interactions of leading vehicles, allowing for accurate measurement of exhaust gas emissions, energy efficiency, and automated braking responses of vehicles with autonomous longitudinal speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laboratory-based tailpipe emissions testing is performed under limited ambient conditions and driving conditions, then testing can be conducted in a controlled environment, but the accuracy of predicting real-world emissions and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, pressure) and driving parameters (speed, acceleration, load) in the laboratory to match the full range of real-world operating conditions. This allows the testing apparatus to simulate diverse environmental and driving scenarios that were previously only observable in actual road tests, thereby improving prediction accuracy while maintaining controlled testing.
2Measurement precision
If vehicles are tested under a broad range of real-world environmental, road, and driving conditions, then prediction accuracy of emissions and energy efficiency improves, but testing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional testing apparatus that can simulate various ambient conditions (temperature chambers, humidity control), different road loads (dynamometer configurations), and multiple driving cycles (urban, highway, mixed) within a single integrated system. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate testing facilities into one versatile platform, managing complexity while expanding testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a computer-controlled simulation system that acts as a mediator between the physical vehicle and the diverse real-world conditions. The control system processes target speed profiles, environmental parameters, and load conditions to coordinate the various testing components, simplifying the operation of the complex apparatus through centralized intelligent control.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional laboratory testing methods are used for autonomous vehicles, then existing testing infrastructure can be utilized, but the ability to assess automated braking responses and longitudinal speed control performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static traditional testing setups into dynamic adaptive systems. The testing apparatus incorporates real-time adjustable parameters including variable speed profiles, dynamic load adjustments, and programmable environmental conditions that can adapt to specific autonomous vehicle testing requirements. This allows existing infrastructure to evolve into a versatile platform capable of assessing automated braking and longitudinal control under simulated real-world scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A testing method, for a camera-based autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle control system, includes while the vehicle control system operates with at least one control input from at least one camera during a first laboratory test of the vehicle control system, automatically controlling an electronic simulator configured to generate signals indicative of dynamic virtual lane markers based on speed information from a speed schedule or a feedback signal from a laboratory instrument, and displaying the virtual lane markers on a transparent or semi-transparent screen or monitor, within view of the at least one camera, and at screen or monitor coordinates reflective of relative locations of the at least one camera and the screen or monitor.