Modular EDR Swapping for Continuous Autonomous Vehicle Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited onboard storage capacity of autonomous vehicles poses challenges in efficiently managing large amounts of high-definition data collected by electronic data recorders (EDRs), leading to operational inefficiencies and potential data loss due to slow and incomplete data offloading at hubs.
Innovation Solution
A modular and swappable EDR system is implemented, comprising a fixed and detachable logger that operates in a First In, First Out (FIFO) manner, ensuring continuous data storage and timely upload by swapping full loggers at convenient server stations, minimizing data pile-ups and ensuring complete data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is stored continuously in a single EDR with limited onboard storage, then storage capacity is exhausted quickly, but data loss occurs when storage is full and offloading is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data storage function into multiple independent EDR units (first EDR and second EDR). When the first EDR reaches its storage capacity, it can be replaced with a second EDR, ensuring continuous data recording without loss. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limited onboard storage capacity while maintaining data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a replaceable EDR mechanism where full EDRs can be discarded and replaced with empty ones. The processed data from discarded EDRs is then recovered and transferred to external servers or cloud storage. This approach ensures continuous recording capability while managing limited onboard storage through systematic replacement and external data recovery.
2Quantity of substance
If data offloading is performed frequently to manage limited storage, then storage capacity is maintained, but operational latency increases due to frequent stops at upload stations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data processing and prioritization before offloading. Critical safety data is identified and prepared for immediate transfer, while less critical data can be deferred. This preliminary action reduces the time needed for actual data offloading by pre-organizing data priorities and preparing transfer protocols in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable EDR mechanism enables continuous data recording without interruption. When one EDR is full, another can be immediately swapped in, maintaining the continuity of the recording function. This eliminates downtime associated with waiting for data offloading to complete before continuing to record, thus reducing operational latency.
3Device complexity
If a single EDR is used with fixed storage capacity, then device complexity is low, but the system cannot adapt to varying data volumes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static single-EDR configuration to a dynamic multi-EDR architecture. The ability to swap between multiple EDRs based on storage capacity creates a dynamic system that can adapt to varying data volumes. This dynamic approach allows the system to accommodate extended recording periods and varying data generation rates without increasing the fundamental complexity of individual EDR units.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a vehicle and associated method includes multiple electronic data recorders (EDRs) that includes a modular EDR and a replacement EDR configured to replace the modular EDR; a memory storing instructions, and at least one processor in communication with the plurality of EDRs and the memory, where the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to coordinate at least part of a transfer of data between the plurality of EDRs, and at least part of a replacement operation that includes exchanging the modular EDR for the replacement EDR.