Onboard Digital Map Evaluation for Automated Driving Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles rely on high-definition map data, which may be outdated or incorrect, leading to potential safety hazards if deviations between the map and real-world environment are not detected.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for evaluating a digital map onboard a vehicle by analyzing sensor data and map data for deviations, determining an evaluation state for map items, and calculating a probability that the map correctly represents real-world objects, thereby enabling safe operation even in challenging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the vehicle uses high-definition map data for autonomous operation, then the automated driving function can operate, but the map data may be outdated or incorrect leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously compares sensor data with map data and provides feedback about deviations. When deviations are detected, the system alerts the driver or adjusts automated driving operations, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains safety while enabling automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of map data accuracy before relying on it for automated driving. By proactively checking for deviations between sensor data and map data, the system prevents potential safety hazards before they occur during automated operation.
2Measurement precision
If the vehicle verifies map data using sensor systems, then map deviations can be detected, but verification errors occur due to bad weather conditions or occlusion effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial verification of map data, focusing on critical areas where deviations are most likely to occur. Instead of attempting to verify all map data uniformly, the system prioritizes verification in areas with higher risk of deviations, such as recently constructed areas or areas with complex geometry, thereby maintaining verification accuracy despite weather conditions or occlusion.
3Productivity
If the vehicle continues operation with potentially deviating map data, then productivity is maintained, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of automated driving based on map data reliability. When deviations are detected, the system adjusts parameters such as driving speed, following distance, or automation level to maintain safety while allowing continued operation. This enables the vehicle to operate at reduced automation levels or with increased caution in areas with uncertain map accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to a method for evaluating a digital map onboard of a vehicle. Sensor data representing a vehicle environment of the vehicle (30) are received (10) from a sensor (S) implemented in the vehicle. Furthermore, map data of a digital map stored in the vehicle are received (11). The sensor data and the map data are analysed (12) for deviations between the sensor data and the map data and an evaluation state is determined (12) for at least one map item based on the result of the analysis. A probability that the digital map correctly represents real-world objects in the vehicle environment is calculated (13) based on the evaluation state.