Operational Envelope Detection for Sensor Occlusion Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in operating within their designed operational design domain (ODD) due to varying environmental conditions and sensor occlusions, which can lead to unsafe maneuvers and immobility, requiring efficient detection and intervention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An operational envelope detection (OED) framework that utilizes sensor data and ODD requirements to assess the vehicle's operational capabilities, generates perception visibility models, and identifies potential occlusions and anomalies, enabling real-time adjustments and interventions to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous vehicle operates in varying environmental conditions, then the vehicle's adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to sensor occlusions and unsafe maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor occlusions and operational envelope violations before they lead to unsafe maneuvers. By continuously monitoring sensor data and comparing it against predefined ODD parameters, the system identifies potential risks in advance and triggers interventions to maintain reliable operation across varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where sensor data is continuously analyzed, and when occlusions or ODD violations are detected, the system provides feedback to adjust vehicle operations or trigger safety interventions. This closed-loop control ensures that adaptability to environmental changes does not compromise operational reliability.
2Reliability
If the vehicle implements real-time detection and intervention mechanisms, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensor data acquisition, occlusion detection, operational envelope monitoring, and intervention triggering. Each module handles a specific aspect of safety monitoring, which simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational envelope detection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors sensor occlusions, tracks vehicle operational parameters, compares data against safety thresholds, and triggers appropriate interventions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each safety function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing safety.
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors sensor data and operational parameters, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of sensor data and operational parameters to ensure high detection precision for safety-critical functions. By keeping the monitoring active without interruption, the system ensures that no safety-relevant events are missed, while the energy consumption is managed through efficient processing and selective intervention triggering.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for operational envelope detection (OED) with situational assessment are disclosed. Embodiments herein relate to an operational envelope detector that is configured to receive, as inputs, information related to sensors of the system and information related to operational design domain (ODD) requirements. The OED then compares the information related to sensors of the system to the information related to the ODD requirements, and identifies whether the system is operating within its ODD or whether a remedial action is appropriate to adjust the ODD requirements based on the current sensor information. Other embodiments are described and/or claimed.