Autonomous Racetrack Coaching With Optimal Trajectory Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for training humans to drive an autonomous vehicle on a track are time-consuming, costly, and often require a human instructor whose methods may not be optimal.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for an autonomous racetrack driver coach and demonstrator that maps a trajectory and velocity profile for an autonomous motor vehicle using a remote configurator, allowing the vehicle to follow the mapped path with feedback control, and optionally allowing a human passenger to take control in case of hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a human instructor is used to train drivers on a track, then personalized guidance can be provided, but the training process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the optimal driving trajectory and velocity profile, generated through simulation and optimization algorithms, to replace the human instructor's knowledge and experience. This digital twin of expert driving behavior can be replicated and distributed to multiple students without additional time or cost constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle system provides self-instruction capabilities to students through automated feedback mechanisms that monitor student performance against the optimal trajectory and provide real-time guidance, eliminating the need for continuous human instructor involvement while maintaining training quality
2Ease of operation
If a human instructor is used to train drivers on a track, then guidance can be provided, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive human instructor resources with a digitally replicated expert driving model that can be deployed across multiple vehicles and locations at minimal marginal cost, maintaining consistent high-quality instruction without the overhead of instructor salaries and logistics
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous coaching system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as instructor, evaluator, feedback provider, and data analyst, consolidating roles that would otherwise require multiple human resources into a single automated platform
3Productivity
If autonomous control is used to follow the mapped trajectory, then optimal lap time can be achieved, but the human driver loses control
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control architecture that continuously monitors the vehicle's position and velocity against the optimal trajectory, providing real-time corrections to the autonomous control system while allowing the human driver to maintain situational awareness and ultimate control authority
Solution Approach 2:
The control system operates in dynamic modes that can switch between autonomous trajectory following and human-controlled operation, allowing the level of automation to adapt based on track conditions, student proficiency, and safety considerations
4Reliability
If autonomous vehicle operation is used, then consistent optimal performance can be demonstrated, but adaptability to hazards is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hazard detection and assessment using sensors and processing units to identify potential obstacles or track conditions that require deviation from the optimal trajectory, preparing contingency plans before the vehicle reaches critical decision points
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous system acts as an intermediary between the human driver and the track environment, monitoring hazards and providing the driver with processed information and recommended actions, rather than directly controlling all aspects of vehicle operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an autonomous racetrack driver coach and demonstrator in an autonomous vehicle employing operating systems for propulsion and maneuvering includes identifying a road course and mapping a velocity profile and a trajectory for the vehicle via a remote configurator. The trajectory defines a vehicle path around the road course and with the velocity profile minimizes the vehicle's lap time. The method also includes determining a presence of a human passenger/operator in the vehicle. The method additionally includes determining, via an electronic controller in communication with a remote detection source, localization of the vehicle on the road course. The method also includes determining vehicle velocity, acceleration, and heading relative to the mapped trajectory. Furthermore, the method includes operating the vehicle, with the human passenger/operator situated therein, to follow the mapped trajectory using feedback control of the operating systems in response to the determined localization, velocity, acceleration, and heading.