Remote Vehicle Intervention for Suspended Autonomous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and driver-assist vehicles may become suspended or disabled due to unexpected road conditions when their onboard data processing systems cannot process sensor data or determine the proper course of action, leading to safety issues and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a remote intervention system that allows vehicles to transmit visual data to a remote operator, either human or AI, for decision-making assistance, enabling the vehicle to receive control signals to update its operation based on aggregated sensor data and remote input, thereby overcoming operational suspensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the onboard data processing system processes sensor data autonomously, then the extent of automation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when unexpected road conditions cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
A remote operator serves as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle system and external support. When the onboard data processing system encounters unexpected road conditions it cannot handle, the vehicle transmits sensor data to the remote operator who provides decision-making assistance, thereby maintaining operational reliability without reducing automation extent
Solution Approach 2:
The decision-making system is segmented into two parts: the onboard data processing system handles routine autonomous operations, while the remote operator handles exceptional cases. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high automation for normal operations while ensuring reliability through human intervention when needed
2Reliability
If the vehicle transmits visual data to remote operators for decision-making assistance, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to communication delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits only the necessary sensor data related to the specific unexpected condition to the remote operator, rather than transmitting all sensor data continuously. This partial action approach maintains decision-making accuracy while reducing transmission time and data processing overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle continuously transmits sensor data to the remote operator before actually needing decision-making assistance. This preliminary action allows the remote operator to be prepared and reduces the response time when unexpected conditions arise, as the data transmission infrastructure is already established
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle retains control and aggregates information from sensors and remote operators, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The onboard data processing system maintains self-service capability by continuously processing sensor data and retaining vehicle control. The system independently aggregates information from sensors and remote operators, and autonomously determines control signals, thereby maintaining ease of operation without requiring additional complex external control infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies disclosed relate to a remote intervention system for the operation of a vehicle, which can be an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle that includes driver assist features, a vehicle used for ride sharing services or the like. The system includes a remote operator receiving a request for remote intervention from a vehicle when the operation of the vehicle is suspended and sending a response to the vehicle. The vehicle can transmit visual data detected by one or more sensors on the vehicle to the remote operator. The remote operator can output a response after analyzing the visual data transmitted by the vehicle. The remote operator can be a human operator or an AI operator. The response can result in an update of the vehicle operation.