Remote Vehicle Brake Control Under Communication Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remotely operated vehicles face limitations in maximum operating speed due to high communication latency thresholds set to ensure emergency stops can be performed within a certain distance, leading to frequent interruptions in operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors communication link latency and cancels emergency stop maneuvers if the link is recovered within a brake reaction time period, allowing for a lower latency threshold without increasing interruptions, enabling earlier brake engagement and potentially higher operating speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high latency threshold is set to ensure emergency stops can be performed within a certain distance, then vehicle safety is improved, but maximum operating speed is reduced and operation continuity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the latency threshold adaptive rather than static. The control unit dynamically adjusts the latency threshold based on current vehicle speed and braking performance data. When braking performance is excellent, the system allows lower thresholds that enable higher speeds; when braking performance degrades, the threshold increases to maintain safety. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for both safety and productivity under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of latency threshold from a fixed value to a variable that depends on vehicle speed and braking performance. By establishing a relationship where the threshold is a function of these parameters, the system can mathematically determine the appropriate threshold to maintain safety while maximizing operating speed. This parameter transformation allows the system to navigate the trade-off between safety and productivity continuously.
2Productivity
If a low latency threshold is set to allow higher operating speeds, then productivity is improved, but vehicle safety is worsened due to increased stopping distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual braking performance and using this information to adjust the latency threshold. The control unit receives feedback from braking systems about actual stopping distances and performance characteristics, then uses this feedback to refine the threshold setting. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that safety is maintained while allowing the system to operate at optimal speeds based on real-world performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing braking performance data across various speed and condition parameters before actual operation. The control unit has access to pre-established performance characteristics that allow it to quickly determine appropriate thresholds without real-time calculation delays. This preliminary preparation enables the system to respond rapidly while maintaining optimal safety and productivity balances.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention pertain to a method of controlling a remotely operated vehicle operated from a remote operation station via a communication link, the method comprising: monitoring a latency (L) of the communication link, requesting (S2) an emergency stop maneuver in response to the latency exceeding a predetermined threshold (T), and cancelling (S3) the requested emergency stop maneuver, in response to the communication link being recovered within a brake reaction time (A). Embodiments of the invention also relate to a remotely operated vehicle having a control unit configured to: monitor a latency (L) of a communication link between the vehicle and a remote operation station, request an emergency stop maneuver in response to the latency exceeding a predetermined threshold (T), and cancel the requested emergency stop maneuver, in response to the communication link being recovered within a brake reaction time period (A).