Robotic Test System for Automated Driving Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated robotic test systems for automated driving systems lack efficient and safe methods for testing automated driving functions, particularly in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of collisions between vehicles and unmanned target robots.

Innovation Solution

An integrated automated robotic test system (ARTS) that utilizes a combination of local positioning systems, communication networks, and common robotic unit hardware and software to enable coordinated robotic control of test vehicles and target robots, allowing for safe collisions and comprehensive testing of automated driving functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automated vehicles are used to test automated driving functions, then testing capability is provided, but safety and effectiveness cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and effectiveness of testingVSAvoidtesting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces target robots as intermediary objects between test vehicles and the testing environment. These target robots serve as controlled mediators that enable safe collision testing while maintaining testing effectiveness. The target robot acts as a buffer that allows automated driving functions to be tested under controlled conditions without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified copies or representations of real-world collision scenarios through target robots. Instead of testing with actual vehicles in uncontrolled environments, the system uses target robots that replicate essential collision dynamics in a controlled manner, preserving testing validity while enhancing safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional testing methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but comprehensive testing of automated driving functions is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive testing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal testing framework where the ARTS system can perform multiple types of automated driving function tests through a single integrated platform. The system accommodates various test scenarios (collision avoidance, emergency braking, lane changing) using common infrastructure components, making the complex system versatile and adaptable to different testing needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the testing system into modular segments including test vehicles, target robots, positioning systems, and communication networks. This segmentation allows each component to be independently developed, tested, and configured for specific testing requirements, managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If coordinated robotic control is implemented, then collision safety is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision safetyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions (positioning, navigation, collision detection, and emergency response) into an integrated coordinated control system. By combining these functions into a unified control architecture, the system manages complexity while achieving comprehensive collision safety through centralized coordination of all robotic units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where positioning systems monitor the locations of test vehicles and target robots, communication networks transmit real-time status information, and the control system adjusts trajectories and speeds based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures collision safety while managing system complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11280704B2Automated robotic test system for automated driving systems
Publication Date: 2022.03.22 PERRONE ROBOTICS INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US11280704B2 patent drawing
  • US11280704B2 patent drawing
  • US11280704B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated automated robotic test system for automated driving systems is disclosed, which is operable to provide an automated testing system for coordinated robotic control of automobiles equipped with automation functions (i.e., test vehicles) and unmanned target robots with which test vehicles may safely collide. The system may include a system for controlling a vehicle that includes a brake actuator, a throttle actuator, and a steering actuator. The brake actuator is controlled by a brake motor and configured to press and release a brake pedal of the vehicle. The throttle actuator is controlled by a throttle motor and configured to press and release a gas pedal of the vehicle. The steering actuator is configured to control a steering wheel of the vehicle. The steering actuator includes a steering motor configured to attach to the steering wheel and a reaction stand configured to support the steering motor.