Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Degradation Detection Through Active Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in navigating their environment confidently due to sensor failures or inaccuracies, which can lead to decreased ability to detect objects nearby, affecting safe operation.
Innovation Solution
The system actively controls the autonomous vehicle's movements to test sensor readings by comparing them with expected data from known objects, using processors and sensors like radar and laser units to determine sensor degradation by introducing small perturbations in the vehicle's motion and comparing sensor outputs with expected state information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the autonomous vehicle operates in autonomous mode with sensor-based object detection, then the vehicle can navigate automatically, but sensor failures or inaccuracies decrease the ability to detect objects confidently and precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor readings by comparing detected object states with expected states derived from map data and vehicle movement characteristics. When deviations exceed thresholds, the system generates alerts or takes corrective actions, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains detection reliability despite sensor degradation or failures
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores electronic representations of the environment (maps) containing known object locations and characteristics before autonomous operation begins. This preliminary data preparation enables real-time comparison with sensor readings, allowing the system to detect anomalies quickly without requiring additional sensors or complex real-time verification
2Measurement precision
If the vehicle stores detailed electronic representations of the environment for navigation, then the vehicle can navigate confidently and precisely, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates simplified electronic copies (maps) of the physical environment that capture essential navigation information such as lane markings, road boundaries, and known object locations. These digital replicas enable precise navigation and sensor validation without requiring the full complexity of the physical environment, reducing computational burden while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for determining sensor degradation by actively controlling an autonomous vehicle. Determining sensor degradation may include obtaining sensor readings from a sensor of an autonomous vehicle, and determining baseline state information from the obtained sensor readings. A movement characteristic of the autonomous vehicle, such as speed or position, may then be changed. The sensor may then obtain additional sensor readings, and second state information may be determined from these additional sensor readings. Expected state information may be determined from the baseline state information and the change in the movement characteristic of the autonomous vehicle. A comparison of the expected state information and the second state information may then be performed. Based on this comparison, a determination may be made as to whether the sensor has degraded.