Autonomous Vehicle Simulation Variables for Runtime Scenario Overrides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation systems for autonomous vehicles lack expressiveness and efficiency in testing various scenarios due to redundant and highly specific simulation specifications, requiring extensive user intervention and changes to software components.
Innovation Solution
A variable system that allows encoding and assigning different values to simulation variables at runtime, using a layered approach for overriding and refinement, enabling deterministic sampling and noise injection without altering the underlying software components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simulation specifications are made highly specific to test various scenarios, then testing coverage and accuracy are improved, but system complexity and user intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system is segmented into multiple layers (base layer, override layer, refinement layer) that can be independently managed. Each layer handles specific aspects of simulation variables, allowing complex testing scenarios to be broken down into manageable segments without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to variable management by enabling runtime value assignment. Instead of hardcoding all simulation parameters statically, the system allows variables to be modified dynamically during execution, adding a time-based layer to the simulation architecture that simplifies scenario management.
2Reliability
If simulation specifications are made highly specific to test various scenarios, then testing coverage and accuracy are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system performs self-service through automated variable resolution. The layered architecture automatically resolves variable values by checking base definitions, overrides, and refinements in sequence without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of scenario configuration, allowing users to operate with simpler interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software components are changed to accommodate different simulation conditions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The layered variable system serves multiple functions within a single unified architecture. It can define base variables, override specific values, apply refinements, and handle runtime modifications all through the same mechanism. This universal approach maintains software consistency while accommodating diverse simulation scenarios without requiring separate code paths.
4Productivity
If runtime variable assignment is enabled, then expressiveness and testing efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary variable resolution mechanism that mediates between static definitions and dynamic runtime assignments. The layered architecture acts as a buffer, automatically resolving variable values by coordinating base definitions, overrides, and refinements. This intermediary layer shields users from the complexity of runtime management while enabling flexible variable assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a variable system for simulating the operation of an autonomous system, such as an autonomous vehicle, are disclosed. A layered approach for defining variables can allow changing the specification of those variables under the rules of override and refinement, while leaving the software components that query those variables at runtime unaffected. The variable system can facilitate, among others, deterministic sampling of variables, simulation variations, noise injection, and realistic message timing. These applications can make the simulator more expressive and more powerful by virtue of being able to test the same scenario under many different conditions. As a result, more exhaustive testing can be performed without requiring user intervention and without having to change the individual software components of the simulator.