Swarming Vehicle Test Coordination for Reproducible AV Scenarios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems are inadequate in simulating real-world scenarios to assess vehicle performance and safety, particularly due to the limitations of human involvement in test environments, which can introduce variability and risk.
Innovation Solution
An automated swarming vehicle test environment utilizing a vehicle automation platform that coordinates a swarm of autonomous vehicles to perform choreographed maneuvers, allowing for precise control and communication of test plans to evaluate the response of a test vehicle, thereby reducing human error and ensuring consistent, reproducible testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human drivers are used in traditional testing methods, then real-world scenario simulation is possible, but variability and safety risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses autonomous vehicles that replicate human driving behaviors and responses through programmed algorithms. These autonomous test vehicles copy human reaction patterns, decision-making processes, and driving styles without requiring actual human drivers, thereby eliminating human variability and safety risks while maintaining realistic testing scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human drivers with an automated control system. The autonomous vehicles use sensors, processors, and actuators to substitute human physiological and neurological functions, converting human-driven testing into an automated electronic control system that provides consistent, reproducible results without human safety risks
2Adaptability or versatility
If more test vehicles are deployed to simulate complex scenarios, then testing comprehensiveness is improved, but coordination and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple autonomous vehicles into a coordinated swarm that operates under unified control. The vehicles communicate with each other and with a central management system, combining their individual capabilities into a cohesive testing platform that can simulate complex multi-vehicle scenarios while maintaining centralized coordination to manage system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicles are designed with universal, multi-functional capabilities that allow them to perform various testing roles. Each vehicle can adapt its behavior, sensors, and functions based on the specific testing scenario requirements, enabling a single vehicle design to handle diverse complex scenarios without requiring specialized vehicles for each test type
3Productivity
If traditional testing methods are used, then setup and execution are simpler, but testing efficiency and data collection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary programming and configuration of autonomous vehicles before actual testing begins. Test scenarios, vehicle behaviors, sensor calibrations, and data collection parameters are all pre-configured through software, allowing rapid deployment and execution of multiple test scenarios without time-consuming physical setup, thereby significantly improving testing efficiency and reducing setup time
Data Source
AI summary
An automated swarming vehicle test environment includes a vehicle automation platform (VAP), a first swarming vehicle, and a second swarming vehicle. In some embodiments, a first test plan is created by a VAP for a first swarming vehicle. The first test plan comprises: a time series of vehicle trajectory data for the first swarming vehicle, and position data for the first swarming vehicle relative to a test vehicle. The first test plan is sent from the VAP to the first swarming vehicle. In some embodiments, a second test plan is created by the VAP for a second swarming vehicle. The second test plan comprises: a time series of vehicle trajectory data for the second swarming vehicle, and position data for the second swarming vehicle relative to the test vehicle. The second test plan is sent from the VAP to the second swarming vehicle.