Test Rover Suspension and Route Control for SDS Actor Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test technologies for self-driving systems are inefficient and incompatible with simulation software, requiring manual control and causing damage to other systems and actors during physical testing, and lack integration with SDS hardware and software.
Innovation Solution
A test rover apparatus with a chassis, wheels, and suspension system that can be remotely controlled to simulate mobile actors, integrating with self-driving system (SDS) hardware and software, and capable of receiving predetermined routes based on simulation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control is used during physical testing, then testing can be performed, but testing efficiency is low and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The test rover is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors (cameras, LIDAR, GPS) and onboard processors that enable it to independently follow pre-programmed routes and perform maneuvers without continuous manual control, allowing the system to serve itself during testing operations
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control is replaced with automated electronic control systems including motor controllers, sensor feedback loops, and software-based navigation algorithms that automatically adjust the rover's movement based on pre-programmed test scenarios
2Reliability
If physical testing is conducted with existing test technologies, then sensor performance can be validated, but physical damage may occur to systems and actors
Solution Approach 1:
The test rover creates realistic copies of mobile actors (pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles) using scaled models or simplified representations that replicate the optical, radar, and LIDAR signatures of real actors, allowing sensor validation without the risks associated with using actual actors
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements pre-programmed safety protocols and controlled test environments where test scenarios are carefully planned and limited to predetermined routes and maneuvers, cushioning against potential physical damage before it can occur
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing test technologies are used, then testing can be performed, but integration with SDS hardware and software is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The test rover is designed as a multi-functional platform that can simulate various types of mobile actors (pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles) and can be programmed to perform different maneuvers and routes, making it universally applicable to test various SDS sensor configurations and algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The test rover serves as an intermediary device between the SDS system and the physical environment, translating virtual test scenarios into physical movements and translating sensor responses back into measurable data, thereby bridging the gap between simulation and real-world testing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances testing efficiency by allowing remote control of simulated actors, reducing manual intervention, and validating sensor and software performance without physical damage.
Implementation Method 1
At least one spring is coupled between the at least one wheel and the chassis and configured to: bias the at least one wheel to extend out of the cavity to engage an underlying surface, and compress in response to a load being applied to the top of the chassis thereby retracting the at least one wheel into the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a test rover apparatus, a test system and a test method using the test rover apparatus. For example, the test rover apparatus is provided with a chassis that is configured to support an object representing a mobile actor, and a motor that is coupled to at least one wheel. At least one spring is coupled between the at least one wheel and the chassis to: bias the at least one wheel to extend out of the cavity to engage an underlying surface, and compress in response to a load being applied to the top of the chassis thereby retracting the at least one wheel into the cavity. A controller is configured to control the motor to drive the at least one wheel to propel the chassis along a predetermined route that is based on simulation data and corresponds to a maneuver of the mobile actor.