Autonomous Truck Mode Transition for Lead-Follow and Remote Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous cargo trucks face challenges in transitioning between autonomous driving modes and maneuvering at destinations with limited sensor capabilities, particularly on surface streets and in warehouses, due to regulatory restrictions and sensor limitations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vehicle system that transitions from fully autonomous driving to a 'follow' mode, using a lead vehicle for navigation on surface streets and employing remote assistance and sensors for parking at destinations without requiring sensors on trailers, utilizing a control system with processors, perception systems, and communication systems for wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous cargo trucks operate in fully autonomous mode on surface streets, then automation level is improved, but regulatory compliance deteriorates due to restrictions on autonomous operation in certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between fully autonomous mode and teleoperated mode based on location and regulatory constraints. The autonomous vehicle can operate autonomously on highways where permitted, then switch to teleoperated mode when approaching restricted areas, enabling continuous operation while complying with regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
A teleoperation system acts as an intermediary when full autonomy is not permitted or feasible. Remote operators assist the autonomous vehicle through wireless communication during mode transitions or when navigating complex environments, bridging the gap between autonomous capabilities and regulatory requirements.
2Loss of information
If autonomous cargo trucks are equipped with sensors on trailers, then perception capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors mounted on the tractor unit serve multiple functions: they detect objects for the autonomous vehicle's own safety, provide perception data for teleoperation assistance, and enable both fully autonomous and teleoperated driving modes without requiring separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the perception systems of the autonomous vehicle and the teleoperated vehicle by having the autonomous vehicle's sensors detect and share information with the remote operator, creating a unified perception capability without duplicating sensors on the trailer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous vehicles transition between driving modes, then adaptability is improved, but operational time increases due to mode switching and authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and coordination between the autonomous vehicle and teleoperated vehicle before mode transitions are needed. This pre-establishment of communication channels and authorization reduces the time required when actual mode switching occurs during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operational conditions, location, and regulatory constraints, providing real-time feedback that triggers automatic mode transitions when appropriate. This feedback mechanism eliminates delays associated with manual mode switching by automatically initiating transitions based on current operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to assisting large self-driving vehicles, such as cargo vehicles, as they maneuver towards and/or park at a destination facility. This may include a given vehicle transitioning between different autonomous driving modes. Such a vehicles may be permitted to drive in a fully autonomous mode on certain roadways for the majority of a trip, but may need to change to a partially autonomous mode on other roadways or when entering or leaving a destination facility such as a warehouse, depot or service center. Large vehicles such as cargo truck may have limited room to maneuver in and park at the destination, which may also prevent operation in a fully autonomous mode. Here, information from the destination facility and/or a remote assistance service can be employed to aid in real-time semi-autonomous maneuvering.