Universal Interface Board for Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting host vehicles for autonomous operation requires different interface boards and software for each vehicle make, model, and build due to varying electrical characteristics, leading to high costs and inefficiencies in large fleets.
Innovation Solution
An electronic interface system with a printed circuit board, relays, signal conditioning circuitry, and an interface controller that adjusts sensor and control signals using configuration data to match specific vehicle characteristics, allowing for universal compatibility and automatic detection of vehicle make, model, and build.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different interface boards are developed for each host vehicle make, model, and build, then compatibility with specific vehicle electrical characteristics is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface board is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can work with multiple host vehicle makes, models, and builds. The board incorporates programmable signal conditioning circuitry and configuration data storage that enables it to adapt its electrical characteristics to match different vehicle requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interface boards.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface board changes its electrical parameters (voltage levels, signal timing, data rates) dynamically based on the detected host vehicle type. Configuration data specific to each vehicle make, model, and build is stored and loaded to adjust the interface board's operational parameters, allowing one board design to serve multiple vehicle platforms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different versions of autonomous driving software are developed for each host vehicle, then software compatibility with specific vehicle systems is improved, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous driving software uses configuration data to dynamically adjust its operational parameters based on the detected host vehicle type. Instead of maintaining separate software versions, the system loads appropriate configuration sets that modify signal processing, control algorithms, and system integration parameters to match the specific vehicle platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the host vehicle make, model, and build through the interface board and self-configures by loading the appropriate configuration data. This eliminates the need for manual software version selection or customization, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle platforms autonomously.
3Loss of time
If configuration data is stored on the interface board, then system initialization time is reduced, but interface board memory requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data for multiple host vehicle types is pre-stored in the interface board's non-volatile memory during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the interface board to immediately access and load the appropriate configuration without external intervention, significantly reducing system initialization time when a new host vehicle is connected.
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, we describe techniques for an interface board for harmonizing performance of different autonomous vehicles in a fleet. In an embodiment, the interface system includes a printed circuit board installed in a host vehicle that includes an interface controller and interface circuitry coupled to the interface controller. The interface circuitry includes a plurality of relays configured by the interface controller to route/pass sensor signals received from actuators of the host vehicle to the interface controller, and route/pass control signals from the interface controller to actuator controllers of the host vehicle that control the actuators in accordance with an operating mode. Signal conditioning circuitry in the interface controller conditions the sensor signals and control signals to ensure that the electrical characteristics of the sensor signals are compatible with the interface controller, and that the electrical characteristics of the control signals are compatible with the actuator controllers.