Utility Vehicle Transfer Control for Autonomous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for autonomous operation of utility vehicles are complex and inefficient, lacking specific solutions for utility vehicles and requiring driver presence, which hinders safe and continuous operation in restricted areas.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle interface, safety module, and control module that enables safe transfer of utility vehicles between a driver and a management system, ensuring a safe state and infrastructure assessment for autonomous operation in restricted areas, allowing for clear responsibility control and efficient operation without constant driver presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous operation systems are implemented for utility vehicles, then operational efficiency and productivity are improved, but system complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous operation system is divided into distinct functional modules: a control module for autonomous driving functions, a safety module for monitoring and emergency interventions, and a vehicle interface for driver interaction. This segmentation allows each module to be developed, tested, and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling efficient autonomous operation of utility vehicles in restricted areas.
2Reliability
If driver presence is required for autonomous operation, then safety control is improved, but operational efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a safety module as an intermediary between the driver and the autonomous control system. This safety module continuously monitors vehicle operations, infrastructure conditions, and system states, and can intervene when necessary. This intermediary mechanism maintains safety control while allowing the driver to remain outside the vehicle during autonomous operations, thereby improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If transfer protocols are simplified for utility vehicles, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks and assessments before transferring control to autonomous mode. The safety module evaluates infrastructure conditions, vehicle system states, and environmental factors in advance. This preliminary action ensures that all safety requirements are met before autonomous operation begins, maintaining reliability while keeping the transfer protocol simple and straightforward for the driver.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring a utility vehicle between a driver and a management system in order to autonomously operate the utility vehicle in a restricted area, including: a vehicle interface to allow the driver to request the transfer of the utility vehicle; a safety module to establish a safe state of the utility vehicle; and a control module to transfer the vehicle between the driver and the management system if the driver has requested the transfer and the safety module has established the safe state. Also described are a related utility vehicle, a management system, a method, and a computer readable medium.