Autonomous Vehicle Control Mode Transition for Map Data Inadequacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges when map data becomes inadequate due to outdated information or insufficient detail, leading to potential navigation errors and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that transitions from a first autonomous mode using map data to a second autonomous mode, utilizing sensor data for navigation and prompting the user to switch to manual control, and if necessary, enters a third autonomous mode where it relies solely on sensor data for safe maneuvering and parking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vehicle operates in the first autonomous mode using map data for navigation, then the navigation efficiency and speed are improved, but the reliability deteriorates when map data becomes outdated or insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between different autonomous modes (first, second, and third modes) based on the quality and adequacy of map data. When map data is sufficient, the vehicle operates in the first autonomous mode for efficient navigation. When map data becomes inadequate, the system automatically switches to the second or third autonomous modes, adapting its operation to maintain reliability while preserving navigation efficiency when possible.
2Reliability
If the vehicle transitions to the second autonomous mode using sensor data when map data is inadequate, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple mode management
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system is segmented into distinct operational modes (first autonomous mode, second autonomous mode, and third autonomous mode), each with specific functions and data sources. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by clearly defining when to use map data versus sensor data, and when to prompt for manual intervention, thereby improving reliability without overwhelming the control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that assesses map data adequacy and mediates transitions between different autonomous modes. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by automatically determining when to switch modes based on map data quality, reducing the burden on the overall control system while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If the vehicle prompts the user to switch to manual mode when map data is inadequate, then the reliability is improved through user intervention, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required user action
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial automation by prompting the user to switch to manual mode only when map data becomes inadequate, rather than requiring constant manual intervention. This partial action approach maintains ease of operation during normal conditions while improving reliability when needed, striking a balance between automation and user control.
4Reliability
If the vehicle operates in the third autonomous mode relying solely on sensor data for safe maneuvering and parking, then the reliability is improved in environments with no map data, but the productivity decreases due to limited navigation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its navigation capabilities based on map data availability. In the third autonomous mode, when no map data is available, the vehicle relies solely on sensor data for safe maneuvering and parking, accepting reduced navigation efficiency to maintain operational reliability. This dynamic adaptation ensures the vehicle can operate safely in any environment while preserving productivity when map data is sufficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle can be controlled in a first autonomous mode of operation by at least navigating the vehicle based on map data. Sensor data can be obtained using one or more sensors of the vehicle. The sensor data can be indicative of an environment of the vehicle. An inadequacy in the map data can be detected by at least comparing the map data to the sensor data. In response to detecting the inadequacy in the map data, the vehicle can be controlled in a second autonomous mode of operation and a user can be prompted to switch to a manual mode of operation. The vehicle can be controlled in the second autonomous mode of operation by at least obtaining additional sensor data using the one or more sensors of the vehicle and navigating the vehicle based on the additional sensor data.