Autonomous Vehicle Control Interface Relay Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in ensuring safe transitions between manual and autonomous control modes, particularly at high speeds, due to inefficiencies in conventional machine vision cameras that operate asynchronously, leading to potential navigation errors.
Innovation Solution
A control interface system that includes a sensor synchronization controller to time-synchronize sensor data from multiple sensors, and a mechanical switching mechanism using a double-throw electromechanical relay to safely toggle between manual and autonomous control modes, ensuring reliable vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional machine vision cameras operate asynchronously to capture sensor data, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to navigation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by capturing timestamps for each sensor data frame and establishing a reference time before processing. This preliminary time-stamping action enables subsequent synchronization without requiring complex real-time coordination during data capture, thus maintaining simple camera operation while achieving precise measurement alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization mechanism that uses timestamp metadata as a mediator between asynchronously operating sensors. This intermediary layer allows sensor data from multiple sources to be correlated and synchronized during processing without requiring the sensors themselves to operate in synchronous mode, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and measurement precision.
2Reliability
If a mechanical switching mechanism is implemented to toggle between manual and autonomous control modes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses software-based mode transitions. The controller electronically switches between manual and autonomous control modes through programmed logic rather than physical mechanical switches, maintaining reliable mode transitions while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and improving response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the switching mechanism in software form, where the mode transition logic is replicated in the controller's programming rather than requiring physical hardware switches. This software-based approach maintains the functional reliability of mode switching while eliminating the complexity of multiple mechanical components, contacts, and physical wiring associated with traditional mechanical switching systems.
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
The system enables safe and efficient transitions between manual and autonomous modes by synchronizing sensor data and using a reliable mechanical switching mechanism, enhancing navigation accuracy and safety, especially at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The control interface may include a double-throw electromechanical relay that switchably couples the vehicle control platform to one of the automated controller or a manual input mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A control interface for a first vehicle operation of an autonomous vehicle. The control interface detects an autonomy activation signal to enable a first automated controller to control the first vehicle operation. The control interface then couples the first automated controller to a vehicle control platform configured to manage the first vehicle operation in response to input signals. For example, the control inter face may include a double-throw electromechanical relay that switchably couples the vehicle control platform to one of the first automated controller or a manual input mechanism. The control interface then provides the input signals to the vehicle control platform from the first automated controller.