Automated Vehicle Subsystem Diagnostics for Anomaly Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicles lack the ability to detect and remediate system malfunctions and failures independently, as they rely on human drivers for these functions, which is not feasible in fully autonomous systems.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system and method that monitors vehicle subsystems, generates a master diagnostic message for anomalous conditions, and adjusts operations or communicates with other subsystems to ensure safe operation, utilizing existing sensors and data to detect anomalies and failures in steering, braking, and powertrain systems, and transmits alerts to remote devices for further assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated vehicles replace human drivers, then automation level increases, but the ability to detect and remediate system malfunctions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system enables the automated vehicle to self-diagnose and self-monitor its own subsystems through continuous data collection from sensors, establishing normal operating zones and detecting anomalies without human intervention. The system records operating parameters, compares them against established norms, and autonomously identifies deviations indicating malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors subsystem data, compares current operating zones against normal ranges, and provides feedback when anomalies are detected. The diagnostic message transmits anomaly information back to the vehicle control system, enabling real-time adjustments or alerts to maintain safe operation despite the lack of human drivers.
2Extent of automation
If human drivers are unavailable to detect malfunctions, then automation increases, but safety response to failures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes normal operating zones for each subsystem based on design parameters and operational data before malfunctions occur. By having these reference ranges predetermined, the system can immediately detect and respond to deviations without requiring human analysis or judgment, ensuring rapid safety responses even when drivers are unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system acts as an intermediary between vehicle subsystems and the central control, translating raw sensor data into meaningful anomaly detections and diagnostic messages. This intermediary layer processes information from multiple sensors and subsystems, identifying patterns that indicate safety issues before they become critical failures.
3Measurement precision
If diagnostic systems monitor multiple subsystems continuously, then detection capability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system divides the vehicle into discrete subsystems (powertrain, braking, steering, etc.), each with its own normal operating zone parameters monitored independently. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by treating each subsystem separately while maintaining comprehensive monitoring, as each subsystem can be analyzed and diagnosed without requiring simultaneous processing of all vehicle systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic method for an automated vehicle includes monitoring data from a first vehicle subsystem of a plurality of vehicle subsystems to establish a current operating zone for the first vehicle subsystem, transmitting a master diagnostic message with an anomalous status for the first vehicle subsystem in response to the current operating zone for the first vehicle subsystem being outside of an anomalous behavior boundary of a normal operating zone for the first vehicle subsystem for at least a predetermined period of time, the common master diagnostic message being transmitted to each vehicle subsystem of the plurality of vehicle subsystems, and adjusting operation of at least a second one of the plurality of vehicle subsystems in response to receiving the master diagnostic message with the anomalous status for the first vehicle subsystem. A related diagnostic system is also provided.