Automated Vehicle Trajectory Control via Reference Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for driver assistance systems struggle to determine and execute appropriate driving maneuvers in real time, especially in complex traffic situations involving multiple lane changes or prolonged periods, as they often fail to select the optimal control strategy among various possibilities.

Innovation Solution

A method that decouples driving maneuver planning and control, using a reference trajectory and generating possible trajectories with a non-linear mathematical model, selecting the most similar trajectory based on a cost functional that considers spatial distance and orientation, with weighting functions to prioritize certain segments and time segments, allowing for faster decision-making and reduced computational resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If previously known methods are used to determine driving maneuvers for longer periods or complex situations, then comprehensive control possibilities can be analyzed, but real-time determination is no longer possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol possibilitiesVSAvoiddetermination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the determination process into two independent segments: first determining a reference trajectory for the entire maneuver period, then generating possible trajectories only for a current predefined period. This segmentation allows each segment to be computed quickly while maintaining comprehensive analysis capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference trajectory is determined in advance for the entire maneuver period, serving as a preliminary guide. This preliminary action enables subsequent possible trajectories to be generated more efficiently by comparing against the pre-established reference, rather than analyzing all possibilities from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If a non-linear mathematical replacement model is used to generate possible trajectories, then accurate prediction of vehicle behavior in high acceleration situations is achieved, but computing time and resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebehavior prediction accuracyVSAvoidcomputing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different levels of model complexity to different parts of the trajectory determination process. The reference trajectory uses a simpler model, while possible trajectories use a more accurate non-linear model. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between accuracy and computing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using the complex non-linear model for the entire trajectory determination, the patent applies it only partially to generate possible trajectories from the reference trajectory. This partial application reduces overall computing time while maintaining accuracy where it matters most.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of time

If a simple point mass model is used for reference trajectory generation, then computing time is reduced, but detailed behavior reproduction is less relevant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing timeVSAvoidbehavior detail accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the modeling complexity: a simple point mass model is used for the reference trajectory where detailed behavior is less critical, while a more detailed non-linear model is used for possible trajectories where accurate behavior prediction is essential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the model parameters and complexity level according to the specific task: simpler parameters for reference trajectory generation, more detailed parameters for possible trajectory generation. This adaptive parameter selection optimizes both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11714418B2Method for the automated control of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.01 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • US11714418B2 patent drawing
  • US11714418B2 patent drawing
  • US11714418B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for the automated control of a motor vehicle (10) is presented. The method includes the following steps:Generating and/or receiving a reference trajectory (T*) for the motor vehicle (10);Generating at least two possible trajectories ({circumflex over (x)}i) for the motor vehicle (10);Comparing the at least two possible trajectories ({circumflex over (x)}i) with the reference trajectory (T*); andSelecting one of the at least two possible trajectories ({circumflex over (x)}i) based on the comparison of the at least two possible trajectories ({circumflex over (x)}i) with the reference trajectory (T*).A control device (24) for a system for the control of a motor vehicle (10) is also proposed.