Method of using a single controller (ECU) for a fault-tolerant/fail-operational self-driving system
US11214273B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2201/805
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a self-driving autonomous vehicle, a controller architecture includes multiple processors within the same box. Each processor monitors the others and takes appropriate safe action when needed. Some processors may run dormant or low priority redundant functions that become active when another processor is detected to have failed. The processors are independently powered and independently execute redundant algorithms from sensor data processing to actuation commands using different hardware capabilities (GPUs, processing cores, different input signals, etc.). Intentional hardware and software diversity improves fault tolerance. The resulting fault-tolerant/fail-operational system meets ISO26262 ASIL D specifications based on a single electronic controller unit platform that can be used for self-driving vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.