US 8,543,261 B2 · Methods and apparati for predicting and quantifying threat being experienced by a modeled system

Abstract

A method predicts and quantifies the threat posed to a human-operated device based on an optimal device trajectory through a constraint-bounded corridor. A model of the device together with a model of anticipated hazards and the current state of both the device and the hazards are used to iteratively generate an optimal device trajectory through a constraint-bounded corridor or region within state space. Device dynamics are forward-simulated over a time horizon. A method generates a threat assessment metric from the resulting sequence of optimal vehicle states. This threat assessment may be used to devise various types and levels of operator assistance. The human operator can control the device within a safe corridor or region. Threat assessment is based on the nearness of successive optimal trajectory predictions to limits of safe device handling rather than on deviation from a predefined path.

Claims54

Dependent claims

A method for generating a signal that represents an assessment of threat to a mechanical device, operating in an environment, the method comprising the steps of:

a. using a computer control system, using a model of the environment and a model of the device, generating at least one optimal device state trajectory from a current state through a time horizon satisfying constraints imposed by device control inputs, device dynamics, and the position of environmental hazards;
b. using the computer control system, based on at least one generated optimal trajectory prediction, identifying and quantifying threat posed to the device and generating a corresponding threat assessment metric, the at least one generated optimal trajectory prediction being based at least on predicted stability of the device through the time horizon as a function of the at least one optimal device state trajectory;
and
c. using the computer control system, based on the threat assessment metric and at least one threat threshold relating to at least one of known, approximated, and desired stability limits and safety margins of the device, generating at least one threat assessment signal.

1 more element

A threat assessment apparatus that generates a signal that represents an assessment of threat to a mechanical device, operating in an environment, the apparatus comprising:

a. a processor within which is represented a model of the environment and a model of the device, which processor is configured to generate at least one optimal device state trajectory from a current state through a time horizon satisfying constraints imposed by device controller inputs, device dynamics, and the position of environmental hazards;
b. a processor which is configured to, based on the at least one generated optimal trajectory prediction, identify and quantify threat posed to the device and to generate a corresponding threat assessment metric, the at least one generated optimal trajectory prediction being based at least on predicted stability of the device through the time horizon as a function of the at least one optimal device state trajectory;
and
c. a processor which is configured to, based on the threat assessment metric and at least one threat threshold relating to at least one of known, approximated, and desired stability limits and safety margins of the device, generate at least one threat assessment signal.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparati for predicting and quantifying threat being experienced by a modeled system

Life of this patent

Methods and apparati for predicting and quantifying threat being experienced by a modeled system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims54