Introduction

The move towards automated driving systems (ADSs) is being driven by the many potential benefits of the technology, such as increased safety, reduced traffic congestion, lowered emissions and potentially increased mobility for those unable to drive. In order to realize these benefits, it is essential that the ADS technology is introduced safely.

The development of automated vehicle technology has received wide public attention, with countries worldwide focusing on:

— ensuring that the introduction of ADSs for testing/trialling purposes and for commercial operations is done safely, securely and legally; and
— building public and consumer trust and acceptance of the technology.

A key aspect of the safe use of automated vehicle technology is defining its capabilities and limitations and clearly communicating these to the end user, leading to a state of “informed safety”. The first step in establishing the capability of an ADS is the definition of its operational design domain (ODD). In addition to safe operation, the ODD definition is also important for conformity with laws and regulations and compliance with vehicle goals, e.g. mobility and comfort needs.

The ODD represents the operating conditions within which an ADS can perform the dynamic driving task (DDT) safely during a trip. This document focuses on a taxonomy and format for the ODD definition for a given ADS to create a common understanding of the ODD.

The ODD taxonomy and definition format specified in this document will enable ADS manufacturers to specify, implement and communicate minimum safety requirements in their designs, and allow end users (e.g. insurers, national, local, and regional government), operators and regulators to reference a minimum set of ODD attributes and performance requirements in their procurements. It will also enable ADS manufacturers, developers and suppliers of components and subcomponents to define the operating capability and assemble sets of evidence that will improve confidence in the safety of the resulting product (such as component specifications) and in the data obtained from test and verification activities.

While there are a number of different testing, trialling and deployment environments, this document provides a generic taxonomy for defining each of these environments. For a scenario-based verification methodology for ADS, a hierarchical taxonomy for ODD definition and a definition format also enables an efficient scenario creation and scenario parametrisation. Such a definition format standard is in development – ASAM OpenODD.

BS ISO 34503:2023

Road Vehicles. Test scenarios for automated driving systems. Specification for operational design domain

Current

Published:

31 Aug 2023