Formalization of Operational Domain and Operational Design Domain for Automated Vehicles

TL;DR

This paper introduces a formal, mathematical framework for defining the Operational Domain and Operational Design Domain of automated vehicles to improve clarity and safety in system development.

Contribution

It provides a precise formalization of OD and ODD, addressing ambiguities and establishing a foundation for future specification and monitoring methods.

Findings

Formal mathematical model of OD and ODD

Clarification of relationships between key terms

Foundation for ODD specification and monitoring

Abstract

Specifying an Operational Design Domain (ODD) is crucial for safeguarding automated vehicle systems against conditions that exceed their capabilities. Yet, prior definitions of ODD have relied on ambiguous and unclear terms, resulting in numerous misunderstandings and misconceptions. This paper introduces a formal approach to clearly define the Operational Domain (OD) and ODD for automated vehicles. Furthermore, the absence of essential terms, such as the OD, has resulted in the creation of numerous terms that have made things more complicated and confusing. This level of complexity is unacceptable when it comes to developing safety-critical systems, where any uncertainty can lead to significant risks. This study addresses these deficiencies by providing a precise mathematical model of OD and clarifying its relationship with other terms. Also, by formalizing these terms, this work establishes a foundation for developing further concepts such as ODD specification and ODD monitoring, which are explained in this paper.