Ensuring safe operation of autonomous vehicle: A comprehensive survey of Operational Design Condition

The rapid evolution of Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) introduces a growing array of tasks and scenarios, significantly complicating the safe operation of Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS). These systems must navigate rare and unpredictable challenges, such as extreme weather, road irregularities, and unconventional behaviors from other traffic participants. Traditional safety specifications fall short of defining the safe operating conditions required for such complexities. Hence, the paper introduces the Operational Design Condition (ODC) framework that encompasses the status of drivers and passengers, vehicle status, ODD, and other conditions. This survey reviews current approaches to defining and describing the Operational Design Domain (ODD) and provides an in-depth look at the ODC framework for ADS. Moreover, this survey formulates a closed-loop ODC development process by summarizing existing research and leveraging established hazard analysis techniques to set ODC boundaries. In addition, it also discusses ODC monitoring and extension methods, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing research and development. It calls for advancements in standardization, the creation of a more dynamic and adaptable ODC design, the granular ODC mapping and management, the deeper integration of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies, and the evolution of ODC testing and validation methods. These efforts are crucial to ensure the safe and effective operation of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) across various scenarios.