Feature Description for Assessing Autonomous Vehicle Performance

Published

September 9, 2024

Author(s)

Edward Griffor, Hadhoum Hajjaj, Thoshitha Gamage, Thomas Roth, Wenqi Guo

Abstract

This technical report presents a structured methodology for describing and assessing auto-mated vehicle (AV) features, with a focus on ensuring consistent and reproducible testing across various scenarios. The document delineates a systematic approach to integrating operational design domains (ODD), levels of automation, and vehicle behaviors into AV feature descriptions. Through the development of a feature description framework and a corresponding testing template, the report provides guidance on how to measure and validate the performance of AV features under controlled and variable conditions. Key ele-ments of the methodology include detailed behavior specifications, performance metrics, and scenario-based testing, which are essential for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of AV technologies. The report also explores the application of simulation-based testing to assess AV feature behaviors in a dynamic and virtual environment, providing a critical link between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation. The outcomes aim to enhance communication among manufacturers, regulators, and other stakeholders, pro-moting a unified understanding of AV capabilities and compliance.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 8534

Report Number

8534

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8534

Local Download

Keywords

Autonomous Vehicle (AV), Operational Design Domain (ODD), Operating Envelope Speci-fication (OES), behavior specification, feature description, feature specification, scenario-based testing, feature-based testing, feature performance assessment, co-simulation.

Citation

Griffor, E. , Hajjaj, H. , Gamage, T. , Roth, T. and Guo, W. (2024), Feature Description for Assessing Autonomous Vehicle Performance, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8534, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=958317 (Accessed October 24, 2025)