Autonomous Bus Dynamic Routing and Passenger Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing public transportation systems are inefficient and inconvenient for passengers, as they require waiting at predetermined stops and can be disrupted by weather, accidents, or road conditions, leading to wasted time and unpredictable bus routes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of autonomous bus stations and self-driving vehicles that can attach and detach to enable passengers to board and disembark without waiting at fixed stops, allowing the bus to take alternative routes and synchronize with other vehicles to optimize passenger transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If buses follow predetermined routes with fixed stops, then the transportation system is simple to operate and manage, but passengers experience long waiting times and cannot board/disembark flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The bus route and stops are transformed from static predetermined locations to dynamic positions that can adjust in real-time. The autonomous bus receives passenger requests and dynamically determines pickup and drop-off locations along its route, allowing passengers to board and disembark at flexible locations rather than fixed stops, thereby reducing waiting time while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
2Reliability
If buses adhere to fixed routes, then the transportation system is reliable and predictable, but the bus cannot adapt to accidents, road construction, or other temporary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous bus system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms through sensors, communication systems, and centralized control that continuously monitor road conditions, accidents, and construction. This feedback enables the bus to automatically adjust its route and stops in response to changing conditions, maintaining reliability by ensuring safe and efficient operation while improving adaptability to unexpected events.
3Device complexity
If buses stop at predetermined locations regardless of conditions, then the transportation system is easy to manage, but passengers waste time waiting for buses that may not arrive or stop where expected
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous bus system performs self-service by automatically receiving passenger requests, determining optimal pickup and drop-off locations, and adjusting its route without human intervention. The centralized control system coordinates multiple buses and passengers, automatically matching requests with available buses and dynamically optimizing routes, thereby reducing waiting time while keeping system complexity manageable through automated algorithms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bus changes routes unexpectedly to accommodate conditions, then the bus can adapt to accidents and construction, but riders are left waiting at stops for buses that will not arrive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback and communication between the autonomous bus, centralized control system, and passenger request platform. When the bus needs to change route due to accidents or construction, the system automatically notifies affected passengers through the application, providing alternative arrangements or updated pickup locations, thereby maintaining adaptability while preventing information loss and passenger confusion.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for providing separable vehicles from a main vehicle to pick up or drop off passengers and return and reconnect to the main vehicle.