Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Side-Mirror Scanning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous delivery vehicles lack effective systems to securely grant access to packages while preventing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a side-mirror assembly with an imager and puddle light that illuminates an area, and a vehicle controller programmed to unlock storage compartments upon detecting an image encoding data matching a code, allowing intended recipients to access their deliveries securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual delivery by human driver is used, then access to packages is simple and direct, but security against unauthorized access is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical delivery processes with an automated optical recognition system. The imager captures images of presentation codes, and the vehicle controller automatically processes these codes to verify recipient identity and control storage compartment access, eliminating the need for manual verification while enhancing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service delivery where the recipient independently presents their code through a remote device, the vehicle automatically verifies the code through the imager, and the storage compartment unlocks without human driver intervention. This autonomous access control process enhances security while maintaining simplicity for the recipient.
2Productivity
If autonomous delivery vehicle is used, then productivity is improved, but effective access control system is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated optical recognition system where the imager captures images of presentation codes and the vehicle controller processes verification automatically. This replaces manual delivery processes with autonomous electronic verification, maintaining high productivity while establishing reliable access control through coded authentication.
3Reliability
If storage compartment is always locked, then security is improved, but ease of access for intended recipient deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the recipient to independently present their presentation code through a remote device. The imager automatically captures and verifies the code, and the vehicle controller unlocks the storage compartment without requiring human driver intervention or complex manual procedures, maintaining both security and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual key-based or physical access mechanisms with automated optical code recognition. The imager captures the presentation code image, the vehicle controller verifies it electronically, and the lock mechanism responds automatically, providing secure yet convenient access for the intended recipient.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure and convenient access to packages by verifying the intended recipient's identity through image encoding data, preventing unauthorized access and enhancing the security of autonomous delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
a puddle light aimed to illuminate an area in a field of view of the imager
Implementation Method 2
an imager configured to read an image encoding data displayed by a remote device
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a storage compartment configured to house a package for delivery and a side-mirror assembly. The side-mirror assembly includes an imager and a puddle light aimed to illuminate an area in a field of view of the imager. A vehicle controller is programmed to receive data representing a code associated with the delivery, energize the puddle lamp to illuminate the area, and unlock the storage compartment responsive to the imager detecting an image encoding data matching the code.