Autonomous Vehicle Door Opening Timing Based on Collision Probability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assisting passengers in boarding and exiting self-driving vehicles are inadequate, leading to delays and increased waiting times, which can reduce customer satisfaction and safety, as they rely on the vehicle reaching a predetermined destination before executing boarding or exiting procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the optimal time to open or close vehicle doors based on projected trajectories of the vehicle and surrounding objects, calculating collision probabilities, and adjusting the stopping point or speed to ensure safe passenger access, utilizing sensors and AI for real-time environmental monitoring and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle waits until reaching a predetermined destination before opening doors for passenger boarding/exiting, then passenger safety is improved by preventing collisions with moving objects, but waiting time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of moving objects and calculation of collision probabilities before the vehicle reaches the destination. By anticipating potential hazards and planning door opening timing in advance, the system can minimize waiting time while ensuring safety. The control unit calculates when doors should be opened based on predicted trajectories of moving objects, rather than simply waiting until complete stop at destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the door opening decision based on real-time detection of moving objects and their trajectories. Instead of a static rule (only open doors at complete stop), the system continuously evaluates collision probability and determines the optimal moment to open doors during the approach to destination, balancing safety and time efficiency.
2Productivity
If the vehicle opens doors immediately upon stopping at the destination, then productivity and customer satisfaction are improved by minimizing waiting time, but safety may be compromised due to potential collisions with moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the environment using sensors to detect moving objects and their trajectories. This feedback information is fed into the control unit, which calculates collision probabilities and adjusts the door opening decision accordingly. The system only opens doors when sensor feedback indicates it is safe to do so, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary calculation of collision probabilities based on detected trajectories before actually opening the doors. This advance assessment allows the system to quickly open doors when safe, maximizing productivity, while preventing premature door opening that would compromise safety.
3Reliability
If the vehicle uses complex trajectory prediction and collision probability calculation to determine door opening time, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously performs trajectory prediction and collision probability calculation without requiring external intervention or complex additional hardware. The existing sensors and processing capabilities of the self-driving vehicle are utilized to self-determine the optimal door opening timing, achieving high safety without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for stopping a self-driving vehicle (10), starting with determining an approach of the vehicle (10) to a specified stopping point (83). In addition, at least one moving object (70) is detected within the environment of the vehicle. A projected trajectory (84) of the vehicle (10) and a projected trajectory (85) of the object (70) at a first point in time t1 are determined. Based on the projected trajectory (84) of the vehicle (10), a second point in time t2 is then determined, at which the vehicle (10) arrives at the specified stopping point (83). Based on the position and speed of the object (70) at the second point in time t2 determined on the basis of the projected trajectory (85) of the object (70), a collision probability between the object (70) and a door (15) or a passenger of the vehicle (10) at the specified stopping point (83) at the second point in time t2 is determined. Lastly, a third point in time t3 is determined for opening at least one door (15) of the vehicle (10), in order to minimize the determined collision probability. The invention also relates to a self-driving vehicle for executing the method according to the invention.