Autonomous Vehicle Parking Maneuver via Acoustic Command Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current autonomous driving technologies require driver intervention for parking maneuvers, limiting the ability to perform driving tasks independently, especially in situations where the driver is not present or cannot be reached for critical decisions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows an autonomously driving vehicle to recognize the need for a driving maneuver using acoustic information, such as voice commands, enabling it to perform parking and maneuvering tasks independently after driver approval, with external control options for corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the driver must be present in the vehicle to control parking maneuvers, then the driver can directly control the vehicle, but the driver cannot perform driving tasks independently when the driver is not present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous parking capabilityVSAvoiddriver intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle performs parking maneuvers autonomously by receiving acoustic commands from the driver and executing them independently. The driver gives voice instructions while the vehicle's system automatically controls steering, acceleration, and braking without requiring the driver to be physically present or manually control the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with acoustic signal recognition and automated electronic control systems. Voice commands are converted into electronic signals that automatically operate the vehicle's driving functions, substituting the mechanical driver-vehicle interaction with an acoustic-electronic control chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the vehicle requires manual control for critical decisions, then the driver maintains control, but the vehicle cannot perform tasks independently when the driver is unreachable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecritical decision controlVSAvoiddriver availability time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The driver provides acoustic authorization and general directional guidance in advance, and the vehicle's system automatically makes specific critical decisions during the maneuver based on real-time sensor data. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to handle critical situations independently without requiring continuous driver availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic command system serves as an intermediary between the driver and the vehicle's automated control systems. The driver's voice instructions are processed by the recognition system, which then translates them into automated control actions, allowing the driver to maintain oversight while enabling independent vehicle operation during brief unavailability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the driver returns to the vehicle to control maneuvers, then direct control is possible, but the natural communication flow is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect control capabilityVSAvoidcommunication interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical driver presence with an acoustic communication interface. The driver can issue commands from a distance using voice, eliminating the need to return to the vehicle while maintaining natural, intuitive communication without adding complex interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3366551B1Method for operating a vehicle and driver assistance system
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3366551B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle (4), in particular an autonomously operated vehicle (4). The invention proposes a method in which the vehicle (4), while parked, recognizes the need for a driving maneuver and, after authorization by the driver (14), autonomously executes the maneuver. Furthermore, a driver assistance system (6) for carrying out the method is provided.