Autonomous Vehicle Pickup Communication Using Adaptive Audible and Visual Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack effective methods to communicate with users to facilitate precise pickup and drop-off locations, as traditional taxi services often rely on human drivers for dispatch instructions, which can be imprecise.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle uses a model to determine the appropriate type of communication (audible or visual) by inputting its location and map information, and enabling communications based on sensor data to guide the user to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional taxi services use human drivers for dispatch instructions, then communication flexibility is maintained, but location precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual communication methods (human drivers giving verbal instructions) with an automated communication system that uses sensor data, maps, and algorithms to determine precise pickup locations and automatically communicate them to users via multiple channels (SMS, push notifications, in-vehicle displays). This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated systems directly improves location precision while managing complexity through integrated software architecture.
2Measurement precision
If autonomous vehicles use automated communication systems, then location precision improves, but communication reliability deteriorates due to lack of human judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user responses to communication attempts and adjusts its behavior accordingly. If a user does not respond to an initial automated communication, the system can escalate to alternative communication methods or notify support personnel. This feedback loop ensures that automated systems maintain reliability by adapting to user needs and system performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary human support personnel who can intervene when automated communication systems fail or when complex situations arise. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between fully automated precision and human judgment reliability, allowing the system to maintain high location precision through automation while preserving communication reliability through human oversight when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication methods are deployed, then communication coverage improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication platform that integrates multiple communication channels (SMS, push notifications, in-vehicle displays, email) into a single unified system. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different user preferences and situations while managing complexity through centralized control logic that automatically selects the appropriate communication method based on user profile, vehicle type, and situation context.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method of facilitating communications from an autonomous vehicle to a user. For instance, a method may include, while attempting to pick up the user and prior to the user entering an vehicle, inputting a current location of the vehicle and map information into a model in order to identify a type of communication action for communicating a location of the vehicle to the user; enabling a first communication based on the type of the communication action; determining whether the user has responded to the first communication from received sensor data; and enabling a second communication based on the determination of whether the user has responded to the communication.