Autonomous Vehicle Pickup Zone Mapping for Flexible Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing taxi services lack real-time information about the vehicle's actions while en route to pick up a user, making it difficult for users to determine the actual pickup location, especially in situations where the vehicle cannot stop exactly at the specified location.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a client computing device to send a request for a vehicle to stop at a particular location, receive the vehicle's current location, generate a map displaying the vehicle's location, the pickup location, and a shape defining an area around the pickup location where the vehicle may stop, and display the vehicle's progress towards the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle stops at a location different from the specified pickup location, then the vehicle can find a suitable stopping spot, but the user cannot determine the actual pickup location
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the user by displaying the vehicle's current location and progress towards the pickup area on a map interface. The client computing device receives updated location information from the vehicle and displays the vehicle's position relative to the pickup location, enabling the user to track the vehicle's movement and understand where the pickup will occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary area (pickup area) between the specified pickup location and the vehicle's final stopping point. This area serves as a buffer zone that allows the vehicle to maneuver and find a suitable stopping spot while still being associated with the requested pickup location. The system displays this area on the map to manage user expectations about the actual pickup location.
2Reliability
If the vehicle maneuvers to find a suitable stopping spot, then the vehicle can stop safely, but the user lacks real-time information about the vehicle's actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously updating the user on the vehicle's location and status. The client computing device receives updated location information from the vehicle and displays this information on the map interface, allowing the user to see the vehicle's current position, movement progress, and status changes throughout the journey to the pickup area.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle performs self-service by autonomously navigating to the pickup area and independently selecting a suitable stopping spot within that area. The vehicle's computing system processes location data, determines appropriate stopping locations, and executes the maneuvering without human intervention, while keeping the user informed through the client device interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to providing information about a vehicle dispatched to pick up the user. In one example, a request for the vehicle to stop at a particular location is sent. In response, information identifying a current location of the vehicle is received. A map is generated. The map includes a first marker identifying the received location of the vehicle, a second marker identifying the particular location, and a shape defining an area around the second marker at which the vehicle may stop. The shape has an edge at least a minimum distance greater than zero from the second area. A route is displayed on the map between the first marker and the shape such that the route ends at the shape and does not reach the second marker. Progress of the vehicle towards the area along the route is displayed based on received updated location information for the vehicle.