Autonomous Vehicle Route Selection for Missed Event Arrival Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles often fail to arrive at events on schedule due to unexpected conditions, leading to missed events and unused passenger time, without adequate solutions to dynamically adjust routes based on passenger or operator preferences.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines whether an autonomous vehicle will arrive at a venue on time for an event, and if not, selects a new arrival time and route that considers passenger and operator preferences, such as scenic routes, energy efficiency, or revenue generation, allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the autonomous vehicle selects the fastest route to ensure on-time arrival, then the arrival time is improved, but the passenger experience and operational efficiency deteriorate when unexpected conditions cause delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the route selection based on real-time conditions and passenger preferences. When delays are detected, the system transitions from a static fastest-route approach to a dynamic multi-criteria optimization that considers scenic value, energy efficiency, and passenger preferences, allowing the vehicle to adapt to changing circumstances rather than rigidly adhering to the original plan
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optimization parameters for route selection based on the situation. Instead of always optimizing for minimum travel time, the system can switch to optimizing for scenic beauty, energy efficiency, or a combination of factors weighted by passenger preferences, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability
2Ease of operation
If the autonomous vehicle takes a scenic or preferred route, then the passenger experience is improved, but the arrival time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the vehicle to partially deviate from the fastest route by incorporating scenic segments or preferred pathways for portions of the journey, rather than requiring the entire route to be optimized for speed. This partial action approach balances passenger experience improvements with acceptable arrival times
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances route selection between speed and passenger experience based on real-time conditions. When time constraints are less critical, the system can prioritize scenic or preferred routes; when delays occur, it can shift toward faster alternatives while still incorporating preference-based routing where appropriate
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system dynamically updates routes based on multiple preferences, then the adaptability is improved, but the computational complexity and decision-making time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the route optimization problem into distinct components: mandatory constraints (traffic conditions, road closures), passenger preferences (scenic routes, avoiding tolls), and operational constraints (vehicle range, charging requirements). This segmentation allows each component to be processed independently and combined through weighted optimization, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the weighting parameters of different route criteria based on passenger preferences and situational context. By adjusting these weights dynamically rather than processing all parameters equally, the system reduces computational burden while maintaining flexibility in route selection
4Loss of time
If the autonomous vehicle arrives after the scheduled time, then the passenger may have unexpected free time, but the event participation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively notifying the passenger of potential delays before they occur, providing alternative route options with estimated arrival times. This allows the passenger to make informed decisions about event attendance or alternative arrangements, maintaining reliability through advance warning rather than reactive response after the delay occurs
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a route selection system obtains a first scheduled time for a first event at a venue for a passenger of an autonomous vehicle. The system determines whether the autonomous vehicle will arrive at the venue by the first scheduled time. The system obtains, in response to a determination that the autonomous vehicle will not arrive at the venue by the first scheduled time, a second scheduled time for a second event at the venue. The system determines a route to the venue based on one or more preferences of the passenger, one or more preferences of an operator of the autonomous vehicle, or any combination thereof, wherein the determined route is configured for arrival of the passenger at the venue after the first scheduled time and at or within a time period before the second scheduled time.