Autonomous Vehicle Navigation via Directional Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous driving systems lack intuitive and convenient methods for users to navigate vehicles, especially when detours are needed, as existing methods require users to manually change destinations and switch back, which is unnatural and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to navigate autonomous vehicles using four or five intuitive commands (forward, backward/U-turn, turn left, turn right, and optionally stop/start) through manual buttons or verbal inputs, enabling easy route changes and vehicle orientation at parking lots, with a control panel or voice recognition for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually change destination and switch back to original destination, then the vehicle can reach the final destination, but the operation becomes unnatural, indirect, and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation control into five independent directional commands (forward, backward, turn left, turn right, U-turn) instead of requiring complex destination reconfiguration. Each button performs a specific maneuver, allowing users to adjust routes through simple sequential commands rather than changing entire destination parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically interprets and executes user intent through intuitive directional commands. When a user presses a directional button, the system self-adjusts the route calculation and navigation path without requiring the user to manually re-enter destination coordinates or switch between different destination settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex navigation interfaces are provided for manual driving control, then more functions are available, but the interface becomes difficult to operate for unfamiliar users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential navigation functions needed for detours and route adjustments, presenting them through five simple directional buttons. Complex route planning, destination reconfiguration, and path calculation functions are hidden in the background system, while the user interface shows only the critical maneuver commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The five directional buttons serve multiple functions: they control vehicle maneuvering, adjust navigation routes, and adapt to different driving scenarios (detours, wrong turns, destination changes). The same set of buttons handles various navigation tasks without requiring mode switching or additional controls.
3Ease of operation
If verbal commands are implemented for vehicle control, then operation becomes more intuitive, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual button pressing (mechanical input) with voice command recognition (acoustic input) as an alternative control method. The voice recognition system translates spoken directional commands into the same navigation control signals that would result from pressing the corresponding buttons, eliminating the need for physical interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for a user to navigate an autonomous vehicle manually or via verbal commands. In an aspect, seven commands are arranged for manual operation, including start, stop, forward, backward, turn-left, turn-right, and U-turn. A panel with buttons or a knob and buttons is arranged for implementing the commands. In another aspect, when a verbal input is received from a user, the verbal input is analyzed to ascertain whether it contains any of the seven commands. A command issued manually or verbally causes the same maneuver and effect. In yet other aspects, methods to change a travel route and to predetermine vehicle orientation direction at a parking lot are provided.