Autonomous Vehicle Ride Control via Dynamic Motion Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles lack the ability to respond in real-time to occupant preferences, failing to tailor ride characteristics dynamically and comfortably, unlike manually controlled vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for autonomously controlling vehicles by obtaining ride preference information, determining a motion plan based on this information, and operating actuators to influence vehicle movement, incorporating sensors, actuators, and a controller that processes sensor data and ride preferences to adjust speed, acceleration, and steering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If autonomous vehicles operate in fully autonomous mode, then automation level is improved, but ability to respond to occupant preferences in real-time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidability to respond to occupant preferences
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring occupant preferences through sensors (seats, climate control, entertainment) and using this information to dynamically adjust vehicle operation parameters such as acceleration, braking, and route selection, enabling the autonomous vehicle to adapt to individual occupant needs without human intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous vehicle performs self-service by automatically adjusting its operation characteristics based on detected occupant preferences, eliminating the need for manual input while maintaining personalized service through autonomous decision-making about acceleration rates, braking behavior, and climate control settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional manually-controlled vehicles are used, then ability to tailor ride characteristics dynamically is improved, but automation level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to tailor ride characteristicsVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic control systems that detect occupant preferences through sensors and automatically adjust vehicle operation parameters, substituting the mechanical interaction of manual driving with intelligent automated decision-making while preserving the ability to tailor ride characteristics

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

3Ease of operation

If autonomous vehicles lack real-time response to occupant preferences, then automation operation is simplified, but ride comfort and satisfaction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation operation simplicityVSAvoidride comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by continuously adapting vehicle operation characteristics in real-time based on changing occupant preferences and environmental conditions, adjusting acceleration, braking, and routing decisions dynamically to maintain both operational simplicity and high ride comfort throughout the journey

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10365653B2Personalized autonomous vehicle ride characteristics
Publication Date: 2019.07.30 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US10365653B2 patent drawing
  • US10365653B2 patent drawing
  • US10365653B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: obtaining ride preference information associated with a user, identifying a current vehicle pose, determining a motion plan for the vehicle along a route based at least in part on the ride preference information, the current vehicle pose, and vehicle kinematic and dynamic constraints associated with the route, and operating one or more actuators onboard the vehicle in accordance with the motion plan. The user-specific ride preference information influences a rate of vehicle movement resulting from the motion plan.