Autonomous Vehicle Passenger Authentication for Driverless Trip Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack a driver to confirm passenger identity and ensure safe and comfortable rides, especially for passengers who may not have access to a phone or be tech-savvy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for arranging trips in autonomous vehicles that involve receiving a request for a trip, identifying an authentication method, and sending signals to the autonomous vehicle to maneuver to the pickup location, authenticate the passenger, and transport them to the destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles operate without a driver, then automation level increases, but passenger authentication and safety monitoring become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs authentication automatically using onboard sensors (cameras, microphones) to detect and verify passenger identity without human intervention. The system captures images or audio, processes them through authentication algorithms, and autonomously determines whether to unlock the vehicle or allow entry.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual driver-based authentication is replaced with automated sensor systems. Instead of a human driver visually confirming identity, the system uses optical sensors (cameras), acoustic sensors (microphones), and computational algorithms to perform authentication, substituting mechanical/human processes with automated technological systems.
2Reliability
If multiple authentication methods are provided, then authentication reliability increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system dynamically adapts its complexity based on the situation. Different authentication methods (image recognition, audio verification, QR code scanning) are available but not all are activated simultaneously. The system selects and activates only the necessary authentication methods based on context, making the complexity dynamic rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
A single authentication system is designed to perform multiple functions using different methods. The same system can authenticate passengers through visual recognition, audio verification, or other means, allowing one system to serve multiple authentication purposes rather than requiring separate systems for each method.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passengers without technology access are served, then service accessibility improves, but authentication difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Passengers who do not have smartphones or technological access can still be authenticated through the autonomous vehicle's onboard sensors. The system automatically captures images or audio of approaching passengers and performs authentication without requiring the passenger to interact with any technology, making the process self-service oriented and accessible to all.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle's sensor system acts as an intermediary between passengers without technology and the authentication system. Instead of requiring direct interaction between the passenger and a smartphone or card reader, the vehicle's cameras and microphones capture biometric data, serving as a mediator that enables authentication for passengers regardless of their technological access.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide for arranging a trip in an autonomous vehicle without a driver. For instance, a request may be received from a client computing device associated with a first person to arrange the trip for a second person. The request may include a pickup location for the second person and a destination location for the second person. An authentication method may be identified for the trip. A signal may be sent to the autonomous vehicle in order to cause the autonomous vehicle to maneuver to the pickup location, authenticate the second person using the authentication method, and transport the second person to the destination location.