Autonomous Vehicle Spatial Separation Based on Occupant Emotion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-driving vehicles (SDVs) lack the ability to automatically adjust spatial separation based on the emotional and cognitive states of their occupants, potentially leading to discomfort or safety concerns due to unpredictable human-driven vehicles or other SDVs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines the emotional state of SDV occupants using biometric and input devices, and adjusts the spatial separation between the SDV and other vehicles based on this information, considering vehicle size and type, to maintain a comfortable and safe riding environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the SDV maintains a fixed spatial separation from other vehicles, then the vehicle operation is simple and predictable, but the occupant comfort and safety are compromised when emotional or cognitive factors are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed spatial separation approach to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The system continuously monitors occupant emotional and cognitive states through sensors and biometric devices, then automatically adjusts the spatial separation distance in real-time based on the detected state. This allows the vehicle to adapt its operating parameters dynamically, improving both occupant comfort and safety while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop control system. Sensors and biometric devices continuously monitor occupant states (emotional and cognitive factors), and this information is fed back to the control mechanism which adjusts the spatial separation accordingly. The system also monitors the effectiveness of the adjustment and can make further modifications if the desired comfort or safety level is not achieved, ensuring continuous optimization of the protective function.
2Reliability
If the SDV automatically adjusts spatial separation based on occupant emotional and cognitive states, then occupant comfort and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional integrated system. The control mechanism serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data, analyzes biometric information, determines occupant emotional and cognitive states, calculates appropriate spatial separation distances, and executes the adjustment by controlling vehicle propulsion and steering. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single control mechanism reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby managing system complexity while achieving improved safety and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the vehicle system to autonomously monitor its own operational parameters and occupant states, then automatically adjust spatial separation without external intervention. The control mechanism independently processes information from various sensors and biometric devices, makes decisions based on pre-programmed algorithms, and executes adjustments, reducing the need for complex external control systems or manual intervention.
3Productivity
If the SDV maintains closer spatial separation to improve traffic flow efficiency, then productivity increases, but occupant stress and discomfort increase when emotional factors are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying the spatial separation parameter based on occupant emotional and cognitive states. Instead of maintaining a fixed distance for traffic efficiency, the system adjusts the separation distance as a variable parameter. When occupants exhibit signs of stress or discomfort, the system automatically increases the separation distance, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of stress while still allowing for efficient traffic flow when conditions permit closer separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product automatically provides spatial separation between a self-driving vehicle (SDV) operating in an autonomous mode and another vehicle on a roadway. One or more processors receive an emotional state descriptor for at least one occupant of the SDV and determine an emotional state of the occupant(s) of the SDV. A vehicle detector on the SDV detects another vehicle and the size of the other vehicle within a predefined proximity of the SDV. A control mechanisms controller determines that a field of view for the occupants in the SDV is blocked by the size of the other vehicle. The processor(s) issue spatial separation instructions to the control mechanisms controller on the SDV to adjust a spacing between the SDV and the other vehicle based on the emotional state descriptor for the occupant(s) in the SDV and the field of view for the occupant(s) in the SDV that is blocked by the size of the other vehicle.