Autonomous Vehicle Onboard Assistant for Passenger Alert Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ride-hail vehicles without human drivers can create unsettling experiences for passengers due to the lack of human interaction, and existing onboard assistants do not adequately address emergency and non-emergency situations, necessitating improved passenger support systems.
Innovation Solution
An onboard assistant in autonomous vehicles (AVs) detects alert conditions, initiates calls with service agents, and facilitates communication to address passenger concerns, providing both emergency and non-emergency support through a client application that communicates with an AV operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles operate without human drivers, then automation level and productivity are improved, but passenger comfort and safety perception deteriorate due to lack of human interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an onboard assistant as an intermediary system that mediates between the autonomous vehicle and the passenger. This assistant provides human-like interaction through voice communication, detects passenger needs via sensors, and coordinates with remote operators, thereby maintaining high automation while compensating for the absence of human drivers through a digital intermediary that enhances passenger comfort and safety perception.
2Extent of automation
If existing onboard assistants are used, then basic automation functions are maintained, but emergency and non-emergency situation handling is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the onboard assistant functionality into specialized modules: one for detecting alert conditions through sensor suites, another for initiating and managing calls with service agents, and a third for coordinating with remote operators. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, improving the overall reliability of emergency and non-emergency situation handling while maintaining basic automation functions.
3Loss of time
If automated call initiation is implemented, then response time to emergencies is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the onboard assistant with sensor suites that continuously monitor for alert conditions and pre-established communication protocols. When an emergency is detected, the system automatically initiates calls with service agents using pre-programmed procedures, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and reducing response time while keeping system complexity manageable through automation of routine actions.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method of operating an autonomous vehicle (AV), including: detecting an alert condition within the AV via data from an electronic sensor suite of the AV; based at least in part on detecting the alert condition, automatically initiating a call with another party; and communicatively coupling a passenger of the AV to the conference call, whereby the passenger can communicate with the other party via the conference call.