Remote Autonomous Vehicle Assistance Using Context-Based Operator Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face inefficiencies in remote assistance due to the variability of operators and the lack of precise matching between operator attributes and request parameters, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and increased downtime.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that tracks assisted autonomy tasks, generates operator attributes, and selects operators based on request parameters to efficiently facilitate remote autonomous vehicle assistance, reducing computational resources and bandwidth by matching operator expertise with request requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators are assigned to handle remote assistance requests without precise matching, then the remote assistance system can operate with simpler assignment logic, but the effectiveness and efficiency of resolving autonomous vehicle issues deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator assignment simplicityVSAvoidremote assistance effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of operator assignment from simple random or sequential assignment to assignment based on multiple parameters including operator expertise, task complexity, vehicle type, and historical performance metrics. This enables precise matching that improves resolution effectiveness while maintaining systematic operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or simple automated operator assignment with an AI-based recommendation system that analyzes operator attributes, task requirements, and historical data to automatically generate optimal assignment recommendations, substituting complex mechanical decision-making with intelligent algorithms

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

2Measurement precision

If the system tracks and analyzes operator attributes and task parameters in detail, then operator selection accuracy improves, but the computational complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator-request matching accuracyVSAvoidcomputational system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex matching problem into distinct modules: operator attribute tracking, task parameter extraction, compatibility scoring, and recommendation generation. Each module handles specific data processing tasks independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high matching accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary AI recommendation system that sits between the raw data (operator attributes and task parameters) and the final assignment decision. This intermediary processes and synthesizes complex data relationships, simplifying the decision-making process while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If remote assistance is provided quickly without thorough operator evaluation, then response time decreases, but the quality of assistance and problem resolution effectiveness worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidassistance quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-tracking operator attributes, pre-categorizing task types, and pre-establishing compatibility frameworks before actual assistance requests arrive. This preparation enables rapid matching when requests occur, achieving both speed and quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where resolution outcomes are tracked and fed back into the operator attribute database, continuously improving matching accuracy. This feedback loop ensures that quick assignments maintain high quality by learning from past performance data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11526816B2Context-based remote autonomous vehicle assistance
Publication Date: 2022.12.13 UBER TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US11526816B2 patent drawing
  • US11526816B2 patent drawing
  • US11526816B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for controlling autonomous vehicles are provided. Assisted autonomy tasks facilitated by operators for a plurality of autonomous vehicles can be tracked in order to generate operator attributes for each of a plurality of operators. The attributes for an operator can be based on tracking one or more respective assisted autonomy tasks facilitated by the operator. The operator attributes can be used to facilitate enhanced remote operations for autonomous vehicles. For example, request parameters can be obtained in response to a request for remote assistance associated with an autonomous vehicle. An operator can be selected to assist with autonomy tasks for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the operator attributes for the operator and the request parameters associated with the request. Remote assistance for the first autonomous vehicle can be initiated, facilitated by the first operator in response to the request for remote assistance.