Autonomous Delivery Vehicle User Interface Keypad Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous delivery vehicles lack user interaction features beyond accessing cargo, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, especially for first-time users.
Innovation Solution
A delivery interface with a keypad and lighting devices, including first and second plurality of keys, where the first keys receive an access code for cargo access and the second keys control the vehicle, allowing users to extend access duration, temporarily lock cargo, and hold the vehicle from departing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional control features are added to autonomous delivery vehicles, then user interaction capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is designed to perform multiple functions using the same hardware components. The first keys handle both access code entry and vehicle control commands, while the second keys provide additional control capabilities. The processor interprets different key sequences and timing patterns to distinguish between cargo access requests and vehicle control commands, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is segmented into two distinct key groups: first keys for basic cargo access operations and second keys for advanced vehicle control functions. This segmentation allows the system to provide enhanced functionality while maintaining a simple, familiar interface for basic operations. The processor selectively activates different key groups based on the operational state and user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional control features are added to autonomous delivery vehicles, then user interaction capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the same keypad and display hardware to serve both cargo access and vehicle control purposes. The processor distinguishes between different operation types through code analysis and timing patterns, eliminating the need for separate control panels, buttons, or displays for each function, thereby reducing component costs and assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing access code entry interface to also serve as the control interface for vehicle operations. Users leverage their familiarity with code entry to access additional control functions without requiring separate learning or additional hardware interaction, making the system self-sufficient in providing multiple capabilities through a single interface design.
3Ease of operation
If access duration is extended for cargo retrieval, then user convenience is improved, but vehicle availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo access duration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the access window based on real-time factors such as user presence detection, weather conditions, and vehicle scheduling requirements. This allows the system to extend access duration when convenient for users while automatically reducing it when vehicle availability is critical, optimizing both user convenience and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor both user interaction patterns and vehicle utilization metrics. Based on this feedback, the processor dynamically modifies access duration parameters, extending time windows when users are actively engaged and reducing them when the vehicle is idle or scheduled for immediate deployment, thereby balancing user convenience with fleet productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated delivery vehicle includes a user interface for controlling access to a designated cargo within the vehicle. The user interface provides access to the cargo for a first period and activates second keys in response to receiving an access code via first keys while the vehicle is parked. The user interface provides, for a second period, access to the cargo and prevents the vehicle from moving in response to one of the activated second keys being actuated.