Driverless Passenger Pickup Authentication for Autonomous Trips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles lack an efficient method for authenticating passengers at pickup locations, leading to inefficiencies and security concerns, as they rely on battery power and do not have a driver to confirm passenger identity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize various authentication methods, such as QR codes, passphrases, and image/video verification, to ensure the correct passenger is boarding, involving client computing devices and autonomous vehicles to manage trip arrangements and secure access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If autonomous vehicles use multiple authentication methods to verify passenger identity, then vehicle security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle securityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is divided into multiple independent authentication methods (biometric authentication, code-based authentication, and image/video verification). Each method operates as a separate module that can be independently selected and executed, allowing the system to maintain high security through multiple options while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication method is dynamically selected based on the specific trip context and passenger needs. The system can adaptively choose which authentication method to use, rather than requiring all methods for every trip, thus maintaining security while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If autonomous vehicles implement comprehensive authentication procedures, then passenger identity verification is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger identity verificationVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements authentication procedures that are sufficient but not excessive for each specific situation. By selecting appropriate authentication methods based on trip requirements and passenger preferences, the system achieves reliable verification without unnecessarily extending authentication time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual authentication processes are replaced with automated authentication systems including biometric verification and automated image/video analysis. This substitution reduces authentication time while maintaining or improving verification reliability.

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

3Reliability

If autonomous vehicles use multiple authentication methods, then authentication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system dynamically selects which methods to use based on energy considerations and security requirements. Not all authentication methods are executed in every trip, allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while conserving battery power during normal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system is designed to efficiently manage its own resource consumption by intelligently selecting authentication methods that balance security requirements with energy conservation, reducing the need for constant high-power authentication operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4235615A1Arranging passenger trips for autonomous vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 WAYMO LLC
  • EP4235615A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4235615A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4235615A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

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.