Multi-Modal AV Route Planning for Dynamic Pickup Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transportation systems require users to manually determine and arrange multiple transportation modalities, which can be time-consuming and costly, especially during high traffic conditions, and do not efficiently coordinate autonomous vehicles (AVs) to adapt to changes in user locations.

Innovation Solution

A multiple-modality transportation system that includes a client computing device, a server computing device, and AVs, which optimizes routes considering various transportation modalities such as AVs, trains, buses, and walking, and dynamically updates the route plan in real-time to ensure efficient and coordinated travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users manually determine and arrange multiple transportation modalities, then they can potentially optimize their travel route, but it requires significant time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel efficiencyVSAvoidtime for arranging transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic route optimization and transportation arrangement without requiring user intervention. The server computing device automatically determines the optimal multi-modality route, coordinates AVs, and manages the entire transportation process, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates optimal routes considering multiple transportation modalities before the user needs to travel. The server computing device performs route optimization in advance, identifies the best combination of AV and other transport modes, and prepares the coordinated transportation plan before deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If users manually arrange multiple transportation modalities, then they can potentially reduce travel costs, but it requires coordination effort across multiple services

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel efficiencyVSAvoidease of arranging transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple transportation modalities into a single coordinated route plan. The server computing device combines AV transportation with other transport modes (trains, buses, etc.) into one unified itinerary that the user can book through a single interface, eliminating the need to separately arrange each modality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transportation system provides universal access to multiple transportation modalities through a single platform. The system can handle AV dispatch, public transportation booking, and inter-modal coordination all through one interface, making it versatile for different travel needs without requiring separate arrangements for each service type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional systems provide conveyance from pickup to destination, then they ensure complete door-to-door service, but they may not be the fastest or least expensive way during high traffic volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor-to-door serviceVSAvoidtravel speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transportation plan based on real-time conditions such as traffic volume. When high traffic is detected, the system automatically modifies the route to incorporate faster alternative modalities like trains or buses for congested segments, while maintaining door-to-door service through AVs at the beginning and end of the journey.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the transportation parameters (mode of transport, route, timing) based on current conditions. During high traffic volume, it transitions from purely AV-based door-to-door service to a hybrid multi-modality approach, adjusting the mix of transportation modes to optimize for speed while still providing complete door-to-door coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If a centralized server coordinates AVs for multi-modality transport, then it optimizes route efficiency, but it requires real-time communication and coordination infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroute optimization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem coordination infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized server acts as an intermediary that coordinates between users, AVs, and other transportation modalities. It manages real-time communication and coordination by serving as a central hub that processes route optimization, dispatches AVs, and integrates with public transportation systems, simplifying the complexity through centralized mediation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11441912B2Systems and methods for multi-modality autonomous vehicle transport

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 GM CRUISE HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Technologies disclosed herein facilitate identification of a trip route from an origin of a user to a desired destination of the user, wherein the trip route includes multiple transportation modalities, at least one of which is an autonomous vehicle (AV), and dispatching of the AV to a pickup location for the user in connection with providing transportation to the user along a portion of the identified trip route.