Autonomous Vehicle Pickup Wait Times Based on Congestion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation services using autonomous vehicles lack a realistic method to determine wait times at pickup locations due to environmental factors like congestion, as fixed wait times are not applicable to autonomous vehicles without human drivers.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies potential pickup locations, assigns wait times based on congestion impact scores, and provides these wait times to users, allowing them to select the most optimal pickup spot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed wait time is provided for all pickup locations, then the system is simple to operate, but it does not account for environmental factors like congestion and is not realistic for autonomous vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed wait time to a dynamic wait time that adapts to environmental conditions. The system calculates different wait times based on real-time congestion levels, traffic patterns, and location-specific factors, allowing the wait time to vary dynamically rather than remaining constant across all situations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of wait time from a fixed value to a variable value influenced by multiple factors including congestion impact scores, environmental conditions, and location characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to provide realistic wait times that reflect actual operating conditions at different pickup locations
2Loss of information
If multiple potential pickup locations are provided with different wait times, then users can make informed decisions, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pickup location selection into multiple discrete options, each with its own calculated wait time and congestion impact score. Instead of providing a single aggregated wait time, the system divides the information into location-specific segments, allowing users to evaluate each option independently and make informed decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing users with wait time information and congestion impact scores for different pickup locations. This feedback loop allows users to understand the consequences of their location selection and adjust their decisions based on the provided information, creating a responsive system that adapts to user needs
3Measurement precision
If wait times are calculated based on congestion impact scores, then the accuracy of wait time estimation improves, but the computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by calculating congestion impact scores and wait times only for a subset of potential pickup locations rather than all possible locations. The system identifies and evaluates only the most relevant locations based on proximity and accessibility, performing detailed calculations for a limited number of candidates rather than exhaustively analyzing every possible pickup point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary filtering and ranking of pickup locations before conducting detailed wait time calculations. By pre-identifying promising locations based on basic criteria such as distance and accessibility, the system reduces the number of locations requiring complex congestion analysis, thereby lowering computational energy requirements while maintaining estimation accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide for wait times for pickups of passengers involving autonomous vehicles. For instance, a request for a trip identifying a pickup location may be received from a client computing device. A plurality of potential pickup locations may be identified. A subset of the plurality of potential pickup locations may be determined. A wait time may be assigned to each of the potential pickup locations of the subset. Each wait time may correspond to an estimated amount of time an autonomous vehicle can wait for the user at a respective one of the potential pickup locations of the subset. The potential pickup locations of the subset and the assigned wait times may be sent to the client computing device for display to a user.