Autonomous Shuttle Fleet Control for Demand-Based Vehicle Introduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous travel vehicle systems lack an efficient method to dynamically adjust the number of vehicles on a circuit based on boarding demand, leading to suboptimal operation intervals and potential overcrowding or underutilization.
Innovation Solution
An operation management apparatus comprising an operation schedule provider, introduction necessity judgment unit, and introduction timing determiner, which adjusts the number of vehicles by introducing additional vehicles when actual operation intervals exceed a threshold and holding back introductions when intervals are short, while modifying schedules to maintain equal or unequal intervals as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional vehicles are introduced to the circuit, then the operation intervals between vehicles are reduced and service frequency is improved, but the system complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic vehicle introduction based on real-time operation intervals. The determination unit continuously monitors actual operation intervals and compares them against threshold values, introducing additional vehicles only when intervals exceed the upper threshold. This dynamic adjustment optimizes service frequency while avoiding unnecessary system complexity during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the determination unit receives real-time data on operation intervals from the operation management apparatus. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently decides whether to introduce additional vehicles, creating a closed-loop control system that balances service frequency improvements with operational complexity management.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of vehicles is increased to meet boarding demand, then passenger capacity is improved, but the operation intervals become uneven and scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of vehicles based on real-time boarding demand and operation interval measurements. When operation intervals exceed the upper threshold, additional vehicles are introduced to reduce intervals and balance the schedule. This dynamic approach maintains relatively uniform operation intervals while adapting passenger capacity to actual demand conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of vehicle quantity based on measured operation intervals. By monitoring whether intervals exceed the upper threshold or fall below the lower threshold, the system adjusts vehicle numbers to maintain interval uniformity, thereby stabilizing the operational composition while meeting varying passenger capacity requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are introduced without timing control, then service coverage is improved, but operation intervals become irregular and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary timing determination for vehicle introduction. Before introducing additional vehicles, the determination unit evaluates current operation intervals against predetermined thresholds. This preliminary assessment ensures vehicles are introduced at optimal timing moments, maintaining regular operation intervals and preserving system efficiency while expanding service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from real-time interval monitoring to control vehicle introduction timing. The determination unit continuously receives operation interval data and only triggers vehicle introduction when intervals exceed the upper threshold, ensuring timing-controlled additions that maintain system efficiency while improving service coverage adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An introduction necessity judgment unit judges necessity of introduction of an additional vehicle to a circuit based on a boarding demand on the circuit, and outputs an introduction request command when judging that the introduction is necessary. Upon reception of the introduction request command, an introduction timing determiner outputs an introduction command to the additional vehicle when a maximum value of actual operation intervals of operating vehicles is greater than or equal to an interval threshold determined according to a target velocity, and outputs a hold command to the additional vehicle for putting introduction to the circuit on-hold when the maximum value is less than the interval threshold Dr_th.