Autonomous Vehicle Access via Pedestrian Interest Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicle systems lack an efficient method for passengers without smartphones to hail or access shared mobility services, as they rely on app-based interactions and human gestures, which may not be inclusive or effective in all situations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses sensors and geographic databases to monitor and predict pedestrian trajectories, calculating an interest index to automatically unlock and provide access to autonomous vehicles based on detected interest, eliminating the need for app-based services or gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If app-based taxi services are used, then service efficiency is improved, but accessibility for certain population segments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs self-service by automatically detecting pedestrian interest through sensors, calculating interest index values, and providing access without requiring the pedestrian to use a smartphone app or make explicit requests. The vehicle autonomously completes the hailing and access provisioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (smartphone apps, buttons, gestures requiring human initiation) with an automated sensor-based detection system that uses cameras and processors to identify pedestrian interest and trigger vehicle responses, eliminating the need for pedestrians to physically interact with any interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hailing gestures are used, then inclusivity is improved, but effectiveness in autonomous vehicle context deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring pedestrian trajectories and calculating interest index values in real-time, allowing the vehicle to detect when a pedestrian is interested in hailing and to respond appropriately. The system provides feedback to determine when access should be granted based on the calculated interest level.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated sensor-based access is implemented, then accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle's sensor system performs multiple functions: it monitors the environment for safety, detects pedestrian interest for hailing, and tracks trajectories for navigation. By making the sensor system universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated complex hardware solely for hailing detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle autonomously processes sensor data to calculate interest index values and determine when to provide access, eliminating the need for complex user interfaces or intermediary systems. The self-service approach simplifies the interaction model despite the automated processing involved.
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods are provided that allow users of shared vehicles to benefit from an enhanced user experience that seamlessly unlocks and/or provides access to features for autonomous vehicles by proactively computing an interest index based on detected contextual behavioral patterns of the pedestrians such as the trajectory a candidate passenger is walking given a locational context.