Automated Vehicle Positioning for Seat-Specific Passenger Boarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated transportation systems lack the ability to optimize positioning for passenger comfort during boarding and disembarking, particularly in shared transportation services, which affects user acceptance.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for automated means of transport that utilize sensory data and predefined occupant information to determine optimal positioning based on seat assignments, considering vehicle geometry and environmental parameters, ensuring easy access to designated doors and compartments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automated means of transport use fixed positioning protocols, then operational reliability is improved, but passenger comfort during boarding and disembarking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidpassenger comfort during boarding and disembarking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning adjustment by modifying the vehicle's stopping position based on real-time sensor data about passenger location and environmental conditions. The control system continuously adapts the positioning parameters to optimize both operational reliability and passenger comfort, rather than using fixed protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor feedback from cameras, LIDAR, and other detection devices to monitor passenger position and environmental parameters. This feedback loop enables the control system to adjust the vehicle positioning dynamically, ensuring reliable operation while maximizing ease of boarding and disembarking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If automated means of transport optimize positioning for each passenger, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to assigned seats and luggage compartmentsVSAvoidpositioning control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems that serve both safety monitoring and positioning optimization functions. The same detection devices used for environmental awareness are utilized to determine optimal stopping positions, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines and executes optimal positioning without requiring manual input or complex external coordination. The control unit independently processes sensor data and adjusts vehicle position based on pre-programmed algorithms, reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automated means of transport implement seat-specific positioning, then user comfort is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional positioning calculations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidpositioning calculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores optimal positioning parameters for different seat assignments and environmental conditions. When a passenger is identified and assigned a seat, the control unit retrieves pre-computed positioning data rather than performing complex real-time calculations, significantly reducing computation time while maintaining high user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a hierarchical parameter structure where positioning is optimized by adjusting key parameters (stopping position, door selection) based on seat assignment, rather than optimizing all possible parameters simultaneously. This selective parameter adjustment reduces computational complexity while preserving essential comfort benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4021298B1Means of transport, device and method for positioning an automatically operable means of transport
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4021298B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4021298B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a means of transport (1), a device and a method for positioning an automatically operable means of transport (1). The method comprises the steps: automatically detecting a future passenger (19), automatically determining a current position of the future passenger (19), automatically determining an optimum position of the means of transport (1) for access to a predefined door of the means of transport relative to other doors of the means of transport and outputting a signal (29) to implement the positioning of the means of transport (1).