Autonomous Vehicle Shutdown Sequence via Passenger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, there is a need for automated systems to manage tasks such as parking and vehicle shutdown when passengers exit, ensuring secure and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a passenger detection system, processing device, park assist system, and security system that initiates a shutdown sequence by parking the vehicle and turning off the engine when no passengers are present, while also allowing for override signals and startup sequences based on passenger proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver manually performs vehicle shutdown tasks (turning off engine, rolling up windows, locking doors), then the driver maintains control and safety, but the driver's time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system performs shutdown tasks autonomously without requiring driver intervention. The processing device detects when the driver has exited the vehicle and automatically executes the shutdown sequence, allowing the vehicle to serve itself rather than requiring the driver to manually complete these tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects driver exit and initiates the shutdown sequence before the driver would otherwise need to manually intervene. By detecting the driver's absence and automatically starting the shutdown process, the system performs the action in advance of when the driver would typically need to act.
2Productivity
If the vehicle shutdown sequence is automated to execute immediately when passengers exit, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but the risk of premature shutdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown sequence execution is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors for passenger presence and only executes shutdown when specific conditions are met (driver exit detected, no other passengers present). This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and avoid premature shutdown while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The passenger detection system provides continuous feedback to the processing device about passenger presence. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about when to execute the shutdown sequence, ensuring it only activates when appropriate conditions are met, thus maintaining both efficiency and reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple shutdown tasks (parking, engine off, windows up, doors locked) are executed as a sequence, then comprehensive vehicle securing is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown process is segmented into distinct, manageable tasks: parking the vehicle, turning off the engine, rolling up windows, and locking doors. Each task is executed as a separate step in the shutdown sequence, allowing the system to handle complex functionality through modular, organized sub-tasks rather than a monolithic process.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an engine, a park assist system, a passenger detection system configured to detect at least one passenger, and a processing device. The processing device initiates a shutdown sequence when no passengers are present in the vehicle. The shutdown sequence includes commanding the park assist system to park the vehicle and turning off the engine after the vehicle is parked.