Virtual Driver Models for Autonomous Vehicle Observer Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack effective means to communicate with external observers, such as pedestrians and other drivers, due to the absence of a human driver, which is crucial for safe and efficient traffic flow.
Innovation Solution
Generating virtual models, such as augmented or virtual reality 3D models of a driver, that can interact with external observers through gestures, audio, and visual cues, and using encryption techniques to ensure personalized communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles operate without a human driver, then automation level increases, but communication capability with external observers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual driver model as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle's automated systems and external observers. This virtual model serves as a communication bridge, translating automated vehicle intentions into human-understandable gestures and expressions, thereby resolving the communication gap created by full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy or representation of a human driver through 3D modeling and rendering. This copied driver model replicates human-like communication behaviors (gestures, facial expressions) to enable interaction between the autonomous vehicle and external observers, maintaining communication capability while preserving full automation.
2Ease of operation
If virtual driver models are displayed to all external observers, then communication effectiveness improves, but information security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the virtual driver model's visibility and characteristics for different external observers. The system determines which observers should receive communication based on their identity, location, and context, then renders the virtual driver model selectively for authorized observers only, maintaining both communication effectiveness and information security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to verify observer identity and authorization before displaying the virtual driver model. Through continuous monitoring and verification of observer characteristics (such as facial recognition or device identification), the system dynamically adjusts whether to render the virtual driver, ensuring that sensitive information is only communicated to authorized parties.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for interactions between an autonomous vehicle and one or more external observers include virtual models of drivers the autonomous vehicle. The virtual models may be generated by the autonomous vehicle and displayed to one or more external observers, and in some cases using devices worn by the external observers. The virtual models may facilitate interactions between the external observers and the autonomous vehicle using gestures or other visual cues. The virtual models may be encrypted with characteristics of an external observer, such as the external observer's face image, iris, or other representative features. Multiple virtual models for multiple external observers may be simultaneously used for multiple communications while preventing interference due to possible overlap of the multiple virtual models.