Virtual Figure Support for Driverless AV User Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) lack a human interface, leading to user isolation and support challenges during services, as users cannot receive assistance from drivers, which can result in issues with navigation, malfunctions, or simply a desire for companionship during rides.
Innovation Solution
A user support platform utilizing virtual figures projected through augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) environments, allowing users to interact with computer-generated graphical icons that can provide assistance, entertainment, and supervision, simulating the presence of a driver or passenger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles operate without human drivers, then automation level and productivity are improved, but user isolation and lack of support increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote operator as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle system and the user. When a user requests support, a remote operator is connected via communication devices (headsets, microphones, cameras) to provide assistance, thereby resolving the contradiction between high automation and user support needs without compromising the driverless operation
2Productivity
If autonomous vehicles operate without human drivers, then service efficiency is improved, but user companionship and support decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-initiate support requests through user interfaces (buttons, voice commands, gestures). Users can independently request assistance when needed, while the autonomous vehicle continues its service operation uninterrupted. This maintains service efficiency while providing on-demand companionship and support
3Ease of operation
If remote support operators are introduced, then user support and companionship are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support function from the vehicle's autonomous driving system and places it in a separate remote operations center. This modular approach allows the autonomous vehicle to maintain its simple driverless operation while the complex support infrastructure operates independently, connecting only when users request assistance
4Ease of operation
If communication devices are added to AVs, then user support capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication devices (headsets, microphones, cameras) are not continuously active but are deployed partially only when users request support. This selective activation provides full support capability when needed while minimizing the operational complexity and resource consumption during normal autonomous operation
Data Source
AI summary
Assistance can be provided to AV users through projection of graphical figures. A system may receive a request for assistance from a user of an AV. The system assigns the request to an agent who can assist the user. The system further provides a graphical representation (e.g., an avatar) of the agent to a device that can project the graphical representation to the user. The user can have a conversation with the graphical representation, e.g., based on information provided by the agent. The system can also provide an audio filter to the device for modifying an audio content presented by the device so that the modified audio content appears as if it is made by the graphical representation. The device may be a part of the AV or a client device of the user that can present VR, AR, or MR content. The device may be mobile.