U.S. patent application number 17/049141 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-19 for method for determining self-driving vehicle behavior models, a self-driving vehicle, and a method of navigating a self-driving vehicle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Piaggio Fast Forward, Inc.. Invention is credited to Rossitza KOTELOVA, Gregory Stewart LYNN, Jeffrey SCHNAPP, Mitchell WEISS.
Application Number | 20210255646 17/049141 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005612040 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210255646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WEISS; Mitchell ; et
al. |
August 19, 2021 |
METHOD FOR DETERMINING SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE BEHAVIOR MODELS, A
SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE, AND A METHOD OF NAVIGATING A SELF-DRIVING
VEHICLE
Abstract
Provided is a method of modeling behavior for a self-driving
vehicle, e.g., as a follower vehicle. Also provided is a vehicle
configured to execute the behavior model to cooperatively navigate
at least one structural element in an environment. The structural
element can be or include a door, a vestibule, and/or an elevator,
as examples. The behavior model can be formed by a method that
includes tracking and measuring leader-follower interactions and
actions with at least one structural element of an environment,
representing the leader behaviors and the follower behavior in a
behavior model, and electronically storing the behavioral model.
The leader-follower interactions and actions can include leader
behaviors and follower behaviors, including starts, stops, pauses,
and movements of the leader, follower vehicle, and/or objects.
Inventors: |
WEISS; Mitchell; (Carlisle,
MA) ; SCHNAPP; Jeffrey; (Cambridge, MA) ;
LYNN; Gregory Stewart; (Venice, CA) ; KOTELOVA;
Rossitza; (Cambridge, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Piaggio Fast Forward, Inc. |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005612040 |
Appl. No.: |
17/049141 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
May 1, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2019/030208 |
371 Date: |
October 20, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62665183 |
May 1, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 1/0094 20130101;
G05D 2201/0216 20130101; G05D 1/12 20130101; G05D 1/0088 20130101;
G05D 1/0212 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05D 1/12 20060101
G05D001/12; G05D 1/02 20060101 G05D001/02; G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00 |
Claims
1.-36. (canceled)
37. A method of modeling behavior for a self-driving vehicle,
comprising: tracking and measuring leader-follower interactions and
actions with at least one structural element of an environment,
including human leader behaviors and cooperative robot follower
behaviors; representing the leader behaviors and the follower
behaviors in a behavior model; and electronically storing the
behavioral model, wherein the behavioral model is executable by the
self-driving vehicle to cooperatively navigate the at least one
structural element as a follower vehicle, and wherein the
behavioral model includes follower vehicle stops, starts, pauses
and movements in relation to, but different from, modeled human
leader stops, starts, pauses and movements to negotiate an
encountered structural element.
38. The method of claim 37, comprising: establishing a measurable
interaction environment model for the at least one structural
element.
39. The method of claim 37, comprising: tracking a person, a
vehicle, and object movements with respect to the at least one
structural element.
40. The method of claim 37, comprising: providing an electronic
format for describing stops, starts, pauses, movements, and
behaviors of the self-driving vehicle/follower with respect to the
at least one structural element and the leader.
41. The method of claim 37, comprising: measuring and modeling the
at least one structural element, follower vehicle, and/or human
movement includes using one or more of: film industry motion
capture tools; stop action photography; filming and measuring
vehicle and/or human movements; and/or motion sensors on vehicles
and people.
42. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one structural
element comprises: at least one right swing-in door, at least one
left swing-in door, at least one right swing-out door, at least one
left swing-out door, and/or at least one sliding door.
43. The method of claim 37, wherein the vehicle is a mobile carrier
comprising at least one storage compartment.
44. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one structural
element includes a door and the behavior model comprises computer
executable logic that causes the vehicle following the leader to
execute responsive behaviors, including: in response to the leader
pausing at the door, the vehicle pausing and waiting for the door
to open; in response to the door opening, the vehicle proceeding
through the door and waiting for the leader; in response to the
leader proceeding through the door, the vehicle resuming tracking
of the leader; and the vehicle resuming following the leader.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the vehicle proceeding through
the door and waiting for the leader includes the vehicle moving
aside and off a centerline of the door to wait for the leader.
46. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one structural
element includes a first door and a second door and the behavior
model comprises computer executable logic that causes the vehicle
following the leader to execute responsive behaviors, including: in
response to the leader pausing at the first door, the vehicle
pausing and waiting for the first door to open; in response to the
first door opening, the vehicle proceeding through the first door
and waiting for the leader; in response to the second door opening,
the vehicle proceeding through the second door and waiting for the
leader; in response to the leader proceeding through the second
door, the vehicle resuming tracking of the leader; and the vehicle
resuming following the leader.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the vehicle proceeding through
the first and/or the second door and waiting for the leader
includes the vehicle moving aside and off a centerline of the first
and/or second door to wait for the leader.
48. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one structural
element includes an elevator and the behavior model comprises
computer executable logic that causes the vehicle following the
leader to execute responsive behaviors, including: in response to
the leader pausing at an elevator door, the vehicle pausing and
waiting for the door to open; in response to the door opening, the
vehicle proceeding through the door moving to the back of the
elevator; in response to the leader proceeding through the door
into the elevator, the vehicle resuming tracking of the leader; and
the vehicle resuming following the leader out of the elevator.
49. A follower vehicle, comprising: a body; a drive system
configured to navigate the body to follow a leader; a computer
processor and computer storage device; and a behavior model
executable by the processor to cause the vehicle to cooperatively
navigate at least one structural element with the leader, wherein
the behavioral model implemented by the follower vehicle includes
follower vehicle stops, starts, pauses and movements in relation
to, but different from, modeled human leader stops, starts, pauses
and movements to negotiate each of the least one structural
element.
50. The vehicle of claim 49, wherein the at least one structural
element comprises at least one: right swing-in door, left swing-in
door. right swing-out door. left swing-out door, and/or sliding
door.
51. The vehicle of claim 49, wherein the vehicle is a mobile
carrier comprising at least one storage compartment.
52. The vehicle of claim 49, wherein the at least one structural
element includes a door and the behavior model is executable to
cause the vehicle to: follow the leader; detect the leader paused
at the door and in response pause and wait for the door to open; in
response to the open door, proceed through the door and wait for
the leader; in response to the leader proceeding through the door,
resume tracking the leader; and resume following the leader.
53. The vehicle of claim 52, wherein the behavior model is
executable to cause the vehicle to move aside and off a centerline
of the door to wait for the leader.
54. The vehicle of claim 49, wherein the at least one structural
element includes a first door and a second door and the behavior
model is executable to cause the vehicle to: follow the leader;
detect the leader paused at the first door and in response pause
and wait for the first door to open; in response to the first door
opening, proceed through the first door and wait for the leader; in
response to the second door opening, proceed through the second
door and wait for the leader; in response to the leader proceeding
through the second door, resume tracking the leader; and resume
following the leader.
55. The vehicle of claim 54, wherein the behavior model is
executable to cause the vehicle to move aside and off a centerline
of the first and/or second door to wait for the leader.
56. The vehicle of claim 49, wherein the at least one structural
element includes an elevator and the behavior model is executable
to cause the vehicle to: follow the leader; detect the leader
paused at the first door and in response pause and wait for the
first door to open; in response to the door opening, proceed
through the door and move to the back of the elevator; in response
to the leader proceeding through the door into the elevator, resume
tracking the leader; and resume following the leader out of the
elevator.
57. A method of navigating a follower vehicle through at least one
structural element, comprising: providing at least one stored
behavior model that embodies, for each of a plurality of defined
structural elements, human leader behaviors and robot follower
behaviors defining actions of the follower vehicle in response to
actions of the leader related to the at least one structural
element; and using at least one processor in combination with at
least one sensor of the follower vehicle: recognizing an
encountered structural element and retrieving a behavioral model
associated with the encountered structural element; tracking the
behavior of a leader with respect to the encountered structural
element; and executing the behavior model to cause the vehicle to
navigate the encountered structural element with the leader,
including controlling the follower vehicle stops, starts, pauses
and movements in relation to, but different from, modeled human
leader stops, starts, pauses and movements to negotiate the
encountered structural element.
58. The method of claim 57, wherein the at least one structural
element includes a door and navigating the follower vehicle by
executing the behavior model comprises: the vehicle following the
leader; in response to the leader pausing at the door, the vehicle
pausing and waiting for the door to open; in response to the door
opening, the vehicle proceeding through the door and waiting for
the leader; in response to the leader proceeding through the door,
the vehicle resuming tracking of the leader; and the vehicle
resuming following the leader.
59. The method of claim 58, wherein the vehicle proceeding through
the door and waiting for the leader includes the vehicle moving
aside and off a centerline of the door to wait for the leader.
60. The method of claim 57, wherein the at least one structural
element includes a first door and a second door and navigating the
follower vehicle by executing the behavior model comprises: the
vehicle following the leader; in response to the leader pausing at
the first door, the vehicle pausing and waiting for the first door
to open; in response to the first door opening, the vehicle
proceeding through the first door and waiting for the leader; in
response to the second door opening, the vehicle proceeding through
the second door and waiting for the leader; in response to the
leader proceeding through the second door, the vehicle resuming
tracking of the leader; and the vehicle resuming following the
leader.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein the vehicle proceeding through
the first and/or the second door and waiting for the leader
includes the vehicle moving aside and off a centerline of the first
and/or second door to wait for the leader.
62. The method of claim 57, wherein the at least one structural
element includes an elevator and navigating the follower vehicle by
executing the behavior model comprises: the vehicle following the
leader; in response to the leader pausing at an elevator door, the
vehicle pausing and waiting for the door to open; in response to
the door opening, the vehicle proceeding through the door moving to
the back of the elevator; in response to the leader proceeding
through the door into the elevator, the vehicle resuming tracking
of the leader; and the vehicle resuming following the leader out of
the elevator.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e)
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/665,183 filed May 1,
2019, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
[0002] The present application may be related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/296,884 filed Oct. 18, 2016, entitled
VEHICLE HAVING STABILIZATION SYSTEM, and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 29/592,340 filed Jan. 30, 2017, entitled BELT, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INTEREST
[0003] The present inventive concepts relate to the field of
vehicles, and more particularly, although not exclusively, to
self-driving vehicles suitable as personal-use vehicles.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the inventive concepts,
provided is a method of modeling behavior for use by a self-driving
vehicle. The self-driving vehicle may take the form of a personal
use or companion vehicle that cooperatively engages with at least
one human user. As a companion vehicle, the self-driving vehicle
may take the form of a "follower" vehicle, which can be a
self-driving vehicle structured and arranged to cooperatively
operate with a human user by implementing one or more behavior
models in response to sensed conditions from the environment,
stored data, and/or actions of the human user.
[0005] Generally, the follower vehicle is responsive to the leader
and its actions. As a follower vehicle, the leader can be a human
in some embodiments, but in other embodiments the leader could be
another vehicle. The follower vehicle need not always physically
lag behind a leader, but it may a predominate amount of time. In
some embodiments, the follower vehicle may precede a leader in a
specific instance in accordance with an applicable behavior model,
for example when encountering a specific structural element
accounted for in a behavior model.
[0006] The behavior models may take the form a set of stored
computer instructions executable by at least one processor
configured to control aspects of the self-driving follower vehicle.
That is, executing the behavior model may control the drive,
acceleration, deceleration, turning, pausing and/or stopping
equipment and functions of the self-driving follower vehicle. Other
functionality of the follower vehicle may be controlled by
execution of the behavior model. Execution of the behavior models,
therefore, improve the overall operation of the follower vehicle,
e.g., making the follower vehicle more efficient, safe, responsive,
and/or user-friendly, while also make the follower vehicle less of
a distraction and obstacle to a human users and others.
[0007] In various embodiments, the method includes monitoring,
tracking, and measuring leader interactions and actions with at
least one other entity to determine a behavioral model of
appropriate and cooperative behavior of a follower vehicle, where
the other entity can be at least one structural element, human,
and/or other vehicle. The method can include electronically storing
the behavioral model, and can also include executing the behavioral
model to cause the self-driving vehicle to cooperatively navigate
an environment as a follower vehicle.
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the inventive concepts,
provided is a method of modeling behavior for a self-driving
vehicle. The method includes tracking and measuring leader-follower
interactions and actions with at least one structural element of an
environment, including leader behaviors and follower behaviors,
representing the leader behaviors and the follower behaviors in a
behavior model, and electronically storing the behavioral model.
The behavioral model is executable by the self-driving vehicle to
cooperatively navigate the at least one structural element as a
follower vehicle.
[0009] In various embodiments, the method includes establishing a
measurable interaction environment model for the at least one
structural element.
[0010] In various embodiments, the method includes tracking a
person, a vehicle, and object movements with respect to the at
least one structural element.
[0011] In various embodiments, the method includes providing an
electronic format for describing stops, starts, pauses, movements,
and behaviors of the self-driving vehicle/follower with respect to
the at least one structural element and the leader.
[0012] In various embodiments, the method includes measuring and
modeling the at least one structural element, follower vehicle,
and/or human movement includes using one or more of film industry
motion capture tools, stop action photography, filming and
measuring vehicle and/or human movements, and/or motion sensors on
vehicles and people.
[0013] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one right swing-in door.
[0014] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one left swing-in door.
[0015] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one right swing-out door.
[0016] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one left swing-out door.
[0017] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one sliding door.
[0018] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises a plurality of right swing-in doors, a plurality of left
swing-in doors, a plurality of right swing-out doors, a plurality
of left swing-out doors, or a plurality of sliding doors.
[0019] In various embodiments, the vehicle is a mobile carrier
comprising at least one storage compartment.
[0020] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes a door and the behavior model comprises: the vehicle
following the leader, in response to the leader pausing at the
door, the vehicle pausing and waiting for the door to open, in
response to the door opening, the vehicle proceeding through the
door and waiting for the leader, in response to the leader
proceeding through the door, the vehicle resuming tracking of the
leader, and the vehicle resuming following the leader.
[0021] In various embodiments, the vehicle proceeding through the
door and waiting for the leader includes the vehicle moving aside
and off a centerline of the door to wait for the leader.
[0022] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes a first door and a second door and the behavior model
comprises: the vehicle following the leader, in response to the
leader pausing at the first door, the vehicle pausing and waiting
for the first door to open, in response to the first door opening,
the vehicle proceeding through the first door and waiting for the
leader, in response to the second door opening, the vehicle
proceeding through the second door and waiting for the leader, in
response to the leader proceeding through the second door, the
vehicle resuming tracking of the leader, and the vehicle resuming
following the leader.
[0023] In various embodiments, the vehicle proceeding through the
first and/or the second door and waiting for the leader includes
the vehicle moving aside and off a centerline of the first and/or
second door to wait for the leader.
[0024] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes an elevator and the behavior model comprises the vehicle
following the leader, in response to the leader pausing at an
elevator door, the vehicle pausing and waiting for the door to
open, in response to the door opening, the vehicle proceeding
through the door moving to the back of the elevator, in response to
the leader proceeding through the door into the elevator, the
vehicle resuming tracking of the leader, and the vehicle resuming
following the leader out of the elevator.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concepts,
provided is a follower vehicle. The follower vehicle includes a
body, a drive system configured to navigate the body to follow a
leader, a computer processor and computer storage device, a
behavior model executable by the processor to cooperatively
navigate at least one structural element with the leader.
[0026] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one right swing-in door.
[0027] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one left swing-in door.
[0028] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one right swing-out door.
[0029] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one left swing-out door.
[0030] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises at least one sliding door.
[0031] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
comprises: a plurality of right swing-in doors, a plurality of left
swing-in doors, a plurality of right swing-out doors, a plurality
of left swing-out doors, or a plurality of sliding doors.
[0032] In various embodiments, the vehicle is a mobile carrier
comprising at least one storage compartment.
[0033] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes a door and the behavior model is executable to cause the
vehicle to follow the leader, detect the leader paused at the door
and in response pause and wait for the door to open, in response to
the open door, proceed through the door and wait for the leader, in
response to the leader proceeding through the door, resume tracking
the leader, and resume following the leader.
[0034] In various embodiments, the behavior model is executable by
the processor to cause the vehicle to move aside and off a
centerline of the door to wait for the leader.
[0035] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes a first door and a second door and the behavior model is
executable to cause the vehicle to: follow the leader, detect the
leader paused at the first door and in response pause and wait for
the first door to open, in response to the first door opening,
proceed through the first door and wait for the leader, in response
to the second door opening, proceed through the second door and
wait for the leader, in response to the leader proceeding through
the second door, resume tracking the leader, and resume following
the leader.
[0036] In various embodiments, the behavior model is executable by
the processor to cause the vehicle to move aside and off a
centerline of the first and/or second door to wait for the
leader.
[0037] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes an elevator and the behavior model is executable to cause
the vehicle to: follow the leader, detect the leader paused at the
first door and in response pause and wait for the first door to
open, in response to the door opening, proceed through the door and
move to the back of the elevator, in response to the leader
proceeding through the door into the elevator, resume tracking the
leader, and resume following the leader out of the elevator.
[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concept,
provided is a method of navigating a follower vehicle through at
least one structural element. The method includes using at least
one processor, executing a behavior model to cause the vehicle to
navigate the at least one structural element with the leader. The
behavior model embodies leader behaviors and follower behaviors
defining actions of the follower vehicle in response to actions of
the leader related to the at least one structural element.
[0039] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes a door and navigating the follower vehicle by executing
the behavior model comprises: the vehicle following the leader, in
response to the leader pausing at the door, the vehicle pausing and
waiting for the door to open, in response to the door opening, the
vehicle proceeding through the door and waiting for the leader, in
response to the leader proceeding through the door, the vehicle
resuming tracking of the leader, and the vehicle resuming following
the leader.
[0040] In various embodiments, the vehicle proceeding through the
door and waiting for the leader includes the vehicle moving aside
and off a centerline of the door to wait for the leader.
[0041] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes a first door and a second door and navigating the follower
vehicle by executing the behavior model comprises: the vehicle
following the leader, in response to the leader pausing at the
first door, the vehicle pausing and waiting for the first door to
open, in response to the first door opening, the vehicle proceeding
through the first door and waiting for the leader, in response to
the second door opening, the vehicle proceeding through the second
door and waiting for the leader, in response to the leader
proceeding through the second door, the vehicle resuming tracking
of the leader, and the vehicle resuming following the leader.
[0042] In various embodiments, the vehicle proceeding through the
first and/or the second door and waiting for the leader includes
the vehicle moving aside and off a centerline of the first and/or
second door to wait for the leader.
[0043] In various embodiments, the at least one structural element
includes an elevator and navigating the follower vehicle by
executing the behavior model comprises: the vehicle following the
leader, in response to the leader pausing at an elevator door, the
vehicle pausing and waiting for the door to open, in response to
the door opening, the vehicle proceeding through the door moving to
the back of the elevator, in response to the leader proceeding
through the door into the elevator, the vehicle resuming tracking
of the leader, and the vehicle resuming following the leader out of
the elevator.
[0044] In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concepts,
provided is a method of generating a behavior model for navigating
a follower vehicle through at least one structural element, as
shown and described.
[0045] In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concepts,
provided is a follower vehicle configured to use a behavior model
to navigate through at least one structural element, as shown and
described.
[0046] In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concepts,
provided is a method of navigating a follower vehicle through at
least one structural element using a behavior model, as shown and
described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The present invention will become more apparent in view of
the attached drawings and accompanying detailed description. The
embodiments depicted therein are provided by way of example, not by
way of limitation, wherein like reference numerals refer to the
same or similar elements. The drawings are not necessarily to
scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating aspects of
the invention. In the drawings:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a right swing-in doorway
implemented by a self-driving vehicle, in accordance with aspects
of the inventive concepts;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a left swing-in doorway
implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in accordance with
aspects of the inventive concepts;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a right swing-out doorway
implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in accordance with
aspects of the inventive concepts;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a left swing-out doorway
implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in accordance with
aspects of the inventive concepts;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a vestibule, right swing-in
doorway implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts;
[0053] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a vestibule, left swing-in
doorway implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts;
[0054] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a vestibule, right swing-out
doorway implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts;
[0055] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a vestibule, left swing-out
doorway implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts; and
[0056] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation in and out of an elevator implemented
by a self-driving companion vehicle, in accordance with aspects of
the inventive concepts.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] Various aspects of the inventive concepts will be described
more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which some exemplary embodiments are shown. The present
inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms
and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments
set forth herein.
[0058] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, etc. are be used herein to describe various elements, these
elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used
to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a
required sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be
termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element can be
termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the
present invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any
and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed
items.
[0059] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "on" or "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can
be directly on or connected or coupled to the other element or
intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element
is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected" or
"directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening
elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship
between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g.,
"between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly
adjacent," etc.).
[0060] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or
"including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated
features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0061] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above," "upper" and the like may be used to describe an
element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or
feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be
understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to
encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "below" and/or "beneath" other elements or features
would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. The
device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at
other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used
herein interpreted accordingly.
[0062] To the extent that functional features, operations, and/or
steps are described herein, or otherwise understood to be included
within various embodiments of the inventive concept, such
functional features, operations, and/or steps can be embodied in
functional blocks, units, modules, operations and/or methods. And
to the extent that such functional blocks, units, modules,
operations and/or methods include computer program code, such
computer program code can be stored in a computer readable medium,
e.g., such as non-transitory memory and media, that is executable
by at least one computer processor.
[0063] In accordance with one aspect of the inventive concepts,
provided is a method of modeling behavior for use by a self-driving
vehicle. The self-driving vehicle may take the form of a personal
use or companion vehicle that cooperatively engages with at least
one human user. As a companion vehicle, the self-driving vehicle
may take the form of a "follower" vehicle, which can be a
self-driving vehicle structured and arranged to cooperatively
operate with a human user by implementing one or more behavior
models in response to sensed conditions from the environment,
stored data, and/or actions of the human user.
[0064] Generally, the follower vehicle is responsive to the leader
and the leader's actions. As a follower vehicle, the leader can be
a human in some embodiments, but in other embodiments the leader
could be another vehicle. The follower vehicle need not always
physically lag behind a leader, but it may in a predominate amount
of operation. In some embodiments, the follower vehicle may precede
a leader in a specific instance in accordance with an applicable
behavior model, for example when encountering a specific structural
element accounted for in a behavior model.
[0065] The behavior models may take the form a set of stored
computer instructions and/or code executable by at least one
processor configured to control aspects of the self-driving
follower vehicle. All or part of the computer instructions and/or
code can be stored locally on the vehicle or remotely. Executing
the behavior model may control the drive, acceleration,
deceleration, turning, pausing and/or stopping equipment and
functions of the self-driving follower vehicle. Other functionality
of the follower vehicle may also be controlled by execution of the
behavior model. Execution of the behavior models, therefore,
improve the overall operation of the follower vehicle, e.g., making
the follower vehicle more efficient, safe, responsive, and/or
user-friendly, while also make the follower vehicle less of a
distraction and obstacle to a human users and others.
[0066] As a follower vehicle, the self-driving vehicle can be
configured to follow a leader, such as a human leader. In various
embodiments, the follower vehicle may also be a mobile carrier
vehicle (or "mobile carrier") configured as a companion to a human.
In various embodiments, a mobile carrier vehicle is a vehicle that
includes structural and functional elements that define at least
one volume useful for carrying goods. In various embodiments, the
one or more volume can be configured to receive functional systems
or subsystems that can interface with power and/or control ports of
the self-driving vehicle, for use by the leader and or the
self-driving vehicle. However, a self-driving follower vehicle is
not limited to mobile carriers, and could, for example, take other
forms of personal use and/or companion vehicles.
[0067] As a follower vehicle, the mobile carrier is generally
configured to follow a human leader. Although, as will be apparent
from the various embodiments described herein, the follower vehicle
can proceed the human in some instances, at least for a portion of
a path taken by the human. Such instances can include, but may not
be limited to, passage through various types of doorways,
vestibules, passageways, and/or other structural elements, such as
elevators. The follower vehicle does not mimic human behavior, but
rather is responsive to human behavior and structural elements to
implement a behavior that is different from, but cooperative with,
the human's to safely and efficiently navigate an encountered
structural element with the human leader.
[0068] The structural elements can form part of an environment,
where the environment can be indoor, outdoor, a transition from
indoor to outdoor, and/or a transition from outdoor to indoor. The
environment can be or include a building or an outdoor area, as
examples.
[0069] Traditional robotic vehicles are designed to either follow
pre-defined routes designed as part of the infrastructure, or in
the case of self-driving navigation, to follow the most efficient,
or shortest, route for that segment of the activity. This requires
any nearby pedestrians to cede the path to the vehicle and results
in unnatural behaviors by the pedestrians. Such traditional robotic
vehicles are not follower vehicles, so have no particular necessity
to exhibit behaviors that are cooperative with a human, as a
companion to the human.
[0070] In various embodiments, a self-driving companion vehicle,
such as a follower vehicle, is configured to execute certain
behaviors in cooperation with a human--where the follower vehicle
is a companion to the human. In various embodiments, the follower
vehicle behaviors are implemented as execution of a set of
instructions based on one or more behavior models. The behavior
models define follower vehicle stops, starts, pauses, and movements
based on the structural element encountered and the human leader's
stops, starts, pauses, and movements. As a result, the follower
vehicle is configured to be responsive to the structural element
encountered and the human leader's actions, such as stops, starts,
pauses, and movements, to navigate the structural element in
cooperation with the human leader. Therefore, preferably, the
follower vehicle is configured to recognize the structural element,
as well as the human's actions.
[0071] The behavioral models can be obtained and developed in a
variety of manners. In some embodiments, a system and method are
provided that monitor and track pedestrian motions, movements, and
activities during specific environment interactions, along with
motions and movements performed by trained followers, to determine
the appropriate stops, starts, routes, paths, and movements to be
taken by a follower vehicle to make the interaction between a
pedestrian/human leader and a follower vehicle effective with
minimal or no obstruction to the leader and others. The
interactions of the human leaders and followers when encountering
structural elements are recorded and represented in computer or
electronic behavior models that can be represented in electronic
instructions, such as computer program code executable by a
processor of a self-driving companion vehicle, such as a follower
vehicle.
[0072] To operate as a follower vehicle, the self-driving vehicle
preferably acquires the leader, e.g., by sensing the presence of
the leader. Acquiring the leader may include recognition of the
leader by one or more of various sensing and/or input mechanisms,
such as various types of biometric sensors and/or input devices.
The behavior models implemented by the self-driving vehicle, as a
follower vehicle, take into consideration that the self-driving
vehicle is a follower, so must take certain actions to wait for
(pause) and reacquire the leader.
[0073] In accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts,
robotic self-driving vehicles are configured to maximize efficiency
by implementing behavior models at least partially, if not
completely, defining how the self-driving vehicle responds to
structural elements and a human leader's stops, starts, pauses, and
movements. For example, in one embodiment, a self-driving vehicle
coming to a closed doorway would stop at the entrance to the
doorway, wait for the door to open, and then proceed directly
through the door, wait for the human leader, re-acquire the human
leader, and then continue with the human leader to a
destination.
[0074] There is no need in the prior art to determine what actions
a self-driving companion vehicle would take to pass and
"re-acquire" a human leader. The present invention makes for a
"seamless" and natural interaction between the self-driving vehicle
and a human leader, particularly when navigating various structural
elements of an environment. Modeling these behavioral interactions
requires studying and considering leader-follower actions, not just
analysis of path geometries, and then designing into the
self-driving vehicle path segments. That alone would not provide a
self-driving companion vehicle capable of more natural interaction
with a leader encountering various types of structural
elements.
[0075] In one embodiment, a method of determining and modeling
desired follower vehicle behavior and movement includes: [0076]
establishing a measurable interaction environment model for defined
structural elements, [0077] providing at least one method to track
a person, a vehicle, and object movements with respect to
structural elements, and [0078] providing an electronic format for
describing movements, pauses, and behaviors with respect to the
structural elements and leader.
[0079] Measuring and modeling the structural elements and vehicles
and/or human (e.g., leader) movement can include one or more of:
[0080] using film industry motion capture tools, [0081] using stop
action photography, [0082] filming and measuring vehicle and/or
human movements, and/or [0083] using motion sensors on vehicles,
structures, and/or people.
[0084] Data acquired from the above methods can be organized and
stored in electronic form, and then processed into a self-driving
companion vehicle behavior models, in an electronic format. The
behavior model can comprise a set of rules implemented by a
follower vehicle in combination with sensed inputs to cause the
follower vehicle to function in new ways. A different behavior
model can be defined for specific structures or situations
encountered. Each behavior model can include a set of leader steps
and a corresponding set of follower vehicle steps. In order to
proceed from one step to the next, the follower vehicle preferably
senses or otherwise determines that the leader has accomplished its
step. The leader and the follower work through a series of steps
until the two negotiate the encountered structural element. The
various approaches to sensing and measuring discussed above, and
the data obtained therefrom, is computer processed to generate the
steps of the behavior models.
[0085] In various embodiments, a self-driving companion vehicle in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concept can take the form
of the GITA.TM. mobile-carrier vehicle by Piaggio Fast Forward of
Boston, Mass. (GITA.TM. is a trademark of Piaggio Fast Forward of
Boston, Mass.) Such a mobile carrier vehicle can be used to develop
and use the behavior models described herein.
[0086] The follower vehicle can include a body, drive system, at
least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one sensor
that cooperatively enable the follower vehicle to sense and follow
a leader, e.g., a human leader. The at least one sensor can also be
configured to sense structural elements, such as doors, walls and
other objects in an environment. The processor can control the
drive system to cause the follower vehicle to stop, accelerate,
decelerate, pause, start, and turn as it follows and interacts with
a leader. The processor can control behavior of the follower
vehicle based, at least in part, on one or more the behavior
models, e.g., comprising a plurality of stored rules, and sensor
inputs. The body can define at least one volume, cavity or
compartment configured to store a variety of types of items. The
compartment can include one or more of thermal, vibration, and
shock insulation. The compartment can be air and/or water tight, in
some embodiments.
[0087] FIGS. 1 through 9 depict various embodiments of a
self-driving companion vehicle, e.g., as a follower vehicle,
implementing methods of interaction with a leader and different
structural elements, the methods configured to control follower
vehicle's stops, starts, pauses, and movements according to one or
more behavior models.
[0088] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
specific distance measurements and movements of the human, e.g.,
"1.2 m", "turns 90.degree.", "Pulls on door handle with right
hand", and so on, are not essential human movements, but rather
modeled human behaviors useful for determining behavioral models to
be implemented by the follower vehicle. That is, variations in
specific details of the human behavior are permissible without
altering the basic functionality of the follower vehicle. The
specific distances and movements of the human are representative of
more general human behavior.
[0089] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a right swing-in doorway
implemented by a self-driving companion follower vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. In FIG. 1,
travel is from right to left, as indicated by the Travel Direction
arrow. The behavior model of FIG. 1 demonstrates a multistep
interaction between the follower vehicle and a human leader
(Person), where the follower vehicle waits for a door to be opened,
passes through an open door, waits for the leader to pass through
the open door, and then resumes following the human (leader). For
purposes of explanation, an imaginary centerline (CL) is shown
passing though the doorway, where the centerline is perpendicular
to the door in a closed position.
[0090] Table 1 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 1 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is a right swing-in door. In Table 1, the Person approaches
the door, in step 1, and the follower vehicle approaches following
the Person, in step 1, and eventually stops at distance away from
the door. Table 1 goes on to outline steps taken by the human and
then responsive steps taken by the follower vehicle, until the
human and follower vehicle are both through the door and the
follower vehicle has resumed following the human leader. Responsive
steps taken by the follower vehicle can be embodied within logic
executed by the follower vehicle, such as within program code or
other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Right Swing-in Door Follower Vehicle Person
1. Approaches door in follow state 1. Approaches door 2. Stops 2.8m
away from door 2. Stops at arm's length of door handle 3. Waits 3.
Pulls on door handle with right hand to open door to the right and
moves back 4. Waits 4. Stops slightly behind fully open door, feet
project about 0.24m from CL of door. 5. Initiates door behavior.
Moves to the left 5. Holds door open for follower vehicle to 0.53m
from CL of door to give person space pass through 6. Moves right,
back to CL of door to align 6. Waits itself with door opening 7.
Passes through door and turns left 7. Swings around door, holding
onto handle 8. Moves along wall, about 0.59m away from 8. Makes a
180.degree. turn clockwise to face wall door, continues moving
backward 9. Stops about 1.2m away from CL of door and 9. Closes
door shut makes a 180.degree. clockwise turn 10. Waits 10. Turns
90.degree. clockwise to face follower vehicle 11. Resumes tracking
11. Turns 90.degree. clockwise to face path forward 12. Resumes
following 12. Continues walking straight
[0091] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a left swing-in doorway
implemented by a self-driving companion follower vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. In FIG. 2,
travel is from right to left, again indicated by the Travel
Direction arrow. The behavior model of FIG. 2 demonstrates a
multistep interaction between the follower vehicle and the human
leader (Person), where the follower vehicle waits for a door to be
opened, passes through an open door, waits for the leader to pass
through the open door, and then resumes following the human
(leader). For purposes of explanation, the imaginary centerline
(CL) is shown passing though the doorway, where the centerline is
perpendicular to the door in a closed position.
[0092] Table 2 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 2 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is a left swing-in door. In Table 2, the Person approaches
the door, in step 1, and the follower vehicle approaches following
the Person, in step 1, and eventually stops at distance away from
the door. Table 2 goes on to outline steps taken by the human and
then responsive steps taken by the follower vehicle, until the
human and follower vehicle are both through the door and the
follower vehicle has resumed following the human leader. Responsive
steps taken by the follower vehicle can embodied within logic
executed by the follower vehicle, such as within program code or
other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Left Swing-in Door Follower Vehicle Person
1. Stops 2.3 m away from door 1. Approaches door 2. Waits 2. Stops
at arm's length of door handle 3. Waits 3. Pulls on door handle
with left hand to open door to the left and moves back 4. Waits 4.
Stops slightly behind fully open door, feet project about 0.24 m
from CL of door. 5. Initiates door behavior. Moves to the right 5.
Holds door open for follower vehicle to 0.53 m from CL of door to
give person space pass through 6. Moves left, back to CL of door to
align 6. Waits itself with door opening 7. Passes through door and
turns right 7. Swings around door, holding onto handle 8. Moves
along wall, about 0.59 m away from 8. Makes a 180.degree. turn
counter-clockwise to wall face door, continues moving backward 9.
Stops about 1.2 m away from CL of door and 9. Closes door shut
makes a 180.degree. counter-clockwise turn 10. Waits 10. Turns
90.degree. counter-clockwise to face follower vehicle 11. Resumes
tracking 11. Turns 90.degree. counter-clockwise to face path
forward 12. Resumes following 12. Continues walking straight
[0093] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a right swing-out doorway
implemented by a self-driving companion follower vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. In FIG. 3,
travel is from right to left, as indicated by the Travel Direction
arrow. The behavior model of FIG. 3 demonstrates a multistep
interaction between the follower vehicle and a human leader
(Person), where the follower vehicle waits for a door to be opened,
passes through an open door, waits for the leader to pass through
the open door, and then resumes following the human (leader). For
purposes of explanation, the imaginary centerline (CL) is shown
passing though the doorway, where the centerline is perpendicular
to the door in a closed position.
[0094] Table 3 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 3 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is a right swing-out door. In Table 3, the Person
approaches the door, in step 1, and the follower vehicle approaches
following the Person, in step 1, and eventually stops at distance
away from the door. Table 3 goes on to outline steps taken by the
human and then responsive steps taken by the follower vehicle,
until the human and follower vehicle are both through the door and
the follower vehicle has resumed following the human leader.
Responsive steps taken by the follower vehicle can embodied within
logic executed by the follower vehicle, such as within program code
or other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Right Swing-out Door Follower Vehicle Person
1. Approaches door in follow state 1. Approaches door 2. Stops 2.3
m away from door 2. Stops at arm's length of door handle 3. Waits
3. Grabs door handle with right hand and pushes to open door to the
right. 4. Initiates door behavior 4. Opens door to about an
80.degree. swing and makes a clockwise loop to stand slightly
behind door. 5. Moves towards CL of door 5. Holds door open for
follower vehicle to pass through 6. Proceeds through door opening
6. Waits 7. Turns left immediately after passing through 7. Waits
door 8. Moves along wall, about 0.59 m away from 8. Waits wall 9.
Stops about 1.2 m away from CL of door and 9. Grabs door handle
with left hand and makes a 145.degree. clockwise turn moves forward
to push door closed 10. Waits 10. Turns 90.degree. clockwise to
face follower vehicle 11. Resumes tracking 11. Turns 90.degree.
clockwise to face path forward 12. Resumes following 12. Continues
walking straight
[0095] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a left swing-out doorway
implemented by a self-driving companion follower vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. In FIG. 4,
travel is from right to left, as indicated by the Travel Direction
arrow. The behavior model of FIG. 4 demonstrates a multistep
interaction between the follower vehicle and a human leader
(Person), where the follower vehicle waits for a door to be opened,
passes through an open door, waits for the leader to pass through
the open door, and then resumes following the human (leader). For
purposes of explanation, the imaginary centerline (CL) is shown
passing though the doorway, where the centerline is perpendicular
to the door in a closed position.
[0096] Table 4 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 4 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is a left swing-out door. In Table 4, the Person approaches
the door, in step 1, and the follower vehicle approaches following
the Person, in step 1, and eventually stops at distance away from
the door. Table 4 goes on to outline steps taken by the human and
then responsive steps taken by the follower vehicle, until the
human and follower vehicle are both through the door and the
follower vehicle has resumed following the human leader. Responsive
steps taken by the follower vehicle can embodied within logic
executed by the follower vehicle, such as within program code or
other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Left Swing-out Door Follower Vehicle Person
1. Centers itself with door and stops 1.8 m 1. Approaches door away
from door 2. Waits 2. Stops at arm's length of door handle 3. Waits
3. Grabs door handle with left hand and pushes to open door to the
left 4. Initiates door behavior 4. Opens door to about an
80.degree. swing and makes a counter-clockwise loop to stand
slightly behind door. 5. Moves towards CL of door 5. Holds door
open for follower vehicle to pass through 6. Proceeds through door
opening 6. Waits 7. Turns right immediately after passing 7. Waits
through door 8. Moves along wall, about 0.59 m away from 8. Waits
wall 9. Stops about 1.2 m away from CL of door and 9. Grabs door
handle with right hand and makes a 145.degree. counter-clockwise
turn moves forward to push door closed 10. Waits 10. Turns
90.degree. counter-clockwise to face follower vehicle 11. Resumes
tracking 11. Turns 90.degree. counter-clockwise to face path
forward 12. Resumes following 12. Continues walking straight
[0097] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a vestibule, right swing-in
doorway implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. In FIG. 5,
travel is from right to left and the vestibule includes two right
swing-in doors, as indicated by the Travel Direction arrow. The
behavior model of FIG. 5 demonstrates a multistep interaction
between the follower vehicle and a human leader (Person), where the
follower vehicle waits for a first door to be opened, passes
through the first open door, waits for the leader to pass through
the first open door, passes through a second open door, waits for
the leader to pass through the second open door, and then resumes
following the human (leader). For purposes of explanation, the
imaginary centerline (CL) is shown passing though the doorway,
where the centerline is perpendicular to the door in a closed
position.
[0098] Table 5 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 5 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is a vestibule having a plurality of right swing-in doors.
In Table 5, the Person approaches the first door, in step 1, and
the follower vehicle approaches following the Person, in step 1,
and eventually stops at distance away from the door. Table 5 goes
on to outline steps taken by the human and then responsive steps
taken by the follower vehicle, until the human and follower vehicle
are both through the vestibule and the follower vehicle has resumed
following the human leader. Responsive steps taken by the follower
vehicle can embodied within logic executed by the follower vehicle,
such as within program code or other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Vestibule, Right Swing-in Doors Follower
Vehicle Person 1. Approaches door in follow state 1. Approaches
door 2. Stops 2.3 m away from door 2. Stops at arm's length of door
handle 3. Waits 3. Pulls on door handle with right hand to open
door to the right and moves back 4. Initiates vestibule behavior 4.
Stops slightly behind fully open door, feet project about 0.24 m
from CL of door. 5. Moves to the left 0.53 m from CL of door to 5.
Holds door open for follower vehicle give person space to pass
through 6. Moves right, to align with CL of door 6. Waits opening
7. Passes through door and veers to the left 7. Waits 8. At 0.5 m
away from wall, veers to the right to 8. Swings around door,
holding onto align its line of site with second door and stops
handle 9. Waits 9. Makes a 180.degree. turn clockwise to face door,
continues moving backward 10. Waits 10. Closes door shut 11. Waits
11. Makes along 180.degree. counter-clockwise turn along the right
side of follower vehicle 12. Moves 0.5 m backwards to give user
some 12. Stops at arm's length and pulls on space door handle with
right hand to open door to the right and moves back 13. Waits 13.
Stops slightly behind fully open door, feet project about 0.24 m
from CL of door 14. Moves forward towards center of door and 14.
Holds door open for follower vehicle aligns itself to pass through
to pass through 15. Turns left and moves along wall, about 15.
Swings around door, holding onto 0.59 m away from wall handle 16.
Stops about 1.17 m away from CL of door 16. Makes a 180.degree.
turn clockwise to face and makes a 155.degree. clockwise turn door,
continues moving backward 17. Waits 17. Closes door shut 18. Waits
18. Turns 90.degree. clockwise to face follower vehicle 19. Resumes
tracking 19. Turns 90.degree. clockwise to face path forward 20.
Continues following 20. Continues walking straight
[0099] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a vestibule, left swing-in
doorway implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. In FIG. 6,
travel is from right to left and the vestibule includes two left
swing-in doors, as indicated by the Travel Direction arrow. The
behavior model of FIG. 6 demonstrates a multistep interaction
between the follower vehicle and a human leader (Person), where the
follower vehicle waits for a first door to be opened, passes
through the first open door, waits for the leader to pass through
the first open door, passes through a second open door, waits for
the leader to pass through the second open door, and then resumes
following the human (leader). For purposes of explanation, the
imaginary centerline (CL) is shown passing though the doorway,
where the centerline is perpendicular to the door in a closed
position.
[0100] Table 6 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 6 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is a vestibule having a plurality of left swing-in doors.
In Table 6, the Person approaches the first door, in step 1, and
the follower vehicle approaches following the Person, in step 1,
and eventually stops at distance away from the door. Table 6 goes
on to outline steps taken by the human and then responsive steps
taken by the follower vehicle, until the human and follower vehicle
are both through the vestibule and the follower vehicle has resumed
following the human leader. Responsive steps taken by the follower
vehicle can embodied within logic executed by the follower vehicle,
such as within program code or other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Vestibule, Left Swing-in Doors Follower
Vehicle Person 1. Approaches door in follow state 1. Approaches
door 2. Stops 2.3 m away from door 2. Stops at arm's length of door
handle 3. Waits 3. Pulls on door handle with right hand to open
door to the right and moves back 4. Waits 4. Stops slightly behind
fully open door, feet project about 0.24 m from CL of door. 5.
Initiates vestibule behavior. Moves to the 5. Holds door open for
follower vehicle right 0.53 m from CL of door to give person to
pass through space 6. Moves left, to align with CL of door opening
6. Waits 7. Passes through door and veers to the right 7. Waits 8.
At 0.59 m away from wall, veers to the left to 8. Swings around
door, holding onto align its line of site with second door and
stops handle 9. Waits 9. Makes a 180.degree. turn clockwise to face
door, continues moving backward 10. Waits 10. Closes door shut 11.
Waits 11. Makes a long 180.degree. counter-clockwise turn along the
right side of follower vehicle 12. Moves 0.5 m backwards to give
user some 12. Stops at arm's length and pulls on space door handle
with right hand to open door to the right and moves back 13. Waits
13. Stops slightly behind fully open door, feet project about 0.24
m from CL of door 14. Moves forward towards center of door and 14.
Holds door open for follower vehicle aligns itself to pass through
to pass through 15. Turns right and moves along wall, about 15.
Swings around door, holding onto 0.5 m away from wall handle 16.
Stops about 1.2 m away from CL of door 16. Makes a 180.degree. turn
clockwise to face and makes a 155.degree. counter-clockwise turn
door, continues moving backward 17. Waits 17. Closes door shut 18.
Waits 18. Turns 90.degree. clockwise to face follower vehicle 19.
Resumes tracking 19. Turns 90.degree. clockwise to face path
forward 20. Continues following 20. Continues walking straight
[0101] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a vestibule, right swing-out
doorway implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. In FIG. 7,
travel is from right to left and the vestibule includes two right
swing-out doors, as indicated by the Travel Direction arrow. The
behavior model of FIG. 7 demonstrates a multistep interaction
between the follower vehicle and a human leader (Person), where the
follower vehicle waits for a first door to be opened, passes
through the first open door, waits for the leader to pass through
the first open door, passes through a second open door, waits for
the leader to pass through the second open door, and then resumes
following the human (leader). For purposes of explanation, the
imaginary centerline (CL) is shown passing though the doorway,
where the centerline is perpendicular to the door in a closed
position.
[0102] Table 7 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 7 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is a vestibule having a plurality of right swing-out doors.
In Table 7, the Person approaches the first door, in step 1, and
the follower vehicle approaches following the Person, in step 1,
and eventually stops at distance away from the door. Table 7 goes
on to outline steps taken by the human and then responsive steps
taken by the follower vehicle, until the human and follower vehicle
are both through the vestibule and the follower vehicle has resumed
following the human leader. Responsive steps taken by the follower
vehicle can embodied within logic executed by the follower vehicle,
such as within program code or other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Vestibule, Right Swing-out Doors Follower
Vehicle Person 1. Approaches door in follow state 1. Approaches
door 2. Stops 1.8 m away from door 2. Stops at arm's length of door
handle 3. Waits 3. Grabs door handle with right hand and pushes to
open door to the right 4. Initiates vestibule behavior 4. Opens
door to about an 80.degree. swing and makes a counter-clockwise
loop to stand slightly behind door. 5. Moves diagonally to the
right to align with 5. Holds door open for follower vehicle CL of
door to pass through 6. Passes through door and veers to the left
6. Waits 7. At 0.59 m away from wall, veers to the right 7. Waits
to align its line of site with second door and stops 8. Waits 8.
Grabs door handle with left hand and moves forward to push door
closed 9. Waits 9. Makes a 45.degree. clockwise turn to face
follower vehicle 10. Waits 10. Turns to face the door and moves
forward to reach for the door handle 11. Moves 0.5 m backwards to
give user some 11. Grabs door handle with right hand, space pushes
door open and walks through 12. Waits 12. Opens door fully and
makes a clockwise loop to stand slightly behind it 13. Moves
forward towards center of door and 13. Holds door open for follower
vehicle aligns itself to pass through to pass through 14. Turns
left and moves along wall, about 14. Waits 0.59 m away from wall
15. Stops about 1.2 m away from CL of door 15. Grabs door handle
with left hand and and makes a 120.degree. clockwise turn moves
forward to push door closed 16. Waits 16. Turns 90.degree.
clockwise, looks at follower vehicle 17. Resumes tracking 17. Turns
another 90.degree. clockwise to face forward 18. Continues
following 18. Continues walking straight
[0103] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation through a vestibule, left swing-out
doorway implemented by a self-driving companion vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. In FIG. 8,
travel is from right to left and the vestibule includes two left
swing-out doors, as indicated by the Travel Direction arrow. The
behavior model of FIG. 8 demonstrates a multistep interaction
between the follower vehicle and a human leader (Person), where the
follower vehicle waits for a first door to be opened, passes
through the first open door, waits for the leader to pass through
the first open door, passes through a second open door, waits for
the leader to pass through the second open door, and then resumes
following the human (leader). For purposes of explanation, the
imaginary centerline (CL) is shown passing though the doorway,
where the centerline is perpendicular to the door in a closed
position.
[0104] Table 8 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 8 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is a vestibule having a plurality of left swing-out doors.
In Table 8, the Person approaches the first door, in step 1, and
the follower vehicle approaches following the Person, in step 1,
and eventually stops at distance away from the door. Table 8 goes
on to outline steps taken by the human and then responsive steps
taken by the follower vehicle, until the human and follower vehicle
are both through the vestibule and the follower vehicle has resumed
following the human leader. Responsive steps taken by the follower
vehicle can embodied within logic executed by the follower vehicle,
such as within program code or other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Vestibule, Left Swing-out Doors Follower
Vehicle Person 1. Approaches door in follow state 1. Approaches
door 2. Stops 1.8 m away from door 2. Stops at arm's length of door
handle 3. Waits 3. Grabs door handle with left hand and pushes to
open door to the left 4. Initiates vestibule behavior 4. Opens door
to about an 80.degree. swing and makes a clockwise loop to stand
slightly behind door. 5. Moves forward towards CL of door 5. Holds
door open for follower vehicle to pass through 6. Passes through
door and veers to the right 6. Waits 7. At 0.5 m away from wall,
veers to the left to 7. Waits align its line of site with second
door and stops 8. Waits 8. Grabs door handle with right hand and
moves forward to push door closed 9. Waits 9. Makes a 45.degree.
counter-clockwise turn to face follower vehicle 10. Waits 10. Turns
to face the door and moves forward to reach for the door handle 11.
Moves 0.5 m backwards to give user some 11. Grabs door handle with
left hand, space pushes door open and walks through 12. Waits 12.
Opens door fully and makes a counter-clockwise loop to stand
slightly behind it 13. Moves forward towards center of door and 13.
Holds door open for follower vehicle aligns itself to pass through
to pass through 14. Turns right and moves along wall, about 14.
Waits 0.59 m away from wall 15. Stops about 1.2 m away from CL of
door 15. Grabs door handle with right hand and makes a 155.degree.
counter-clockwise turn and moves forward to push door closed 16.
Waits 16. Turns 90.degree. counter-clockwise, looks at follower
vehicle 17. Resumes tracking 17. Turns another 90.degree.
counter-clockwise to face forward 18. Continues following 18.
Continues walking straight
[0105] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method
of behavior-based navigation in and out of an elevator implemented
by a self-driving vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the
inventive concepts. In FIG. 9, travel is from right to left and the
elevator includes at least one sliding door, as indicated by the
Travel Direction arrow. The behavior model of FIG. 9 demonstrates a
multistep interaction between the follower vehicle and a human
leader (Person), where the follower vehicle waits for the elevator
door to open, passes through the open door and moves to the back of
the elevator, waits for the leader to pass through the open door,
waits for the door to close and then re-open, and then resumes
following the human (leader) out of the elevator once the elevator
door re-opens. For purposes of explanation, the imaginary
centerline (CL) is shown passing though the elevator doorway, where
the centerline is perpendicular to the door in a closed
position.
[0106] Table 9 below represents the behavioral model implemented by
the follower vehicle, and includes follower vehicle stops, starts,
pauses and movements in relation to modeled human leader stops,
starts, pauses and movements in view of the encountered structural
element. Therefore, Table 9 shows the series of steps taken by the
follower vehicle in response to its interpretation of human
behavior and environmental structural elements, which can be sensed
by the one or more sensors. In this embodiment, the structural
element is an elevator having at least one sliding door that opens
on one side of the elevator. In Table 9, the Person approaches the
elevator door, in step 1, and the follower vehicle approaches
following the Person, in step 1, and eventually stops at distance
away from the door. Table 9 goes on to outline steps taken by the
human and then responsive steps taken by the follower vehicle,
until the human and follower vehicle are both in and out of the
elevator and the follower vehicle has resumed following the human
leader. Responsive steps taken by the follower vehicle can embodied
within logic executed by the follower vehicle, such as within
program code or other computer instructions.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Elevator (sliding door) Follower Vehicle
Person 1. Follows user approaching elevator door 1. Approaches
elevator door 2. Veers to the right along with user 2. Veers to the
right towards elevator button 3. Stops 2 m away from door 3.
Presses the elevator button 4. Waits 4. Remains on the right of
elevator door and waits for it to open 5. Follows user towards
center of door opening 5. Once door is open, approaches door at
angle to center body with door opening 6. Initiates elevator
behavior. Centers itself to 6. Enters elevator the elevator door 7.
Notes direction to which user turned after 7. Turns to the right
for elevator control entering buttons 8. Proceeds to enter and
moves to back of 8. Holds door open for follower vehicle elevator
to enter 9. Since user turned right, follower vehicle 9. Lets go of
elevator door turns clockwise towards the right 10. Stays at
position but turns to regain 10. Waits tracking of user and turns
to keep tracking when user moves to different parts of the elevator
11. Turns with user to face door opening 11. Prepares to exit
elevator by moving to center and aligning with door opening 12.
Resumes following 12. When door opens, proceeds to exit 13. Follows
user out and to the right 13. Turns to the right and continues
walking
[0107] The embodiments of FIGS. 1-9 are not intended to be
exhaustive. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
having the benefit of this disclosure, other behavior models can be
defined for accommodating a cooperative negotiation of other
structural elements, e.g., an elevators with doors on opposite
sides, vestibules with one swing-in door and one swing-out door,
and so on.
[0108] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be
the best mode and/or other preferred embodiments, it is understood
that various modifications can be made therein and that the
invention or inventions may be implemented in various forms and
embodiments, and that they may be applied in numerous applications,
only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by
the following claims to claim that which is literally described and
all equivalents thereto, including all modifications and variations
that fall within the scope of each claim.
[0109] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provide in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment
may also be provided separately or in any suitable
sub-combination.
[0110] For example, it will be appreciated that all of the features
set out in any of the claims (whether independent or dependent) can
combined in any given way.
* * * * *