U.S. patent application number 17/491474 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-20 for autonomous vehicle service system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nissan North America, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC., United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space. Invention is credited to Mark ALLAN, Andrea ANGQUIST, Ben CHRISTEL, Mauro DELLA PENNA, John DENISTON, Richard ENLOW, Armelle GUERIN, Jen HAMON, Shane HOGAN, Sannidhi JALUKAR, Atsuhide KOBASHI, David LEES, Ali MORTAZAVI, Liam PEDERSEN, Richard SALLOUM, Eric SCHAFER, Maarten SIERHUIS, Siddharth THAKUR, Dawn WHEELER, Stephen WU.
Application Number | 20220018666 17/491474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005883651 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220018666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PEDERSEN; Liam ; et
al. |
January 20, 2022 |
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SERVICE SYSTEM
Abstract
An autonomous vehicle service system having a display device, a
receiver, and a controller. The receiver is remote from an
autonomous vehicle and configured to receive transmitted data from
a third party and the autonomous vehicle. The controller is
configured to monitor the transmitted data related to the status of
the autonomous vehicle, and cause information related to the
autonomous vehicle to be displayed on the display device, the
controller further configured to enable the autonomous vehicle
service system to be accessed by the third party so as to be
capable of forming and updating a supervision zone to restrict
access to an area by the autonomous vehicle.
Inventors: |
PEDERSEN; Liam; (San
Francisco, CA) ; THAKUR; Siddharth; (Fremont, CA)
; GUERIN; Armelle; (Portola Valley, CA) ;
MORTAZAVI; Ali; (Walnut Creek, CA) ; KOBASHI;
Atsuhide; (Mountain View, CA) ; DELLA PENNA;
Mauro; (San Francisco, CA) ; ENLOW; Richard;
(Alameda, CA) ; ANGQUIST; Andrea; (Los Altos
Hills, CA) ; SALLOUM; Richard; (San Mateo, CA)
; WU; Stephen; (Menlo Park, CA) ; CHRISTEL;
Ben; (Palo Alto, CA) ; HOGAN; Shane;
(Arlington, MA) ; DENISTON; John; (Colorado
Springs, CO) ; HAMON; Jen; (Palo Alto, CA) ;
JALUKAR; Sannidhi; (Mountain View, CA) ; SIERHUIS;
Maarten; (San Francisco, CA) ; SCHAFER; Eric;
(Kentfiel, CA) ; LEES; David; (Palo Alto, CA)
; WHEELER; Dawn; (Mountain View, CA) ; ALLAN;
Mark; (Campbell, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space |
Franklin
Washington |
TN
DC |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Nissan North America, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
1000005883651 |
Appl. No.: |
17/491474 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16465300 |
May 30, 2019 |
|
|
|
PCT/US2017/068248 |
Dec 22, 2017 |
|
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17491474 |
|
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62438271 |
Dec 22, 2016 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 2201/0213 20130101;
G01C 21/3667 20130101; G05D 1/0088 20130101; G01C 21/3415
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01C 21/34 20060101
G01C021/34; G01C 21/36 20060101 G01C021/36 |
Claims
1. An autonomous vehicle service system, comprising: a display
device; a non-moveable receiver remote from an autonomous vehicle
and configured to receive transmitted data from a third party and
the autonomous vehicle; and an electronic controller configured to
monitor the transmitted data related to the status of the
autonomous vehicle, and cause information related to the autonomous
vehicle to be displayed on the display device, the controller
further configured to enable the autonomous vehicle service system
to be accessed by the third party so as to be capable of forming
and updating a supervision zone to restrict access to an area by
the autonomous vehicle.
2. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to enable the third party to control the
autonomous vehicle.
3. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to enable the third party to supplement
the information displayed on the display device.
4. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
information related to the autonomous vehicle displayed in an
information display area on the display device is displayed as a
ticket that is color coded to match the autonomous vehicle
displayed in a map on the display device.
5. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to predict when the autonomous vehicle
requires assistance based on the transmitted data.
6. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to predict when the autonomous vehicle
requires assistance based on a route of the autonomous vehicle.
7. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to cause an alert related to the
autonomous vehicle to be displayed on the display device.
8. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, further
comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a route update to
the autonomous vehicle.
9. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 8, further
comprising a storage device configured to store the route
update.
10. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 8, wherein the
controller is configured to cause the display device to display the
route update.
11. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 8, wherein the
controller is configured to cause the transmitter to transmit the
route update to another autonomous vehicle.
12. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 8, further
comprising a user input device configured to input information to
create the route update.
13. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to cause information related to the
autonomous vehicle to be displayed on the display device based on a
request from the autonomous vehicle.
14. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to determine that the autonomous vehicle
requires assistance when the autonomous vehicle has been stopped
for a predetermined amount of time.
15. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
autonomous vehicle is a first vehicle of a plurality of autonomous
vehicles, and the controller is configured to monitor transmitted
data related to status of each of the plurality of autonomous
vehicles, and determine when each of the plurality of autonomous
vehicles requires assistance based on the transmitted data.
16. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to cause information related to the
autonomous vehicle to be displayed on the display device,
simultaneously with a location of the autonomous vehicle on a
map.
17. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
receiver is configured to receive an image transmitted by a camera
on the autonomous vehicle, and the display device is configured to
display the image.
18. The autonomous vehicle service system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to update road conditions based on updated
road information received from the third party.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/465,300, filed May 30, 2019, which is a
U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No.
PCT/US2017/068248, filed Dec. 22, 2017, which is a provisional
application of U.S. application Ser. No. 62/438,271, filed Dec. 22,
2016. The entire disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No.
16/465,300, filed May 30, 2019, U.S. National Stage Application of
International Application No. PCT/US2017/068248, filed Dec. 22,
2017, and provisional application of U.S. application Ser. No.
62/438,271, filed Dec. 22, 2016 are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an autonomous
vehicle service system. More specifically, the present invention
relates to an autonomous vehicle service system capable of
rendering assistance to an autonomous vehicle based on information
related to the status of the autonomous vehicle.
Background Information
[0003] An autonomous vehicle can be controlled autonomously,
without direct human intervention, to traverse a route of travel
from an origin to a destination. An autonomous vehicle can include
a control system that may generate and maintain the route of travel
and may control the autonomous vehicle to traverse the route of
travel.
SUMMARY
[0004] It has been discovered that autonomous vehicles can
encounter a traffic situation that is counter to the programming of
the vehicle. In such a situation, it may be advantageous to have a
human intervene in the routing of the autonomous vehicle.
[0005] In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of
the present invention includes an autonomous vehicle service system
having a display device, a receiver, and a controller. The receiver
is configured to receive transmitted data from an autonomous
vehicle related to status of the autonomous vehicle and information
from a third party related to road conditions. The controller is
configured to monitor the transmitted data related to the status of
the autonomous vehicle and the road conditions, determine when the
autonomous vehicle requires assistance based on the transmitted
data, and, when the autonomous vehicle requires assistance, cause
information related to the autonomous vehicle to be displayed on
the display device.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an
autonomous vehicle service system, comprising a display device, a
non-moveable receiver remote from an autonomous vehicle and
configured to receive transmitted data from a third party and the
autonomous vehicle, and a controller configured to monitor the
transmitted data related to the status of the autonomous vehicle,
and cause information related to the autonomous vehicle to be
displayed on the display device, the controller further configured
to enable the autonomous vehicle service system to be accessed by
the third party so as to be capable of forming and updating a
supervision zone to restrict access to an area by the autonomous
vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a plurality of autonomous
vehicles communicating with an autonomous vehicle service
system;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic of the autonomous vehicle service
system;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a visual display on a terminal of the autonomous
vehicle service system showing a map area;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a visual display on a terminal of the autonomous
vehicle service system showing a view from the autonomous
vehicle;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of the
autonomous vehicle service system to update a route of an
autonomous vehicle;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure to monitor
and display autonomous vehicle information and status; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a plurality of autonomous
vehicles and a third party communicating with an autonomous vehicle
service system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments
are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0016] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an autonomous vehicle
service system 10 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the autonomous vehicle service system 10 can be
in communication (wired or wireless) with an antenna 12 that
transmits and receives information to and from a plurality of
autonomous vehicles 14. Accordingly, the autonomous vehicle service
system 10 can monitor the autonomous vehicles 14 to determine if
there is a route issue, and update the autonomous vehicles 14 with
information, including changes to the vehicle route.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the autonomous vehicle service system 10
can include a controller 16, a display device 18, an input device
20, a storage device 22, a receiver 24 and a transmitter 26.
[0018] The controller 16 preferably includes a microcomputer with a
control program that controls the autonomous vehicle service system
10 as discussed below. The controller 16 can also include other
conventional components such as an input interface circuit, an
output interface circuit, and storage devices such as a ROM (Read
Only Memory) device and a RAM (Random Access Memory) device. The
microcomputer of the controller 16 is programmed to control the
autonomous vehicle service system 10. The memory circuit stores
processing results and control programs such as ones for display
device 18 and transmitter 26 operation that are run by the
processor circuit. The controller 16 is operatively coupled to the
display device 18, the input device 20, the storage device 22, the
receiver 24 and the transmitter 26 in a conventional manner. The
internal RAM of the controller 16 stores statuses of operational
flags and various control data. The controller 16 is capable of
selectively controlling any of the components of the autonomous
vehicle service system 10 in accordance with the control program.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure that the precise structure and algorithms for the
controller 16 can be any combination of hardware and software that
will carry out the functions of the present invention.
[0019] The display device 18 can be any device capable of or
configured to visual display date in any manner desired. For
example, the display device 18 can be computer screen 18a as is
known in the art. The input device 20 can be any suitable input
device 20 that enables a user to input data or commands into the
autonomous vehicle service system 10. For example, the input device
20 can be a keyboard 20a, a mouse 20b, a microphone, or any other
suitable device.
[0020] The receiver 24 and the transmitter 26 can capable of
receiving and transmitting data to and from the autonomous vehicle
service system 10. For example, the receiver 24 is capable of
receiving information (data) from a plurality of autonomous
vehicles 14 and communicate the received data to the controller 16,
which in turn is capable of having the information displayed on the
display device 18. Additionally, the transmitter 26 is capable of
having data input into the autonomous vehicle service system 10
transmitted to one or a plurality of the autonomous vehicles
14.
[0021] The storage device 22 can be any type of storage device that
enables data to be stored therein and retrieved thereform.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary display on the display
device 18. In this example, the display device 18 is displaying a
map of an area A including a plurality of autonomous vehicles 14.
The map includes roads R and supervision zones SZ. Moreover, the
display device 18 can include a vehicle information display area
28. In the vehicle information display area 28, the status of one
or a multiple of vehicles 14 can be displayed in a ticket 30 that
enables a user or operate to determine the status of an autonomous
vehicle 14. In one embodiment, the ticket can be color coded
relative to the autonomous vehicle 14. For example, the top ticket
30 can be red, and simultaneously, the autonomous vehicle to which
the top ticket 30 pertains is colored red. However, it is noted
that the tickets 30 can be linked or inedited with a respective
autonomous vehicle 14 in any desired manner.
[0023] Each autonomous vehicle 14 has its respective information
displayed in a respective ticket 30 or individualized area, so that
the operator can determine whether a particular autonomous vehicle
needs attention. The autonomous vehicle service system 10 can
prioritize the tickets 30 based on the time the autonomous vehicle
14 has been waiting for attention or based on any other
criteria.
[0024] The ticket 30 can display an issue an autonomous vehicle 14
is having with its particular route. For example, one autonomous
vehicle 14c can encounter a super vision zone SZ.sub.1 that is for
example, a construction that closes a travel lane. In this
embodiment, the autonomous vehicle can be labeled 14c on the map
and the corresponding ticket can include the vehicle label. In the
present situation, the road R can be reduced to one lane, with a
signal person indicating when it is appropriate for one vehicle
direction to proceed and one vehicle direction to stop, see for
example FIG. 4. Moreover, here one vehicle direction is required to
cross over a double yellow line or some other road indicator. In
such a situation, the autonomous vehicle programming may make it
difficult or impossible to proceed without human intervention.
[0025] Thus, if an operator is in the vehicle 14c, the operator is
capable of overriding the autonomous vehicle 14c programming and
enable the autonomous vehicle 14c to proceed. However, if no
operator is on board, remote operator intervention may be
necessary. In this embodiment, the remote operator can access the
autonomous vehicle sensor system to determine the issue the
autonomous vehicle. As shown in FIG. 4 for example, the operator
can access the autonomous vehicle's camera system to determine that
a lane closure has occurred. FIG. 4 illustrates a real time camera
view from the autonomous vehicle 14c on the display device 18. That
is, the receiver 24 is configured to receive an image transmitted
by a camera on the autonomous vehicle 14c, and the display device
18 is configured to display the image.
[0026] As shown in in FIG. 4, the vehicle 14c is approaching the
construction zone CZ in which a construction worker CW is informing
the autonomous vehicle 14c to proceed slowly into the oncoming
lane. Accordingly, the operator can reroute the autonomous vehicle
14c to an updated route UR (FIG. 3) that enables autonomous vehicle
14c to proceed into the oncoming lane when appropriately indicated
by the construction worker CW. The controller 16 is programmed to
cause the display device 18 to display the updated route UR (i.e.,
the route update), as illustrated in FIG. 3. It is noted that the
operator instructions do not necessarily override the vehicle's
programming regarding system and navigation, the rerouting can
merely provide a rerouting of the updated route UR. The updated
route UR then travels along the updated route UR after determining
there are no other obstacles or oncoming vehicles. However, in some
situations the operator can operate or instruct the autonomous
vehicle 14c (or any autonomous vehiclel4) to perform acts otherwise
contrary to the vehicle's programming.
[0027] The process of receiving information from an autonomous
vehicle 14 and displaying the information of the display device 18
to enable an operator to update the autonomous vehicles route will
now be discussed. First, a plurality of autonomous vehicles 14
transmit data. The autonomous vehicles 14 can continually (or at
predetermined intervals) transmit data to enable continuous
monitoring of the autonomous vehicles 14 by the autonomous vehicle
service system 10. That is, the vehicles can transmit data that is
displayed on the display device 18 that enables an operator to
continually monitor the vehicles speed, direction and location. The
vehicle information can also include additional data, including but
not limited to vehicle destination, vehicle occupancy or any other
suitable information.
[0028] In one embodiment, the transmitted vehicle information can
include a request for assistance in predetermined situations. For
example, when one of the autonomous vehicles 14 is in a situation
in which it is not able to proceed, after a predetermined amount of
time, the autonomous vehicle 14 can transmit a request for
assistance to solve the issue at hand. That is, as discussed above,
if the autonomous vehicle 14 is stopped for a predetermined amount
of time at a lane closure, the autonomous vehicle 14 can transmit a
request for assistance.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S100, this data (e.g., vehicle
status information) is received by the receiver 24 of the
autonomous vehicle service system 10. As stated above, the
transmitted data can include a request for assistance. The
controller 16 monitors the transmitted data in step S110 and
determines whether assistance of at least one autonomous vehicle 14
is required is step S120. If no assistance is required, the
controller 16 continues to monitor the transmitted data.
[0030] When at least one autonomous vehicle 14 requires assistance,
the controller 16 determines if more than one autonomous vehicle 14
requires assistance in step S130. When only one autonomous vehicle
14 requires assistance, the vehicle information is displayed in a
ticket 30 on the display device 18 in step S140. In other words,
the controller 16 is programmed to monitor the transmitted data
related to the status of the autonomous vehicle 14, determine when
the autonomous vehicle 14 requires assistance based on the
transmitted data, and, when the autonomous vehicle 14 requires
assistance, cause information related to the autonomous vehicle to
be displayed on the display device 18. Once the vehicle information
is displayed, the operator can determine whether the vehicle
requires assistance. For example, as stated above, the autonomous
vehicle 14 can be in a situation in which there is a lane closure
and the operator needs to generate a new route. Thus, in step S150
the operator can determined whether a new (updated) route is
required. When a new (or updated) route is not required, the
vehicle information can be continually displayed until removed by
the operator, controller 16 or the autonomous vehicle 14.
[0031] When it is determined that a new (or updated) route is
required, an updated route UR is generated and stored in the
storage device 22 in step S160. In one embodiment, the operator can
manually generate the updated route UR using the user input device
20 based on the vehicle information and the map display. That is,
the operate can draw or create the updated route UR that enables
the autonomous vehicle to cross into the oncoming traffic lane once
the signal person indicates that it is safe to travel.
Alternatively, the controller 16 can generate the updated route UR
based on the information from the autonomous vehicle 14 and the
displayed map data. The updated route UR is then transmitted via
the transmitter 26 to the autonomous vehicle 14 in step S170. The
updated route UR enables the autonomous vehicle 14 to proceed in a
safe manner.
[0032] Returning to S130, when it is determined that more than one
autonomous vehicle 14 needs assistance, the controller 16
prioritizes the assistance for each autonomous vehicle 14 in step
S180. The prioritization can be based on time the autonomous
vehicle 14 has been stopped, the time since the vehicle has
requested assistance, or any other suitable criteria. For example,
in some situations, a vehicle emergency may enable a vehicle higher
prioritization. Thus, the controller 16 is programmed to monitor
transmitted data related to status of each of the plurality of
autonomous vehicles 14, and determine when each of the plurality of
autonomous vehicles requires assistance based on the transmitted
data from the autonomous vehicles 14, prioritize the assistance
needed for each of the autonomous vehicles 14, and cause the
display device to display an order of prioritization of the
autonomous vehicles.
[0033] In step S190, the controller 16 then generates a
prioritization order and displays the vehicle information and a
vehicle alert for each vehicle in the prioritization order on the
display device 18. The controller 16 is programmed to cause an
alert A (such as, approaching lane closure) related to the
autonomous vehicle to be displayed on the display device. Such an
alert A can gain the attention of the operator and enable the
operator to understand the issue presented to the autonomous
vehicle 14.
[0034] Thus, the controller 16 is programmed to monitor transmitted
data related to status of each of the plurality of autonomous
vehicles 14, and determine when each of the plurality of autonomous
vehicles requires assistance based on the transmitted data from the
autonomous vehicles 14, prioritize the assistance needed for each
of the autonomous vehicles 14, and cause the display device 18 to
display an order of prioritization of the autonomous vehicles.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 16 is programmed to
cause information (ticket 30) related to the autonomous vehicle 14
to be displayed on the display device 18, simultaneously with the
location of the autonomous vehicle 14 on a map.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the prioritization order can be
displayed using a ticket 30 in the vehicle information area of the
display device 18 for each of the autonomous vehicles 14. Once the
autonomous vehicle information is displayed, the operator can
determine whether the first prioritized autonomous vehicle 14
requires assistance. For example, as stated above, the autonomous
vehicle 14 can be in a situation in which there is a lane closure
and the operator needs to generate an update or new route. Thus, in
step S200 the operator can determined whether an updated or new
route is required. When an update or new route is not required, the
vehicle information can be continually displayed until removed by
the operator, controller 16 or the autonomous vehicle 14. The
operator can then move to the next vehicle in the prioritization
order.
[0036] It is noted that in some embodiment, the autonomous vehicle
14 may require an updated route to move around a construction zone.
However, the updated or new route can be any type of routing
desired. For example, due to traffic or other situation, the
updated route may be a rerouting on existing roads or traveling
along roads not otherwise known to the autonomous vehicle 14.
[0037] When it is determined that a new route is required, an
updated route UR is generated and stored in the storage device 22
in step S210. In one embodiment, the operator can manually generate
the updated route UR based on the vehicle information and the map
display. That is, the operate can draw or create an updated route
UR that enables the autonomous vehicle 14 to cross into the
oncoming traffic lane once the signal person indicates that it is
safe to travel or enables the vehicle to pass along an area not
otherwise considered a drivable road by the autonomous vehicle 14.
Alternatively, the controller 16 can generate an updated route
based on the information from the autonomous vehicle 14 (or other
autonomous vehicles 14) and the displayed map data. The updated
route UR is then transmitted via the transmitter 26 to the
autonomous vehicle in step S220. The updated route UR enables the
autonomous vehicle 14 to proceed in a safe manner. Since additional
autonomous vehicles 14 may encounter this situation, the updated
route UR can be transmitted to all autonomous vehicles 14 in the
map area, or any suitable vehicles. In other words, the controller
16 is programmed to cause the transmitter 26 to transmit the
updated route UR to another autonomous vehicle 14.
[0038] Once the autonomous vehicle 14 that has requested assistance
has proceeded along the updated route UR and is no longer in need
of assistance, the vehicle information can be removed from the
display in step S230. Then, in step S240, in is determined whether
additional autonomous vehicles 14 remain in the prioritization
order--that is, whether additional autonomous vehicles 14 need
assistance. If no other autonomous vehicles 14 need assistance, the
controller 16 continues to monitor the transmitted data. When at
least one additional autonomous vehicle 14 requires assistance, the
process returns to step S200 to determine whether the next
autonomous vehicle 14 requires an updated route.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which parallel decisions
on whether the autonomous vehicle 14 requires assistance. That is,
in Step S300, step S310 and step S320 the controller 16 can use any
or all of the criteria to determine whether the autonomous vehicle
14 is in need assistance. In step S300, the autonomous vehicle
service system 10 can monitor the vehicle information, and based on
the autonomous vehicle 14 position and direction and/or
destination, or any other suitable data, the controller 16 can
determine whether the autonomous vehicle 14 will encounter a known
supervision zone SZ. When the autonomous vehicle 14 is on a route
or progressing to a destination that will not encounter a known
issue (e.g., a known supervision zone SZ), the controller 16 can
continue to monitor the transmitted data in step S330. However,
when it is determined that the autonomous vehicle 14 will encounter
a known issue, the controller 16 can display the vehicle
information on the display device 18 to enable the operator to
monitor the autonomous vehicle situation and provide an updated
route to the autonomous vehicle 14 prior to the vehicle arriving at
the known issue in step S340. Thus, the controller 16 is programmed
to predict when the autonomous vehicle 14 requires assistance based
on transmitted data from the autonomous vehicle 14.
[0040] In this embodiment, a known issue can be any situation, for
example a supervision zone, as described herein, that will require
intervention from an operator of the autonomous vehicle service
system 10. Moreover, in one embodiment, the controller 16 can be
programmed to automatically transmit the updated route the
autonomous vehicle 14 via the transmitter 26 without the
intervention of the operator. That is, the controller 16 can
determine based on the information provided that the known issue
still exists that that the operator has provided a satisfactory
updated route. The controller 16 can transmit via the transmitter
26 this updated route to the autonomous vehicle.
[0041] In step S310, the controller 16 can monitor the transmitted
data from the autonomous vehicles 14 and determine when the
autonomous vehicle 14 has been stopped for a predetermined amount
of time. Based on this predetermined amount of time, the controller
16 can determine that the autonomous vehicle 14 is in need of
assistance. In other words, the controllerl6 is programmed to
determine that the autonomous vehicle 14 requires assistance when
the autonomous vehicle 14 has been stopped for a predetermined
amount of time. When the autonomous vehicle 14 has not been stopped
for a predetermined amount of time, the controller 16 can continue
to monitor the transmitted data in step S330. However, when the
autonomous vehicle 14 has been stopped for a predetermined amount
of time, the controller 16 can determine that the autonomous
vehicle 14 is in need of assistance, and then display the vehicle
information on the display device 18 to enable the operator to
monitor the autonomous vehicle situation and provide an updated
route to the autonomous vehicle 14, if necessary in step S340. In
other words, the controllerl6 is programmed to determine that the
autonomous vehicle 14 requires assistance when the autonomous
vehicle 14 has been stopped for a predetermined amount of time.
[0042] Alternatively, the controller 16 can automatically transmit
via the transmitter 26 an updated route to the autonomous vehicle
14 if the autonomous vehicle 14 is encountering a known issue, as
discussed above. Thus, in one embodiment, when the autonomous
vehicle 14 encounters a known supervision zone SZ with a known
updated route UR, the updated route UR can be automatically
transmitted to the autonomous vehicle 14.
[0043] In step S320, the controller 16 can determine whether the
autonomous vehicle 14 has requested assistance. When the vehicle
has not requested assistance, the controller 16 can continue to
monitor the transmitted data in step S330. However, when the
autonomous vehicle 14 has requested assistance, the controller 16
can determine that the autonomous vehicle 14 is in need of
assistance, and then display the vehicle information on the display
device 18 to enable the operator to monitor the autonomous vehicle
situation and provide an updated route to the autonomous vehicle
14, if necessary in step S340. In other words, the controller 16 is
programmed to cause information related to the autonomous vehicle
14 to be displayed on the display device 18 based on a request from
the autonomous vehicle.
[0044] Alternatively, the controller 16 can automatically transmit
via the transmitter 26 an updated route to the autonomous vehicle
14 if the autonomous vehicle 14 encounters a known issue, as
discussed above. Thus, in one embodiment, when the autonomous
vehicle 14 encounters a known supervision zone with a known updated
route, the updated route can be automatically transmitted to the
autonomous vehicle 14.
[0045] The autonomous vehicle service system 10 described herein
improves situations in which an autonomous vehicle 14 encounters a
traffic situation that is counter to the programming of the
autonomous vehicle 14. As described herein in can be advantageous
to have a human operator or a controller 16 intervene in the
routing of the autonomous vehicle 14.
[0046] In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, a third party TP is
capable of interfacing with the autonomous vehicle service system
10. The third party TP can be remote from the autonomous vehicle
service system 10 and access the autonomous vehicle service system
10 in any suitable manner. For example, the third party TP can
access the autonomous vehicle service system 10 wireless through
any suitable wireless network or system (cellular technology) or
using wires through any network or system (e.g., the internet) or
combination thereof. That is, the third party TP can access the
autonomous vehicle service system 10 from any type of portable
device or remote terminal or any other device.
[0047] In this embodiment, a third party TP, such as an emergency
responder, public utility or any other suitable source can
interface with the autonomous vehicle service system 10 by, for
example, sending a signal that is received by the receiver. The
controller 16 then enables the third party TP to control or access
the autonomous vehicle service system 10 and create a supervision
zone SZ. In this embodiment, when the third party TP knows that a
traffic situation will occur that may require a route update, the
third party TP can interface with the autonomous vehicle service
system 10 can to provide supplemental or additional information on
the display device 18 by generating a supervision zone SZ that will
require an updated route UR, or simply provide an updated route UR.
Moreover, the controller can then transmit the confirmation of the
supervision zone SZ back to the third party TP. For example, an
emergency responder may require a portion or an entire street to be
shut down. Thus, the autonomous vehicle 14 would require an updated
route UR.
[0048] In another embodiment, the third party TP may be an event or
stadium official that requires streets to be closed during certain
events close to the event. Moreover, the third party TP may
understand that it would be advantageous for the autonomous vehicle
14 to simply avoid certain areas surrounding the event due to road
closures or traffic, and thus the event or stadium official can
create a supervision zone SZ and/or an updated route UR to avoid
the supervision zone SZ.
[0049] The third party TP can set the supervision zone SZ to expire
at a predetermined time or exist for a predetermined time to enable
the autonomous vehicles to use the updated route UR for the
predetermined time. Moreover, if desired, the third party TP can
interface to close supervision zone SZ they created or any other
supervision zone SZ, if desired.
[0050] In one embodiment, the third party TP can interface with the
autonomous vehicle service system 10 for business proposes. That
is, the third party TP can interface with the autonomous vehicle
service system 10 so as to control one or more of the autonomous
vehicles 14. Thus, the third party TP can utilize the one or more
of the autonomous vehicles 14 for business purposes, such as
delivery of items or movement of persons.
[0051] In this embodiment, with the agreement of the owner/operator
of the autonomous vehicle service system 10, the third party TP can
access control of one or more of the autonomous vehicles 14
temporarily, permanently or for a predetermined amount of time,
direct one or more of the autonomous vehicles 14 to pick up a
package or person through the autonomous vehicle service system 10
and delivery the package or person to a specific place.
[0052] In each of the third party TP applications, the third party
TP can send and receive information regarding the supervision zone
SZ, such that the third party is capable of monitoring the
supervision zone SZ and changing, adding or removing the
supervision zone SZ
[0053] The display device 18, input device 20, storage device 22,
receiver 24 and transmitter 26 are conventional components that are
well known in the art. Since the display device 18, input device
20, storage device 22, receiver 24 and transmitter 26 are well
known in the art, these structures will not be discussed or
illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components can be
any type of structure and/or programming that can be used to carry
out the present invention.
General Interpretation Of Terms
[0054] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended
to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," or "element" when used in the singular can have
the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.
Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present
invention should be interpreted relative to an autonomous vehicle
service system.
[0055] The term "configured" as used herein to describe a
component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or
software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the
desired function.
[0056] The terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and
"approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of
deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not
significantly changed.
[0057] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,
the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components
can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown
directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate
structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can
be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions
of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not
necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular
embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the
prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should
be considered a separate description of further inventions by the
applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts
embodied by such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the
embodiments according to the present invention are provided for
illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
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