ABSTRACT
Abstract
A maintenance system can be used with a self-driving vehicle. The maintenance system can include a camera system coupled to an interior of the vehicle and a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle to a first location to remove an item left in the vehicle by a rider.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/128,334; filed Sep. 11, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/863,903; filed Jan. 8, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/049,275; filed Jul. 30, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/181,413; filed Jun. 14, 2016; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/099,565; filed Apr. 14, 2016; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/248,910; filed Aug. 26, 2016; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/589,619; filed May 8, 2017; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
BACKGROUND
Field
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to vehicles. Certain embodiments relate to self-driving vehicles.
Description of Related Art
Vehicles typically require a driver. These vehicles often can only perform actions when directly steered by the driver. However, self-driving vehicles are not reliant upon drivers and can perform actions based upon particular events. Self-driving vehicles can dramatically increase travel safety and convenience. As a result, there is a need for systems and methods that enable self-driving vehicles to perform actions based upon particular events.
SUMMARY
Self-driving vehicles will save tens of thousands of lives per year. The majority of vehicle-related deaths are caused by driver error. Tests have shown that self-driving vehicles nearly eliminate self-inflicted accidents (although they are not immune to accidents caused by human drivers of other vehicles). Self-driving vehicles have unlimited attention spans and can process complex sensor data nearly instantaneously. The ability of self-driving vehicles to save lives is so impressive that society has a moral imperative to develop self-driving technology such that it can be widely adopted.
Self-driving vehicles also have the ability to dramatically save time and improve convenience in roadway travel. Specifically, self-driving vehicles have unlimited potential to learn and predict human behavior and perform actions accordingly. Some embodiments enable a self-driving vehicle to monitor human activity and predict when and where the human will be located and whether the human needs a ride from the self-driving vehicle. Self-driving vehicles will be able to perform such tasks with incredible efficacy and accuracy that will allow self-driving vehicles to proliferate at a much faster rate than would otherwise be the case.
Some embodiments comprise a maintenance system configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle. In some embodiments, maintenance systems comprise a camera system coupled to an interior of the vehicle. The camera system can be configured to take a picture of an item left behind by a first rider. Maintenance system can comprise a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle to a first location to remove the item.
In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera coupled to a ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a first row of the vehicle, and the camera system comprises a second camera coupled to the ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a second row of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera coupled to a rear-view mirror of the vehicle and directed towards a first row of the vehicle, and the camera system comprises a second camera coupled to a ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a second row of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera located in a trunk area of the vehicle such that the first camera is configured to enable an image analysis system to determine if the item is left in the trunk area.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to automatically drive the vehicle to the first location to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.
Some embodiments comprise a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The first wireless communication can be configured to notify the first rider that the item was left behind.
In some embodiments, the communication system is configured to send a second wireless communication comprising a third image of the item to the remote computing device in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The third image can enable the rider to see the item on a display of her remote computing device.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive an address of the first location from the remote computing device in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication.
In some embodiments, the first location is an address at which the first rider has requested to pick up the item. The address can be the rider's current address. The address can also be a location at which the rider is not currently located by at which the rider (or the rider's representative) plans to meet the vehicle (or another vehicle carrying the item) to retrieve the item.
In some embodiments, the communication system is configured to receive a third wireless communication from the remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication. The third wireless communication can comprise instructions for shipping the item.
In some embodiments, the first location is a shipping location (such as a FedEx, UPS, or USPS facility) configured to remove the item from the vehicle and configured to ship the item according to the shipping instructions. The vehicle management system can be configured to enable removing the item from the vehicle once the vehicle is located at the shipping location.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive the first location of a service area configured to clean the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to the service area to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.
Some embodiments comprise a third image taken by the camera system in response to the vehicle leaving the service area. Some embodiments comprise a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication comprising the third image to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle. The first wireless communication can be configured to enable the manager to verify that the item was removed from the vehicle.
Some embodiments comprise a third image taken by the camera system. The image analysis system can be configured to compare the third image to the second image to detect that the item was removed from the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to fine an account of the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.
In some embodiments, a communication system is configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The first wireless communication can comprise a third image taken by the camera system. The third image can be configured to show the item. The first wireless communication can be configured to ask the first rider if the item belongs to the first rider. The communication system can be configured to receive a second wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to the first wireless communication. The second wireless communication can be configured to inform the maintenance system that the first rider is an owner of the item. The maintenance system can comprise a memory configured to record that the first rider is the owner of the item.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises a location detection system configured to receive the first location of a remote computing device associated with the first rider to enable the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the first location in response to an image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image (of the interior) taken by the camera system after the first baseline image.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises a communication system having an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver. The communication system can be configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.
In some embodiments, the first wireless communication is configured to notify the manager that the item was left behind. The communication system can be configured to send a second wireless communication comprising a third image of the item to the remote computing device in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive a third wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication. The third second wireless communication can be configured to instruct the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the first location to remove the item.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the first rider has exited the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to cause the camera system to take a first interior image of the interior of the vehicle in response to determining that the first rider has exited the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system further comprises an image analysis system having at least one processor and a memory comprising program instructions (e.g., code modules configured to be executed by one or more computers) that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the image analysis system to detect the item left behind by analyzing the first interior image taken by the camera system after the first rider has exited the vehicle. The first location can be a vehicle cleaning facility. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to the vehicle cleaning facility to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the vehicle management system can be configured to make the vehicle available to accept a pick-up request of a second rider. In the second mode, the vehicle management system can be configured to make the vehicle unavailable to accept the pick-up request. The vehicle management system can be configured to be in the second mode from a first time at which the image analysis system detects the item left behind. The vehicle management system can be configured to exit the second mode and enter the first mode in response to at least one of the item being removed, receiving an indication that the vehicle has been cleaned, and the vehicle leaving a vehicle cleaning station.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the first rider has exited the vehicle in response to (1) receiving a location of a remote computing device associated with the first rider and determining that the location is not inside the vehicle, (2) failing to detect a direct wireless communication from the remote computing device to an antenna of the vehicle, (3) determining, by the image analysis system, that a second interior image does not show the first rider, and/or (4) determining, by the image analysis system, that an infrared image of the interior of the vehicle does not show the first rider.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and a memory comprising program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the maintenance system to (1) compare a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image to detect the item left behind by the first rider, and/or (2) drive, by the vehicle management system, the vehicle to the first location to remove the item in response to the detecting the item. The program instructions can comprise code modules configured to be executed by one or more computers located in the vehicle and/or located away from the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the first location is a first vehicle cleaning facility. The program instructions can be configured to select the first vehicle cleaning facility based at least in part on determining a distance from the vehicle to the first vehicle cleaning facility and/or based at least in part on determining that the first vehicle cleaning facility is approved by a manager of the vehicle. The memory can comprise a list vehicle cleaning facilities that were approved by the manager of the vehicle. The program instructions can be configured to choose a cleaning facility that was previously approved by the manager and is located near the current location of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to detecting the item. The first wireless communication can comprise an image of the item. The program instructions can be configured to receive a second wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to sending the first wireless communication. The second wireless communication can comprise an instruction (e.g., from the first rider) to return the item. The program instructions can be configured to drive, by the vehicle management system, the vehicle to the first location in response to the instruction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic view that includes a self-driving vehicle configured to use a camera system, according to some embodiments.<
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/128,334; filed Sep. 11, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/863,903; filed Jan. 8, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/049,275; filed Jul. 30, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/181,413; filed Jun. 14, 2016; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/099,565; filed Apr. 14, 2016; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/248,910; filed Aug. 26, 2016; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/589,619; filed May 8, 2017; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.
BACKGROUND
Field
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to vehicles. Certain embodiments relate to self-driving vehicles.
Description of Related Art
Vehicles typically require a driver. These vehicles often can only perform actions when directly steered by the driver. However, self-driving vehicles are not reliant upon drivers and can perform actions based upon particular events. Self-driving vehicles can dramatically increase travel safety and convenience. As a result, there is a need for systems and methods that enable self-driving vehicles to perform actions based upon particular events.
SUMMARY
Self-driving vehicles will save tens of thousands of lives per year. The majority of vehicle-related deaths are caused by driver error. Tests have shown that self-driving vehicles nearly eliminate self-inflicted accidents (although they are not immune to accidents caused by human drivers of other vehicles). Self-driving vehicles have unlimited attention spans and can process complex sensor data nearly instantaneously. The ability of self-driving vehicles to save lives is so impressive that society has a moral imperative to develop self-driving technology such that it can be widely adopted.
Self-driving vehicles also have the ability to dramatically save time and improve convenience in roadway travel. Specifically, self-driving vehicles have unlimited potential to learn and predict human behavior and perform actions accordingly. Some embodiments enable a self-driving vehicle to monitor human activity and predict when and where the human will be located and whether the human needs a ride from the self-driving vehicle. Self-driving vehicles will be able to perform such tasks with incredible efficacy and accuracy that will allow self-driving vehicles to proliferate at a much faster rate than would otherwise be the case.
Some embodiments comprise a maintenance system configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle. In some embodiments, maintenance systems comprise a camera system coupled to an interior of the vehicle. The camera system can be configured to take a picture of an item left behind by a first rider. Maintenance system can comprise a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle to a first location to remove the item.
In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera coupled to a ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a first row of the vehicle, and the camera system comprises a second camera coupled to the ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a second row of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera coupled to a rear-view mirror of the vehicle and directed towards a first row of the vehicle, and the camera system comprises a second camera coupled to a ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a second row of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera located in a trunk area of the vehicle such that the first camera is configured to enable an image analysis system to determine if the item is left in the trunk area.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to automatically drive the vehicle to the first location to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.
Some embodiments comprise a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The first wireless communication can be configured to notify the first rider that the item was left behind.
In some embodiments, the communication system is configured to send a second wireless communication comprising a third image of the item to the remote computing device in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The third image can enable the rider to see the item on a display of her remote computing device.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive an address of the first location from the remote computing device in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication.
In some embodiments, the first location is an address at which the first rider has requested to pick up the item. The address can be the rider's current address. The address can also be a location at which the rider is not currently located by at which the rider (or the rider's representative) plans to meet the vehicle (or another vehicle carrying the item) to retrieve the item.
In some embodiments, the communication system is configured to receive a third wireless communication from the remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication. The third wireless communication can comprise instructions for shipping the item.
In some embodiments, the first location is a shipping location (such as a FedEx, UPS, or USPS facility) configured to remove the item from the vehicle and configured to ship the item according to the shipping instructions. The vehicle management system can be configured to enable removing the item from the vehicle once the vehicle is located at the shipping location.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive the first location of a service area configured to clean the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to the service area to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.
Some embodiments comprise a third image taken by the camera system in response to the vehicle leaving the service area. Some embodiments comprise a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication comprising the third image to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle. The first wireless communication can be configured to enable the manager to verify that the item was removed from the vehicle.
Some embodiments comprise a third image taken by the camera system. The image analysis system can be configured to compare the third image to the second image to detect that the item was removed from the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to fine an account of the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.
In some embodiments, a communication system is configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The first wireless communication can comprise a third image taken by the camera system. The third image can be configured to show the item. The first wireless communication can be configured to ask the first rider if the item belongs to the first rider. The communication system can be configured to receive a second wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to the first wireless communication. The second wireless communication can be configured to inform the maintenance system that the first rider is an owner of the item. The maintenance system can comprise a memory configured to record that the first rider is the owner of the item.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises a location detection system configured to receive the first location of a remote computing device associated with the first rider to enable the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the first location in response to an image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image (of the interior) taken by the camera system after the first baseline image.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises a communication system having an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver. The communication system can be configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.
In some embodiments, the first wireless communication is configured to notify the manager that the item was left behind. The communication system can be configured to send a second wireless communication comprising a third image of the item to the remote computing device in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive a third wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication. The third second wireless communication can be configured to instruct the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the first location to remove the item.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the first rider has exited the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to cause the camera system to take a first interior image of the interior of the vehicle in response to determining that the first rider has exited the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system further comprises an image analysis system having at least one processor and a memory comprising program instructions (e.g., code modules configured to be executed by one or more computers) that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the image analysis system to detect the item left behind by analyzing the first interior image taken by the camera system after the first rider has exited the vehicle. The first location can be a vehicle cleaning facility. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to the vehicle cleaning facility to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the vehicle management system can be configured to make the vehicle available to accept a pick-up request of a second rider. In the second mode, the vehicle management system can be configured to make the vehicle unavailable to accept the pick-up request. The vehicle management system can be configured to be in the second mode from a first time at which the image analysis system detects the item left behind. The vehicle management system can be configured to exit the second mode and enter the first mode in response to at least one of the item being removed, receiving an indication that the vehicle has been cleaned, and the vehicle leaving a vehicle cleaning station.
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the first rider has exited the vehicle in response to (1) receiving a location of a remote computing device associated with the first rider and determining that the location is not inside the vehicle, (2) failing to detect a direct wireless communication from the remote computing device to an antenna of the vehicle, (3) determining, by the image analysis system, that a second interior image does not show the first rider, and/or (4) determining, by the image analysis system, that an infrared image of the interior of the vehicle does not show the first rider.
In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and a memory comprising program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the maintenance system to (1) compare a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image to detect the item left behind by the first rider, and/or (2) drive, by the vehicle management system, the vehicle to the first location to remove the item in response to the detecting the item. The program instructions can comprise code modules configured to be executed by one or more computers located in the vehicle and/or located away from the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the first location is a first vehicle cleaning facility. The program instructions can be configured to select the first vehicle cleaning facility based at least in part on determining a distance from the vehicle to the first vehicle cleaning facility and/or based at least in part on determining that the first vehicle cleaning facility is approved by a manager of the vehicle. The memory can comprise a list vehicle cleaning facilities that were approved by the manager of the vehicle. The program instructions can be configured to choose a cleaning facility that was previously approved by the manager and is located near the current location of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to detecting the item. The first wireless communication can comprise an image of the item. The program instructions can be configured to receive a second wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to sending the first wireless communication. The second wireless communication can comprise an instruction (e.g., from the first rider) to return the item. The program instructions can be configured to drive, by the vehicle management system, the vehicle to the first location in response to the instruction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic view that includes a self-driving vehicle configured to use a camera system, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an interior of the self-driving vehicle with cameras located in several areas, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an interior of the self-driving vehicle with seats facing each other, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a camera device, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the camera device, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the camera device, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate diagrammatic views regarding a camera system of a self-driving vehicle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 9 illustrates a diagrammatic view that includes a self-driving vehicle and a camera system, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.
For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.
Self-driving vehicles will save tens of thousands of lives per year. The majority of vehicle-related deaths are caused by driver errors. Tests have shown that self-driving vehicles nearly eliminate self-inflicted accidents (although they are not immune to accidents caused by human drivers of other vehicles).
Self-driving vehicles typically have unlimited attention spans and can process complex sensor data nearly instantaneously. (Alphabet Inc. and Tesla Motors Inc. have built self-driving vehicles.) The ability of self-driving vehicles to save lives is so impressive that society has a moral imperative to develop self-driving technology such that it can be widely adopted.
Although self-driving vehicles will unlock many safety benefits, there are several barriers to rapid adoption of self-driving vehicles. Some of the embodiments described herein overcome several of these barriers.
Self-driving cars are sometimes referred to as autonomous cars, autonomous vehicles, driverless cars, and driverless vehicles. Various levels of âself-drivingâ behaviors are available to sense surrounding environments and navigate appropriately (e.g., without hitting objects, in a time-efficient manner). Levels of self-driving vehicles comprise Level 1 (Driver Assistance), Level 2 (Partial Automation), Level 3 (Conditional Automation), Level 4 (High Automation), and Level 5 (Full Automation). Of course, other levels and distinctions are possible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has outlined various levels of self-driving vehicle automation based on information from the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Referring now primarily to FIG. 1 , a vehicle management system 65 can be configured to govern the destinations of a self-driving vehicle 2 . A first rider 1 can have a remote computing device 12 running software configured to enable the first rider 1 to request a ride from a ride service and/or from a particular vehicle.
The first rider 1 can open an âappâ on an iPhone. The âappâ can allow the first rider 1 to request a pick-up time and pick-up location.
The vehicle management system 65 can communicate with the remote computing device 12 of the first rider 1 directly (e.g., via radio communications such as Bluetooth) or indirectly via intermediary communication systems 5 . Arrows
17 , 18 indicate communication. (Many additional communication means and methods are compatible with the embodiments described herein.) An antenna 19 of the self-driving vehicle 2 can enable the vehicle management system 65 to communicate with remote computing devices
12 , 12 b.
A second rider 1 b may request a ride via a second remote computing device 12 b . In some cases, the vehicle management system 65 must choose between providing a ride to a first rider 1 , providing a ride to a second rider 1 b , and/or going to a first location 8 (e.g., to clean the vehicle prior to providing a ride to the first rider 1 and/or to the second rider 1 b ). Arrow 15 indicates the self-driving vehicle 2 driving to the first rider 1 to give the first rider 1 a ride. Arrow 9 indicates the self-driving vehicle 2 driving to the first location 8 instead of driving to pick up the second rider 1 b right after dropping off the first rider 1 . Arrow 16 indicates the self-driving vehicle 2 eventually picking up the second rider 1 b (e.g., after the self-driving vehicle 2 is cleaned).
A person who owns a car is incentivized to keep the car clean because any mess the person leave in the car will be an annoyance to the person in the future. In contrast, a rider (who does not own the car) can leave a mess in the car without having to see the mess in the future. As a result, people who own self-driving vehicles 2 are motivated to keep the self-driving vehicles 2 clean while non-owning riders are more prone to leaving messes in self-driving vehicles 2 . Owners of vehicles 2 will not want to make their self-driving vehicles 2 available for riders
1 , 1 b if the owners are concerned that their vehicles 2 will return messy (after providing the rides). Thus, there is a need for systems that help maintain self-driving vehicles 2 .
An owner of a self-driving vehicle 2 will be reluctant to allow other riders to use the self-driving vehicle 2 (e.g., while the owner is at home or work) if the self-driving vehicle 2 will return messy. In addition, if a first rider 1 leaves a mess in the self-driving vehicle 2 (that is not cleaned up), subsequent riders will be unsatisfied with having to ride in a messy self-driving vehicle 2 .
One option is to clean the self-driving vehicle 2 between each rider. This option, however, is often cost-prohibitive. Unlike rental cars that are often rented for a day or more at a time, self-driving vehicles 2 can be rented for just a few minutes at a time. Driving the self-driving vehicle 2 to a cleaning station after each few minutes of rental time would require far too many unnecessary cleanings and unnecessary miles driven. Some embodiments described herein enable cleaning the self-driving vehicle 2 only when necessary and otherwise permitting the self-driving vehicle 2 to be used by a series of riders without taking the time to clean the self-driving vehicle 2 .
The self-driving vehicle 2 can include two modes. In the first mode, the self-driving vehicle 2 is considered clean and is available to accept a pick-up request. If the maintenance system detects that the self-driving vehicle 2 is unclean inside, then the system can enter a second mode in which the self-driving vehicle 2 is unavailable to accept a pick-up request and instead heads towards a cleaning facility. Once the self-driving vehicle 2 is clean, the system can enter the first mode again. As a result, the self-driving vehicle 2 may drop off the first rider 1 , detect that the self-driving vehicle 2 has an item left behind by the first rider 1 , and then instead of going to pick up the second rider 1 b , can go to a cleaning facility. (Another self-driving vehicle can pick up the second rider 1 b or the second rider 1 b can wait for the self-driving vehicle 2 to be cleaned and then can receive a ride from the self-driving vehicle 2 .)
The vehicle management system 65 can be a portion of the self-driving vehicle 2 . Communication between the vehicle 2 and the vehicle management system 65 can occur via electrical wires that couple the vehicle management system 65 to other portions of the vehicle 2 .
In some embodiments, the vehicle management system 65 is located remotely relative to the self-driving vehicle 2 . Communication between the vehicle 2 and the vehicle management system 65 can occur via wireless communications that travel over intermediary communication systems 5 .
In some embodiments, intermediary communication systems 5 are used to perform each step. Intermediary communication systems 5 can comprise wireless networks, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth systems, cellular networks, telephone networks, Internet systems, servers, cloud computing, remotely located computers, satellite systems, communication systems, and any other suitable means of enabling communication between the various components of embodiments described herein and/or incorporated by reference.
The communicative coupling between the remote computing device 12 and the vehicle management system 65 can be via intermediary communication systems 5 . In other words, intermediary communication systems 5 can communicatively couple the remote computing device 12 and the vehicle management system 65 . This communicative coupling may be via intermittent wireless communications. For example, the vehicle management system 65 may send a wireless message to the remote computing device 12 periodically (e.g., every 10 seconds, every 60 seconds, every 10 minutes). As used herein, âperiodicallyâ does not imply that every period has the same duration. In some embodiments, the communicative coupling between the self-driving vehicle 2 and the vehicle management system 65 is via intermediary communication systems 5 .
Some embodiments include methods of using the vehicle management system 65 to operate the self-driving vehicle 2 . The vehicle management system 65 is configured to be communicatively coupled with a remote computing device 12 , which is configured to operate software, such as an iPhone application or an Android application adapted to enable a user to control behaviors of the self-driving vehicle 2 . Behaviors can include actions and non-actions of the self-driving vehicle 2 , such as picking up the user at a location, picking up the user at a time based on a schedule of the user or a time based on past pick-up times, remaining idle, driving to a residence of the user, pulling out of a garage, parking the vehicle, getting gas, charging the vehicle, and the like.
Referring now primarily to FIG. 2 , the maintenance system can comprise a camera system having one or
more camera devices
10 a , 10 b , 10 c , 10 d , 11 a , 11 b . The
camera devices
10 a , 10 b , 10 c , 10 d , 11 a , 11 b can include any of the features and capabilities described in the context of the camera device 10 .
Camera devices
10 a , 10 b can be coupled to a ceiling 20 of the self-driving vehicle 2 such that they include cameras directed towards the first row of seats and/or towards the second row of seats. Camera devices 10 c can be placed in a trunk area of the self-driving vehicle 2 (e.g., to enable taking pictures and/or videos of items left in the trunk area).
A camera device 11 a can be integrated into the rear-view mirror of the self-driving vehicle 2 . A camera device 11 b can be integrated into the dash of the self-driving vehicle 2 .
Camera devices
10 a , 10 b , 10 c , 11 a , 11 b can be placed in any area of the self-driving vehicle 2 .
As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the first and second rows of seats can face towards each other to create a more social riding experience. A camera device 10 d can be coupled to an interior of the self-driving vehicle 2 . As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the camera device 10 d is coupled to the ceiling 20 of the self-driving vehicle 2 .
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a camera device. FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the camera device 10 coupled to a ceiling 20 of the self-driving vehicle 2 . FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the camera device 10 with the ceiling 20 hidden to show a top side of the camera device 10 . (The top side is configured to face towards the ceiling 20 of the self-driving vehicle 2 .)
The camera device 10 can include
multiple cameras
24 a , 24 b , 24 c . A first camera 24 a can be directed in a first direction 25 a (e.g., towards a front row of seats in the self-driving vehicle 2 ). A second camera 24 b can be directed in a second direction 25 b (e.g., towards a middle row of seats in the self-driving vehicle 2 ). A third camera 24 c can be directed in a third direction 25 c (e.g., towards a third row of seats in the self-driving vehicle 2 ).
Each
camera
24 a , 24 b , 24 c can include a wide- angle lens 28 to provide a wider field of view, which can be particularly helpful in the small confines of the self-driving vehicle 2 . The
cameras
24 a , 24 b , 24 c can be high-resolution cameras with auto-focus.
<div id="p-0077" num="0076
CLAIMS
Claims ( 29 )
The following is claimed:
1. A maintenance system configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle, the maintenance system comprising:
a camera system coupled to an interior of the vehicle, wherein the camera system is configured to take a picture of an item left behind by a rider; and
a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle to a first location to remove the item, wherein the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the rider has exited the vehicle by receiving a second location of a remote computing device of the rider and determining that the second location is not inside the vehicle.
2. The maintenance system of claim 1 , wherein the camera system comprises a camera coupled to at least one of a ceiling of the vehicle and a rear-view mirror of the vehicle, wherein the camera is directed towards a first row of the vehicle.
3. The maintenance system of claim 1 , wherein the camera system comprises a camera located in a trunk area of the vehicle such that the camera is configured to enable an image analysis system to determine if the item is left in the trunk area.
4. The maintenance system of claim 1 , further comprising an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image.
5. The maintenance system of claim 4 , wherein the vehicle management system is configured to receive the first location of a service area configured to clean the vehicle, and the vehicle management system is configured to drive the vehicle to the service area to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left by the rider.
6. The maintenance system of claim 5 , further comprising a third image taken by the camera system in response to the vehicle leaving the service area; and
a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication comprising the third image to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle, wherein the first wireless communication is configured to enable the manager to verify that the item was removed from the vehicle.
7. The maintenance system of claim 4 , further comprising a third image taken by the camera system, wherein the image analysis system is configured to compare the third image to the second image to detect that the item was removed from the vehicle.
8. The maintenance system of claim 4 , wherein the vehicle management system is configured to fine an account of the rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the rider.
9. The maintenance system of claim 4 , further comprising a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device of the rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the rider, wherein the first wireless communication comprises a third image taken by the camera system, the third image is configured to show the item, the first wireless communication is configured to ask the rider if the item belongs to the rider, the communication system is configured to receive a second wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to the first wireless communication, and the second wireless communication is configured to inform the maintenance system that the rider is an owner of the item.
10. A maintenance system configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle, the maintenance system comprising:
a camera system coupled to an interior of the vehicle, wherein the camera system is configured to take a picture of an item left behind by a rider; and
a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle to a first location to remove the item, wherein the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the rider has exited the vehicle by failing to detect a direct wireless communication from a remote computing device to an antenna of the vehicle.
11. The maintenance system of claim 10 , further comprising a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication to the remote computing device of the rider in response to an image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the rider, wherein the first wireless communication is configured to notify the rider that the item was left behind.
12. The maintenance system of claim 11 , wherein the communication system is configured to send a second wireless communication comprising an image of the item to the remote computing device of the rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the rider.
13. The maintenance system of claim 11 , wherein the communication system is configured to receive a third wireless communication from the remote computing device of the rider in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication, wherein the third wireless communication comprises instructions for shipping the item.
14. The maintenance system of claim 10 , further comprising an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image; and
a communication system having an antenna and a transmitter, wherein the communication system is configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the rider.
15. The maintenance system of claim 14 , wherein the first wireless communication is configured to notify the manager that the item was left behind, the communication system is configured to send a second wireless communication comprising a third image of the item to the remote computing device in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the rider, wherein the vehicle management system is configured to receive a third wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication, wherein the third wireless communication is configured to instruct the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the first location to remove the item.
16. The maintenance system of claim 10 , wherein the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the rider has exited the vehicle and is configured to cause the camera system to take a first interior image of the vehicle in response to determining that the rider has exited the vehicle,
wherein the maintenance system further comprises an image analysis system having at least one processor and a memory comprising program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the image analysis system to detect the item left behind by analyzing the first interior image taken by the camera system after the rider has exited the vehicle,
wherein the first location is a vehicle cleaning facility, and the vehicle management system is configured to drive the vehicle to the vehicle cleaning facility to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item.
17. The maintenance system of claim 10 , further comprising:
at least one processor; and
a memory comprising program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the maintenance system to:
compare a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image to detect the item left behind by the rider, and
drive, by the vehicle management system, the vehicle to the first location to remove the item in response to the detecting the item.
18. The maintenance system of claim 17 , wherein the first location is a vehicle cleaning facility, and the program instructions are configured to select the vehicle cleaning facility based at least in part on determining a distance from the vehicle to the vehicle cleaning facility and based at least in part on determining that the vehicle cleaning facility is approved by a manager of the vehicle.
19. The maintenance system of claim 17 , wherein the program instructions are configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device of the rider in response to detecting the item, wherein the first wireless communication comprises an image of the item, and the program instructions are configured to receive a second wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to sending the first wireless communication, wherein the second wireless communication comprises an instruction to return the item, and the program instructions are configured to drive, by the vehicle management system, the vehicle to the first location in response to the instruction.
20. The maintenance system of claim 10 , further comprising a location detection system configured to receive the first location of a remote computing device of the rider to enable the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the first location in response to an image analysis system detecting the item left by the rider.
21. A maintenance system configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle, the maintenance system comprising:
a camera system coupled to an interior of the vehicle, wherein the camera system is configured to take a picture of an item left behind by a rider;
a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle; and
a location detection system configured to receive location information indicative of a current location of a remote computing device of the rider after the rider has exited the vehicle, wherein the vehicle management system is adapted to autonomously drive the vehicle to the current location of the remote computing device to return the item to the rider.
22. The maintenance system of claim 21 , wherein the vehicle management system is configured to automatically drive the vehicle to the current location to remove the item in response to an image analysis system detecting the item left by the rider.
23. The maintenance system of claim 21 , wherein the location information indicative of the current location comprises Global Positioning System data from the remote computing device.
24. The maintenance system of claim 21 , wherein the vehicle management system is adapted to autonomously drive the vehicle to the current location of the remote computing device to return the item to the rider in response to an image analysis system detecting the item left by the rider.
25. The maintenance system of claim 21 , wherein the location detection system is configured to track the current location of the remote computing device of the rider to enable the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the current location of the remote computing device to return the item to the rider.
26. The maintenance system of claim 25 , further comprising a communication system configured to send a wireless communication to the remote computing device of the rider, wherein the wireless communication is configured to notify the rider that the item was left behind.
27. The maintenance system of claim 21 , further comprising an image analysis system configured to detect the item left by the rider, wherein the location detection system is configured to begin tracking the current location of the remote computing device in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left by the rider.
28. The maintenance system of claim 27 , further comprising a communication system configured to send a wireless communication to the remote computing device of the rider, wherein the wireless communication is configured to ask the rider if the item belongs to the rider.
29. The maintenance system of claim 21 , wherein the location detection system is configured to begin tracking the current location of the remote computing device in response to the location detection system determining that the remote computing device has exited the vehicle.
US16/134,190
2018-09-18
2018-09-18
System for managing lost, mislaid, or abandoned property in a self-driving vehicle
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System for managing lost, mislaid, or abandoned property in a self-driving vehicle
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