Autonomous vehicle maintenance and self-charging

Abstract

A vehicle computer includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include performing a self-check operation on a host vehicle after the host vehicle leaves a manufacturing facility and before the host vehicle continues a delivery process. The self-check operation includes: measuring a battery charge; comparing the battery charge to a predetermined threshold; and if it is determined that the battery charge exceeds the predetermined value, commanding an autonomous vehicle controller to continue the delivery process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to autonomous vehicles, and more particularly to methods and systems for performing vehicle self-check operations. Background Art

[0002] The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has defined multiple levels of autonomous vehicle operation. At Levels 0-2, the human driver monitors or controls most driving tasks, typically without assistance from the vehicle. For example, at Level 0 (“No Automation”), the human driver is responsible for all vehicle operations. At Level 1 (“Driver Assistance”), the vehicle sometimes assists with steering, acceleration, or braking, but the driver is still responsible for the vast majority of vehicle control. At Level 2 (“Partial Automation”), the vehicle can control steering, acceleration, and braking in certain situations without human interaction. At Levels 3-5, the vehicle takes on more driving-related tasks. At Level 3 (“Conditional Automation”), the vehicle can handle steering, acceleration, and braking in certain situations, as well as monitoring the driving environment. However, Level 3 requires the driver to intervene occasionally. At Level 4 (“High Automation”), the vehicle can handle the same tasks as Level 3, but does not rely on driver intervention for certain driving modes. At Level 5 (“Full Automation”), the vehicle can handle almost all tasks without any driver intervention. Summary of the invention

[0003] The vehicle must travel from the manufacturing plant to the end customer. The assembled vehicle is usually transported to the dealer using a transportation service such as a rail car, ship, or truck. A person is required to drive the non-autonomous vehicle from the manufacturing plant to the transportation service point. Prior to this, the person checks the vehicle battery and tire pressure to ensure that both are sufficient for transportation. If the battery charge, tire pressure, or both are low, the vehicle is serviced before transportation. If the battery charge and tire pressure are above certain thresholds, the vehicle is manually driven to the transportation location, where, for example, the vehicle can be loaded onto a rail car, ship, or truck.

[0004] The autonomous vehicle can be driven to the transport location without a human operator. Since it is unmanned, no one can check the battery and tire pressure of the autonomous vehicle before the autonomous vehicle goes to the transport location. Therefore, there is a risk that the autonomous vehicle may be transported with low battery, low tire pressure, or both.

[0005] One method of preventing this from occurring is to utilize a self-check system implemented by a vehicle computer including a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory, the processor performing a self-check operation after the host vehicle leaves the manufacturing facility and before the host vehicle continues with the delivery process. The self-check operation includes: measuring a battery charge; comparing the battery charge to a predetermined threshold; and if it is determined that the battery charge exceeds the predetermined value, commanding an autonomous vehicle controller to continue with the delivery process.

[0006] The instructions may include commanding a vehicle engine to start if the battery charge is determined to be below the predetermined threshold.

[0007] The instructions may include commanding the vehicle engine to start to charge the vehicle battery if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold, the host vehicle is parked outside, the host vehicle has sufficient fuel to charge the battery and complete the delivery process, and the host vehicle is not currently being transported.

[0008] The instructions may include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass preservation area if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0009] The instructions may include commanding a communication transceiver to send a notification to a remote server if it is determined that the vehicle engine cannot be started to charge the vehicle battery after determining that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0010] The self-check operation may include measuring the pressure of each tire of the host vehicle. In this case, the instructions may include comparing the pressure of each tire of the host vehicle to a predetermined value. In addition, the instructions may include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass preservation area if it is determined that the pressure of at least one tire of the host vehicle is below the predetermined value. Alternatively or additionally, the instructions may include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass preservation area if it is determined that the pressure of at least one tire of the host vehicle exceeds the predetermined value.

[0011] The instructions may include determining whether the host vehicle is currently being transported, wherein the processor is programmed to determine that the host vehicle is currently being transported if a signal is received from a communication beacon located on a loading ramp, wherein the loading ramp is used to transport the host vehicle during the delivery process.

[0012] A method for performing a vehicle self-check operation after a host vehicle leaves a manufacturing facility and before the host vehicle continues a delivery process includes: measuring a battery charge; comparing the battery charge to a predetermined threshold; and if it is determined that the battery charge exceeds the predetermined value, commanding an autonomous vehicle controller to continue a delivery process.

[0013] The method may further include commanding a vehicle engine to start if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0014] The method may further include commanding the vehicle engine to start to charge the vehicle battery if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold, the host vehicle is parked outside, the host vehicle has sufficient fuel to charge the battery and complete the delivery process, and the host vehicle is not currently being transported.

[0015] The method may further include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass preservation area if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0016] The method may further include commanding a communication transceiver to send a notification to a remote server if it is determined that the vehicle engine cannot be started to charge the vehicle battery after determining that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0017] The method may further include measuring the pressure of each tire of the host vehicle. In this case, the method may further include comparing the pressure of each tire of the host vehicle to a predetermined value. In addition, the method may further include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass preservation area if it is determined that the pressure of at least one tire of the host vehicle is below the predetermined value. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass preservation area if it is determined that the pressure of at least one tire of the host vehicle exceeds the predetermined value.

[0018] The method may further include determining whether the host vehicle is currently being transported based at least in part on a signal emitted by a communication beacon located on a loading ramp used to transport the host vehicle during the delivery process.

[0019] The elements shown may take many different forms and include multiple and / or alternative components and facilities. The exemplary components shown are not intended to be limiting. In fact, additional or alternative components and / or implementations may be used. In addition, unless explicitly stated, the elements shown are not necessarily drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 An exemplary autonomous vehicle with a self-checking system is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating example components of an autonomous vehicle, including components of a self-checking system.

[0022] Figure 3 An autonomous vehicle is shown approaching a loading ramp with a communication beacon.

[0023] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an example process that may be performed by a self-test system when released from a manufacturing plant.

[0024] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an example process that may be performed by a self-checking system when at a rest point during transportation or when parked for a predetermined amount of time by an end customer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the host vehicle 100 includes a self-checking system 105 for periodically monitoring battery and tire pressure during delivery and other situations when the host vehicle 100 is parked for a long time (e.g., more than 2 days). Although shown as a sedan, the host vehicle 100 can include any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The host vehicle 100 is an autonomous vehicle that can operate in an autonomous (e.g., unmanned) mode, a partially autonomous mode, and / or a non-autonomous mode. The partially autonomous mode can refer to an SAE Level 2 operating mode, in which the host vehicle 100 can control steering, acceleration, and braking in certain situations without human interaction. The partially autonomous mode can also refer to an SAE Level 3 operating mode, in which the host vehicle 100 can handle steering, acceleration, and braking in certain situations, as well as monitoring the driving environment, although some human interaction is sometimes required.

[0026] The self-check system 105 discussed in more detail below performs self-check operations during the delivery process of the main vehicle 100. The self-check operation may include checking the battery charge, tire pressure, or both. The delivery process may refer to the process of transporting the main vehicle 100 from the manufacturing plant to the end customer. The end customer may refer to a dealer or an individual owner of the vehicle that is independent of the vehicle manufacturer. The delivery process may include the main vehicle 100 leaving the manufacturing plant, parking in a parking lot at the manufacturing plant, being loaded for transportation by, for example, a rail car, ship, or truck, being transported by a rail car, ship, or truck, leaving the rail car, ship, or truck, parking in a parking lot after leaving the rail car, ship, or truck, and the like.

[0027] Upon detecting low battery charge or low tire pressure, self-diagnosis system 105 may notify a transport management entity that battery charge, tire pressure, or both require attention. A transport management entity may refer to one or more entities responsible for transporting host vehicle 100 from a manufacturing facility to an end customer.

[0028] In the event of low battery charge, the self-check system 105 can start the vehicle engine to charge the battery, at least until the battery charge is above a predetermined level. However, the self-check system 105 can avoid starting the engine to charge the battery at certain times. For example, when the main vehicle 100 is loaded for transportation, the self-check system 105 may not charge the battery. In addition, when the main vehicle 100 is parked indoors, the self-check system 105 may not charge the battery. As discussed in more detail below, the self-check system 105 can determine based on various sensors that the main vehicle 100 is loaded for transportation or parked indoors. In addition, before starting the engine, the self-check system 105 can confirm that the main vehicle 100 has enough fuel to charge the battery and operate the main vehicle 100 during the delivery process.

[0029] The self-check system 105 can perform a self-check operation after a predetermined amount of time has passed since the last self-check. Alternatively, the predetermined amount of time can refer to the amount of time that the main vehicle 100 has been parked continuously. The predetermined amount of time can be, for example, approximately 2 days. Depending on whether the main vehicle 100 is in the delivery process or with the end customer, different predetermined amounts of time can be applied. In addition, different amounts of time can be applied based on the specific stage of the delivery process. That is, when the main vehicle 100 is parked outside the manufacturing plant, one predetermined amount of time can be applied, and when the main vehicle 100 is parked after transportation, different predetermined amounts of time can be applied. In addition, as described above, when the main vehicle 100 is indoors or loaded for transportation, self-checking may not occur (the predetermined amount of time is infinite).

[0030] If the self-check system 105 determines that the self-check operation cannot adequately resolve the issue (e.g., low battery charge or low tire pressure), the self-check system 105 can command the host vehicle 100 to navigate to a "quality hold" location where the host vehicle 100 can be serviced before continuing with the delivery process. Examples of reasons why the self-check system 105 may not be able to resolve the issue can include insufficient fuel to charge the battery and complete the delivery process, an inability to inflate the tires, an inability to determine if the host vehicle 100 is parked indoors, etc.

[0031] Reference now Figure 2, components of the self-checking system 105 can communicate with components of the host vehicle 100. Example components of the host vehicle 100 can include a camera 110, a navigation system 115, an autonomous vehicle controller 120, a communication transceiver 125, a tire pressure monitoring system 130, a battery health system 135, and a temperature sensor 140. The self-checking system 105 can be implemented by a vehicle computer. As such, the self-checking system 105 can include a system memory 145 and a system processor 150. At least some of these components can communicate with each other via a vehicle communication network 155.

[0032] The vehicle communication network 155 includes hardware, such as a communication bus, for facilitating communication between vehicle components. The communication network can facilitate wired or wireless communication between vehicle components according to a variety of communication protocols such as a controller area network (CAN), Ethernet, WiFi, a local interconnect network (LIN), and / or other wired or wireless mechanisms.

[0033] The camera 110 is a visual sensor. The camera 110 can capture images of an area outside the host vehicle 100. To capture such images, the camera 110 can include a lens that projects light to, for example, a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, etc. The camera 110 processes the light and generates an image. The image can be output to the system processor 150 and, as discussed in more detail below, can be used to determine whether the host vehicle 100 is parked indoors.

[0034] The navigation system 115 is implemented by a circuit, chip or other electronic component that can determine the current position of the main vehicle 100. The navigation system 115 can be implemented by a satellite-based system, such as a global positioning system (GPS). The navigation system 115 can triangulate the position of the main vehicle 100 based on signals received from various satellites in the earth's orbit. The navigation system 115 is programmed to output a signal representing the current position of the main vehicle 100 to, for example, the autonomous vehicle controller 120 via a communication network. In some cases, the navigation system 115 is programmed to determine a route from the current position to a future position, including developing an alternative route to, for example, a quality maintenance area when necessary. The navigation system 115 can access a virtual map stored in an electronic memory and develop a route based on the virtual map data. In addition, in some possible implementations, the signal output by the navigation system 115 can be used to determine whether the main vehicle 100 is parked indoors.

[0035] The autonomous vehicle controller 120 implemented by circuits, chips or other electronic components is programmed to perform various operations. The autonomous vehicle controller 120 is a computing device that generally includes a processor and a memory, which includes one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions that can be executed by the processor for performing various autonomous vehicle operations including those disclosed herein. The memory of the autonomous vehicle controller 120 also generally stores remote data received via various communication mechanisms; for example, the autonomous vehicle controller 120 is generally programmed to communicate via a controller area network (CAN) bus, etc., and / or for using other wired or wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth, etc. Via the vehicle communication network 155, the autonomous vehicle controller 120 can transmit messages to various devices in the host vehicle 100 and receive messages from various devices in the host vehicle 100. Examples of such devices may include controllers, actuators, sensors, etc. Therefore, the autonomous vehicle controller 120 is programmed to implement any of the above-mentioned autonomous operating modes by processing sensor data and outputting control signals to actuators associated with, for example, acceleration, braking and steering of the host vehicle 100.

[0036] The communication transceiver 125 is implemented by an antenna, circuit, chip or other electronic components that facilitate wireless communication between the host vehicle 100 and other objects (such as other vehicles, remote servers 160, etc.). The communication transceiver 125 can be programmed to communicate according to any number of wired or wireless communication protocols. For example, the communication transceiver 125 can be programmed to communicate according to satellite communication protocols, cellular-based communication protocols (LTE, 3G, etc.), Low power, Ethernet, controller area network (CAN) protocol, WiFi, local interconnect network (LIN) protocol, etc. In some cases, the communication transceiver 125 is incorporated into the vehicle telematics unit. The remote server 160 can be associated with a transportation management entity. Thus, the communication transceiver 125 can be programmed to send a message to the remote server 160, for example, indicating that the host vehicle 100 requires maintenance during delivery. In addition, the communication transceiver 125 can be programmed to communicate with a communication beacon 165 (see FIG. 10A ) on a loading ramp 170 of a rail car, ship, or truck. Figure 3 ) Wireless communications. The communication transceiver 125 may be programmed to receive messages from the communication beacon 165. These messages may indicate the presence of the host vehicle 100 at the loading ramp 170.

[0037] The tire pressure monitoring system 130 is implemented by sensors, circuits, chips, or other electronic components located in each tire of the host vehicle 100. The sensors of the tire pressure monitoring system 130 are programmed to detect the pressure of their respective tires. The communication chip broadcasts or otherwise communicates the detected tire pressure to other vehicle components, including the system processor 150.

[0038] The battery health system 135 is implemented by a circuit, chip, or other electronic component programmed to detect the state of charge of the vehicle battery. The state of charge may represent the amount of charge available to power certain vehicle subsystems. The battery health system 135 may be programmed to output a signal representing the battery state of charge to, for example, the system processor 150. In some cases, the state of charge may be expressed as a percentage. A "low" state of charge may be, for example, a state of charge of 70% or less.

[0039] The temperature sensor 140 is implemented by a circuit, chip or other electronic component that detects the ambient temperature outside the host vehicle 100. The temperature sensor 140 may generate and output a signal representing the ambient temperature outside the host vehicle 100. The temperature signal may be output to the system processor 150, for example.

[0040] The system memory 145 is implemented by circuits, chips or other electronic components, and may include one or more of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, an electrically programmable memory (EPROM), an electrically programmable and erasable memory (EEPROM), an embedded multimedia card (eMMC), a hard disk drive, or any volatile or non-volatile medium, etc. The system memory 145 may store instructions executable by the system processor 150 and data such as battery state of charge, tire pressure, ambient air temperature, etc. The instructions and data stored in the memory may be accessed by the system processor 150 and possible other components of the self-test system 105, the host vehicle 100, or both.

[0041] The system processor 150 is implemented by circuits, chips, or other electronic components, and may include one or more microcontrollers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more customer specific integrated circuits, etc. The system processor 150 may receive data from sensors, including sensors associated with the battery health system 135 and the tire pressure monitoring system 130, and determine from the data whether the battery charge and tire pressure are sufficient for the host vehicle 100 to continue the delivery process. In addition, in the case of the battery charge, the system processor 150 may be programmed to start the engine of the host vehicle 100 to charge the battery.

[0042] The system processor 150 may be programmed to perform a self-check operation during the delivery of the host vehicle 100. As previously described, the self-check operation may include checking the battery charge, tire pressure, or both. Thus, the system processor 150 may be programmed to receive and process signals output by the battery health system 135, the tire pressure monitoring system 130, or both, to determine the battery charge and tire pressure. Upon detecting low battery charge or low tire pressure, the system processor 150 may be programmed to command the communication transceiver 125 to send a notification to the remote server 160 of the transportation management entity that the battery charge, tire pressure, or both require attention. In addition, in some cases, such as when the system processor 150 cannot correct a situation without human intervention (e.g., low tire pressure), the system processor 150 may output a signal commanding the autonomous vehicle controller 120 to navigate the host vehicle 100 to a quality maintenance area.

[0043] In the case of low battery power, the system processor 150 can be programmed to output a command to start the vehicle engine to charge the battery, at least until the battery power is above a predetermined level. However, the system processor 150 can be programmed not to start the engine to charge the battery at certain times. For example, the system processor 150 can be programmed not to charge the battery when the main vehicle 100 is loaded for transportation. In addition, the system processor 150 can be programmed not to charge the battery when the main vehicle 100 is parked indoors. The system processor 150 can be programmed to determine that the main vehicle 100 is loaded for transportation or parked indoors based on various sensors. For example, the system processor 150 can be programmed to determine that the main vehicle 100 is loaded for transportation based on a signal received from the communication transceiver 125 indicating that the communication transceiver 125 is close to a communication beacon 165 located on a loading ramp 170 of a rail car, ship or truck. The system processor 150 can be programmed to determine that the main vehicle 100 is parked indoors based on a signal output by, for example, a camera 110, a navigation system, or both.

[0044] Additionally, before starting the engine, the system processor 150 may be programmed to confirm that the host vehicle 100 has enough fuel to charge the battery and operate the host vehicle 100 during delivery. The system processor 150 may be programmed to determine whether the host vehicle 100 has enough fuel based on a signal output by a fuel level sensor.

[0045] The system processor 150 can be programmed to perform self-check operations periodically during the delivery process, and possibly even after the main vehicle 100 has been delivered to the end customer. For example, the system processor 150 can be programmed to perform a self-check operation after a predetermined amount of time has passed since the last self-check operation was performed during the delivery process. Alternatively, the predetermined amount of time can refer to the amount of time that the main vehicle 100 has been parked continuously. This can include the time that the end customer has parked the main vehicle 100 continuously after the delivery process is completed. The predetermined amount of time can be about, for example, 2 days. Depending on whether the main vehicle 100 is in the delivery process or with the end customer, different predetermined amounts of time can be applied. In addition, based on the specific stage of the delivery process, different amounts of time can be applied. That is, when the main vehicle 100 is parked outside the manufacturing plant, one predetermined amount of time can be applied, and when the main vehicle 100 is parked after transportation, different predetermined amounts of time can be applied. In addition, as described above, when the main vehicle 100 is indoors or loaded for transportation, self-checking may not occur (the predetermined amount of time is infinite).

[0046] If the system processor 150 determines that the self-check operation cannot adequately resolve the issue (e.g., low battery charge or low tire pressure), the system processor 150 can be programmed to command the host vehicle 100 to navigate to a quality preservation location where the host vehicle 100 can be serviced before continuing with the delivery process. Examples of reasons why the self-check system 105 may not be able to resolve the issue can include the system processor 150 detecting that the fuel is insufficient to charge the battery and complete the delivery process, the system processor 150 detecting low air pressure in one or more tires, the system processor being unable to determine if the host vehicle 100 is parked indoors, etc.

[0047] Figure 3 The host vehicle 100 is shown approaching a loading ramp 170 for loading the host vehicle 100 for transport via railcar, ship, or truck. Alternatively, the loading ramp 170 may be a driveway leading to an indoor parking facility, such as a parking garage. As described above, the loading ramp 170 includes a communication beacon 165. The communication beacon 165 is implemented by an antenna, circuit, chip, or other electronic component that is programmed to wirelessly communicate with the communication transceiver 125 of the host vehicle 100 when the communication beacon and the host vehicle are within range of each other. The communication beacon 165 can communicate with any number of communication protocols. For example, the communication beacon 165 may communicate according to a plurality of communication protocols. The communication beacon 165 may be programmed to facilitate one-way or two-way communication with the communication transceiver 125 of the host vehicle 100 .

[0048] When the host vehicle 100 approaches the loading ramp 170, the communication transceiver 125 receives the message broadcast by the communication beacon 165. The system processor 150 can be programmed to interpret the reception of the message broadcast by the communication beacon 165 as the host vehicle 100 approaching the loading ramp 170. In some cases, the system processor 150 can be programmed to determine the distance of the host vehicle 100 from the communication beacon 165 based on the signal emitted by the communication beacon 165. In addition, the system processor 150 can be programmed to avoid performing a self-test operation, or at least avoid starting the engine to charge the battery, if it is detected that the host vehicle 100 is approaching the loading ramp 170.

[0049] In some possible ways, for example, where the communication beacon 165 is implemented via bidirectional BLE, the system processor 150 can be programmed to detect a transition between the “on” side and the “off” side of the communication beacon 165. The system processor 150 can be programmed to respond to a signal indicating such a transition by deactivating and activating the self-check operation, respectively. To further increase robustness, the communication beacon 165 can include an orientation sensor. Using this approach, the system processor 150 can be programmed to determine that the self-check operation should be deactivated as long as the host vehicle is on the “on” side of the communication beacon 165 and the orientation of the host vehicle 100 matches the communication beacon 165 (indicating that the host vehicle 100 is on the loading ramp 170 or is about to enter the loading ramp).

[0050] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an example process 400 that the self-check system 105 may perform when the host vehicle 100 is released from the manufacturing plant. The process 400 may be initiated at any time, such as when the host vehicle 100 stops at the manufacturing plant and before continuing with the delivery process.

[0051] At decision block 405, the self-check system 105 determines whether to initiate a self-check operation. For example, the system processor 150 may be programmed to initiate a self-check operation after confirming that the host vehicle 100 has left the manufacturing plant and is ready for transportation. If the system processor 150 determines that it is time to initiate a self-check operation, the process 400 may proceed to blocks 410 and 445. If the system processor 150 determines that it is not time to initiate a self-check operation, the process 400 may repeat block 405 until a self-check operation should be initiated. The system processor 150 may be programmed to wait a short amount of time (e.g., a few minutes or hours) before executing block 405 again.

[0052] At block 410 , the self-test system 105 measures the battery charge. To measure the battery charge, the system processor 150 may be programmed to command the battery health system 135 to determine the state of charge of the vehicle battery and output a signal to the system processor 150 that represents the battery charge.

[0053] At decision block 415, the self-test system 105 determines whether the battery charge is sufficient for the delivery process. The system processor 150 may be programmed to compare the battery charge to a predetermined threshold. An exemplary predetermined threshold may be, for example, approximately 70%. If the battery charge meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold, the process 400 may proceed to block 440. If the system processor 150 determines that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold, the process 400 may proceed to block 420.

[0054] At block 420 , self-checking system 105 proceeds to the quality maintenance zone. System processor 150 may be programmed to command autonomous vehicle controller 120 to navigate host vehicle 100 to the quality maintenance zone.

[0055] At decision block 425, the self-check system 105 determines whether to charge the battery. The system processor 150 may be programmed to start the vehicle engine to charge the battery as long as certain criteria are met. The criteria may include, for example, whether the host vehicle 100 is parked outside, whether the host vehicle 100 is currently being transported, such as on a rail car, ship, or trailer, whether the host vehicle 100 has enough fuel to charge the battery and complete the delivery process, whether the host vehicle 100 has reached a quality maintenance area, etc. If the system processor 150 determines that the criteria are met, the process 400 proceeds to block 430. If the system processor 150 determines that the criteria are not met, the process 400 proceeds to block 435.

[0056] At block 430, self-check system 105 starts the vehicle engine to charge the battery. For example, system processor 150 is programmed to output a signal to the vehicle engine to cause the vehicle engine to start. Alternatively, system processor 150 may output a signal to autonomous vehicle controller 120 to command autonomous vehicle controller 120 to start the engine. System processor 150 or autonomous vehicle controller 120 may be programmed to monitor the battery charge and disable the engine when the battery charge exceeds a threshold value that may be different (e.g., higher) than the threshold value applied at block 415. Process 400 may return to block 415 after the battery is charged.

[0057] At box 435, the self-check system 105 sends a message to the remote server 160. The system processor 150 can be programmed to command the communication transceiver 125 to send a notification to the remote server 160. The notification can indicate that the battery is low and the self-check system 105 cannot charge the battery of the host vehicle 100 sufficiently to complete the delivery process. In this case, the process 400 can end after box 435. In other possible approaches, the notification to the remote server 160 can request approval to charge the battery anyway. For example, if the system processor 150 determines that it cannot charge the battery because, for example, the host vehicle 100 may be parked indoors, the system processor 150 can prompt the user to check the vehicle surroundings through images captured by, for example, the camera 110, and if the user confirms that the host vehicle 100 is not parked indoors, then override the result at box 425. For example, this may occur if the system processor 150 determines that the host vehicle 100 is parked in a closed garage, rather than a ventilated garage. If a user override is received, the process 400 can proceed to box 430. Otherwise, process 400 may begin again at some point (eg, returning to block 405 ) so that the battery charge may be assessed again after the battery charge is corrected and before host vehicle 100 begins the delivery process.

[0058] At block 440, self-check system 105 authorizes host vehicle 100 to proceed with the delivery process. That is, system processor 150 may be programmed to notify autonomous vehicle controller 120 that autonomous vehicle controller 120 may proceed with the delivery process if block 440 of the process is reached from both blocks 415 and 450. If system processor 150 reaches block 440 from either block 415 or block 450 (but not both), system processor 150 may wait until both the battery charge (block 415) and the tire pressure (block 450) are evaluated and authorized before notifying autonomous vehicle controller 120.

[0059] At block 445, the self-check system 105 measures the tire pressure of all tires of the host vehicle 100. To measure the tires, the system processor 150 may be programmed to command the tire pressure monitoring system 130 to measure the pressure of each tire and output a signal representing the measured tire pressure to the system processor 150. In some cases, the system processor 150 may be programmed to determine how long the host vehicle 100 has been stationary before measuring the tire pressure. If the host vehicle 100 has not been stationary for a predetermined amount of time, the system processor 150 may wait for the tires to cool before measuring the tire pressure and proceeding to block 450.

[0060] At decision block 450, the self-checking system 105 determines whether the tire pressure is sufficient for the delivery process. The system processor 150 may be programmed to compare the tire pressure to a predetermined value. An example predetermined value may be a recommended pressure for a tire. As described above, the system processor 150 may be programmed to take into account ambient air temperature when evaluating tire pressure relative to a predetermined value. That is, the system processor 150 may be programmed to adjust the predetermined value based on the ambient air temperature measured by the temperature sensor 140. If the tire pressure of each tire is approximately equal to the predetermined value, the process 400 may proceed to block 440. If the system processor 150 determines that the tire pressure of one or more tires is significantly higher or lower than a predetermined value (e.g., more than 2-3 psi higher or lower than a predetermined value), the process 400 may proceed to block 455.

[0061] At box 455, self-checking system 105 proceeds to the quality maintenance zone. System processor 150 may be programmed to command autonomous vehicle controller 120 to navigate host vehicle 100 to the quality maintenance zone so that, for example, tire pressure may be adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0062] At box 460, the self-check system 105 sends a message to the remote server 160. The system processor 150 can be programmed to command the communication transceiver 125 to send a notification to the remote server 160. The notification can indicate that the tire pressure of one or more tires is too low or too high. The notification can further indicate which tire needs attention. The process 400 can end after box 460. The process 400 can start again at some point (e.g., return to box 405) so that the tire pressure can be evaluated again after the tire pressure is corrected and before the host vehicle 100 begins the delivery process.

[0063] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of an example process 500 that may be performed by the self-checking system 105 when at a rest point during transportation or when parked by an end customer for a predetermined amount of time (eg, 2 days or so).

[0064] At decision block 505, the self-check system 105 determines whether to initiate a self-check operation. For example, the system processor 150 may be programmed to initiate a self-check operation after confirming that the host vehicle 100 has been parked for a predetermined amount of time and has not been started within this predetermined amount of time, or that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the last self-check operation was run and the host vehicle 100 has not been used during this time. If the system processor 150 determines that it is time to initiate a self-check operation, the process 500 may continue with blocks 510 and 535. If the system processor 150 determines that it is not time to initiate a self-check operation, the process 500 may repeat block 505 until the self-check operation should be initiated. The system processor 150 may be programmed to wait a short amount of time (e.g., a few minutes or hours) before executing block 505 again.

[0065] At block 510 , the self-test system 105 measures the battery charge. To measure the battery charge, the system processor 150 may be programmed to command the battery health system 135 to determine the state of charge of the vehicle battery and output a signal to the system processor 150 that represents the battery charge.

[0066] At decision block 515, the self-check system 105 determines whether the battery charge meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with starting the engine and running various accessories during use of the host vehicle 100. The system processor 150 may be programmed to compare the battery charge to a predetermined threshold. An exemplary predetermined threshold may be, for example, approximately 70%. If the battery charge meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold, the process 500 may return to block 505. If the system processor 150 determines that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold, the process 500 may proceed to block 520.

[0067] At decision block 520, the self-check system 105 determines whether to charge the battery. The system processor 150 may be programmed to start the vehicle engine to charge the battery as long as certain criteria are met. The criteria may include, for example, whether the host vehicle 100 is parked outside, whether the host vehicle 100 is not currently being transported by, for example, a rail car, ship, or truck, whether the host vehicle 100 has enough fuel to charge the battery and complete the delivery process or navigate to a gas station, whether the host vehicle 100 has reached a quality maintenance area, etc. If the system processor 150 determines that the criteria are met, the process 500 proceeds to block 525. If the system processor 150 determines that the criteria are not met, the process 500 proceeds to block 530.

[0068] At block 525, self-test system 105 starts the vehicle engine to charge the battery. For example, system processor 150 is programmed to output a signal to the vehicle engine to cause the vehicle engine to start. Alternatively, system processor 150 may output a signal to autonomous vehicle controller 120 commanding autonomous vehicle controller 120 to start the engine. System processor 150 or autonomous vehicle controller 120 may be programmed to monitor the battery charge and disable the engine when the battery charge exceeds a threshold value that may be different (e.g., higher) than the threshold value applied at block 515. Process 500 may return to block 515 after the battery is charged.

[0069] At box 530, the self-check system 105 sends a message to the remote server 160. The system processor 150 can be programmed to command the communication transceiver 125 to send a notification to the remote server 160. The notification can indicate that the battery is low and the self-check system 105 cannot charge the battery. If the process 500 is performed during the delivery process, the notification can be sent to the remote server 160 associated with the transportation management entity. If the process 500 is performed after the host vehicle 100 is delivered to the end customer, the remote server 160 can be an email server capable of sending an email or text message to the end customer. In some possible ways, the notification to the remote server 160 can request approval to charge the battery anyway. For example, if the system processor 150 determines that it cannot charge the battery because, for example, the host vehicle 100 may be parked indoors, the system processor 150 can prompt the user to check the vehicle surroundings through, for example, images captured by the camera 110, and if the user confirms that the host vehicle 100 is not parked indoors, the result is overridden at box 520. This may occur, for example, if the system processor 150 determines that the host vehicle 100 is parked in a closed garage, rather than a ventilated garage. If a user override is received, the process 500 may proceed to block 525. Otherwise, after sending the notification, the process 500 may proceed to block 505.

[0070] At block 535, the self-check system 105 measures the tire pressure of all tires of the host vehicle 100. To measure the tires, the system processor 150 may be programmed to command the tire pressure monitoring system 130 to measure the pressure of each tire and output a signal representing the measured tire pressure to the system processor 150. In some cases, the system processor 150 may be programmed to determine how long the host vehicle 100 has been stationary before measuring the tire pressure. If the host vehicle 100 has not been stationary for a predetermined amount of time, the system processor 150 may wait for the tires to cool before measuring the tire pressure and proceeding to block 540.

[0071] At decision block 540, the self-checking system 105 determines whether the tire pressure is adequate. The system processor 150 may be programmed to compare the tire pressure to a predetermined value. An example predetermined value may be a recommended pressure for a tire. As described above, the system processor 150 may be programmed to take into account ambient air temperature when evaluating tire pressure relative to a predetermined value. That is, the system processor 150 may be programmed to adjust the predetermined value based on the ambient air temperature measured by the temperature sensor 140. If the tire pressure of each tire is approximately equal to the predetermined value, the process 500 may return to block 505. If the system processor 150 determines that the tire pressure of one or more tires is significantly higher or lower than a predetermined value (e.g., more than 2-3 psi higher or lower than a predetermined value), the process 500 may proceed to block 545.

[0072] At box 545, the self-checking system 105 sends a message to the remote server 160. The system processor 150 can be programmed to command the communication transceiver 125 to send a notification to the remote server 160. The notification can indicate that the tire pressure of one or more tires is too low or too high. The notification can further indicate which tire needs attention. If the process 500 is performed during the delivery process, the notification can be sent to the remote server 160 associated with the transportation management entity. If the process 500 is performed after the host vehicle 100 is delivered to the end customer, the remote server 160 can be an email server capable of sending an email or text message to the end customer. After sending the notification, the process 500 returns to box 505.

[0073] In general, the computing systems and / or devices described may employ any of a number of computer operating systems, including but not limited in any way to various versions or variations of the following operating systems: Ford Applications, AppLink / Smart Device Link middleware, Microsoft Operating system, Microsoft Operating systems, Unix operating systems (for example, Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, California operating systems), AIX UNIX operating system released by International Business Machines Corporation of Armonk, New York, Linux operating system, Mac OSX and iOS operating systems released by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, BlackBerry operating system released by BlackBerry Ltd. of Waterloo, Canada, Android operating system developed by Google Inc. and the Open Handset Alliance, or QNX Software Systems, Inc. CAR Infotainment Platform. Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, an in-vehicle computer, a computer workstation, a server, a desktop computer, a notebook, a laptop or a handheld computer, or some other computing system and / or device.

[0074] Computing devices generally include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions are executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above). Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including but not limited to Java, Javascript, and PHP, alone or in combination. TM , C, C++, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, etc. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on a virtual machine, such as a Java virtual machine, a Dalvik virtual machine, etc. Typically, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, such as from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions to perform one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. A variety of computer-readable media can be used to store and transmit such instructions and other data.

[0075] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-temporary (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires that include a system bus connected to a computer processor. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tapes, any other physical media with hole patterns, RAMs, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH-EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cassettes, or any other media from which a computer can read.

[0076] The databases, data repositories or other data stores described herein may include various mechanisms for storing, accessing and retrieving various data, including hierarchical databases, a set of files in a file system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), etc. Each such data store is typically included in a computing device that employs a computer operating system, such as one of those operating systems mentioned above, and is accessed in any one or more of a variety of ways over a network. The file system can be accessed from the computer operating system and may include files stored in a variety of formats. In addition to the language for creating, storing, editing and executing stored procedures, RDBMS typically also uses structured query language (SQL), such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0077] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.), stored on computer-readable media associated therewith (e.g., disks, memories, etc.). A computer program product may include instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such instructions being used to perform the functions described herein.

[0078] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring in a particular order, such processes may be practiced by performing the steps in an order different from that described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0079] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. By reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent. The scope should be determined with reference to the full scope of equivalents to which the appended claims and these claims are entitled, rather than with reference to the above description. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technology discussed herein, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the present application is capable of modification and variation.

[0080] All terms used in the claims are intended to be understood by those skilled in the art to have their ordinary meanings unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of singular articles such as "a", "an", "the", etc. should be understood to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

[0081] The “Abstract” is provided so that the reader can quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is understood that the Abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the “Detailed Description” above, it can be seen that in order to simplify the disclosure, various features are grouped together in various embodiments. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting that the claimed embodiments require more features than expressly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in fewer features than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the “Detailed Description”, with each claim independently serving as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0082] According to the present invention, a vehicle computer is provided, which has a memory and a processor, the processor being programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory, the instructions including performing a self-test operation on the host vehicle after the host vehicle leaves a manufacturing plant and before the host vehicle continues a delivery process, the self-test operation including: measuring a battery charge; comparing the battery charge to a predetermined threshold; and if it is determined that the battery charge exceeds the predetermined value, commanding an autonomous vehicle controller to continue the delivery process.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the instructions include commanding the vehicle engine to be started if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the instructions include commanding the vehicle engine to start to charge the vehicle battery if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold, the host vehicle is parked outside, the host vehicle has sufficient fuel to charge the battery and complete the delivery process, and the host vehicle is not currently being transported.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the instructions include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass preservation area if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the instructions include commanding the communication transceiver to send a notification to a remote server if it is determined that the vehicle engine cannot be started to charge the vehicle battery after determining that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the self-checking operation comprises measuring the pressure of each tire of the host vehicle.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the instructions include comparing the pressure of each tire of the host vehicle to a predetermined value.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the instructions include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle into a mass maintaining area if a pressure of at least one tire of the host vehicle is determined to be below the predetermined value.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the instructions include commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle into a mass preservation area if a pressure of at least one tire of the host vehicle is determined to exceed the predetermined value.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the instructions include determining whether the host vehicle is currently being transported, wherein the processor is programmed to determine that the host vehicle is currently being transported if a signal is received from a communication beacon located on a loading ramp, the loading ramp being used to transport the host vehicle during the delivery process.

[0092] According to the present invention, a method is provided for performing a vehicle self-check operation after a host vehicle leaves a manufacturing plant and before the host vehicle continues a delivery process, the method comprising: measuring a battery charge; comparing the battery charge to a predetermined threshold; and if it is determined that the battery charge exceeds the predetermined value, commanding an autonomous vehicle controller to continue the delivery process.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by commanding the vehicle engine to start if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by commanding the vehicle engine to start to charge the vehicle battery if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold, the host vehicle is parked outside, the host vehicle has sufficient fuel to charge the battery and complete the delivery process, and the host vehicle is not currently being transported.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a quality preservation area if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by commanding the communication transceiver to send a notification to a remote server if it is determined that the vehicle engine cannot be started to charge the vehicle battery after determining that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by measuring the pressure of each tire of the host vehicle.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by comparing the pressure of each tire of the host vehicle with a predetermined value.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass preservation area if it is determined that the pressure of at least one tire of the host vehicle is below the predetermined value.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by commanding the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the host vehicle to a mass maintenance area if it is determined that the pressure of at least one tire of the host vehicle exceeds the predetermined value.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by determining whether the host vehicle is currently being transported based at least in part on signals emitted by a communication beacon located on a loading ramp used to transport the host vehicle during the delivery process.

Claims

1. A method for performing a vehicle self-check operation after an autonomous vehicle leaves a manufacturing plant and before the autonomous vehicle continues with a delivery process, the method comprising: determining whether it is time to start the self-check operation; measuring the battery charge when the self-test operation is completed; comparing the battery charge to a predetermined threshold; as well as commanding an autonomous vehicle controller to continue the delivery process if it is determined that the battery charge exceeds the predetermined threshold; If it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold, further determining whether the autonomous vehicle is currently being transported, determining whether the autonomous vehicle is currently being transported based at least in part on whether the autonomous vehicle receives a signal emitted by a communication beacon located on a loading ramp, and avoiding starting the engine to charge the battery when it is determined that the autonomous vehicle is being transported.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising commanding a vehicle engine to start to charge the vehicle battery if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold, the autonomous vehicle is parked outside, the autonomous vehicle has sufficient fuel to charge the battery and complete the delivery process, and the autonomous vehicle is not currently being transported.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising instructing the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the autonomous vehicle to a quality preservation area if it is determined that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising commanding a communication transceiver to send a notification to a remote server if it is determined that the vehicle engine cannot be started to charge the vehicle battery after determining that the battery charge is below the predetermined threshold.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising measuring the pressure of each tire of the autonomous vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising comparing the pressure of each tire of the autonomous vehicle to a predetermined value.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising instructing the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the autonomous vehicle to a mass maintenance area if it is determined that the pressure of at least one tire of the autonomous vehicle is lower than the predetermined value and the difference therebetween exceeds a set range.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising instructing the autonomous vehicle controller to navigate the autonomous vehicle to a mass maintenance area if it is determined that the pressure of at least one tire of the autonomous vehicle exceeds the predetermined value and the difference therebetween is outside a set range.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the loading ramp is used to transport the autonomous vehicle during the delivery process.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, executed by a vehicle computer.

11. A vehicle comprising a computer programmed to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a computer processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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