Method, device and storage medium for performing services at a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for providing a service at a motor vehicle using a mobile service station, the method comprising the following steps: receiving a position signal representing the respective positions of the motor vehicle and the mobile service station; receiving a service signal representing at least one service to be provided at the motor vehicle by means of the mobile service station; determining control instructions for controlling the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle such that, when the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle are controlled based on the control instructions, the service is provided at the motor vehicle by means of the mobile service station in such a manner that the availability of the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle is optimized; and outputting a control signal representing the determined control instructions. The present invention also relates to a device, a computer program, and a machine-readable storage medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for performing service on a motor vehicle using a mobile service station. The invention also relates to a device, a computer program and a machine-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The basis for autonomous vehicles, such as shuttles, robotaxis, and trucks, is a flawlessly functioning system. This means that for safety reasons or product liability reasons, regular system testing, sensor calibration, and updating of (safety-critical) functions (especially if these functions cannot be performed during driving) are necessary and, if necessary, required.

[0003] Current planning assumes that such vehicles—at least until more experience is gained—must / should perform such tests multiple times per day.

[0004] To do this, the vehicle must return to the main station, which results in lost usage time and unnecessary energy consumption.

[0005] This does not make sense at least for economic reasons and also for climate reasons (energy consumption; even in electric vehicles).

[0006] Publication WO 2019 / 018611 A1 discloses a service station for autonomously travelling vehicles.

[0007] Publication DE 10 2016 221 064 A1 discloses a mobile charging station for supplying electric vehicles with electrical energy. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object on which the present invention is based should be seen as providing a concept for efficiently carrying out services on motor vehicles.

[0009] This object is achieved by means of the method and device proposed by the present invention. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject matter of the various preferred embodiments.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a method for performing a service on a motor vehicle using a mobile service station is proposed, comprising the following steps:

[0011] receiving a position signal representing respective positions of the motor vehicle and the mobile service station;

[0012] receiving a service signal representing at least one service to be performed at the motor vehicle by means of the mobile service station;

[0013] determining control commands for controlling the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle such that, when the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle are controlled based on the control commands, a service is performed at the motor vehicle by means of the mobile service station such that the availability of the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle is optimized;

[0014] A control signal is output, which represents the determined control command.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a device is proposed, which is configured to carry out all steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0016] According to a third aspect, a computer program is proposed, which comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, for example by an apparatus according to the second aspect, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect, a machine-readable storage medium is provided, on which the computer program according to the third aspect is stored.

[0018] The present invention is based on and encompasses the finding that the aforementioned object can be achieved in that a motor vehicle and / or a mobile service station is controlled or operated in such a way that the availability of the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle is optimized.

[0019] This therefore results in, inter alia, the technical advantage that service can be carried out efficiently at the motor vehicle using a mobile service station.

[0020] In one embodiment, a plurality of mobile service stations are provided. Embodiments associated with one mobile service station are similarly applicable to the plurality of mobile service stations, and vice versa.

[0021] In one embodiment, the mobile service station includes a drive motor.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the service comprises one or more elements selected from the following group of services: functional testing, in particular functional testing of components of a motor vehicle; calibration of one or more sensors of a motor vehicle; updating of one or more functionalities of a motor vehicle; repair; replenishing and charging of an electrical energy storage device of a motor vehicle, which according to one embodiment can be an electric motor vehicle.

[0023] This means, in particular, that according to one specific embodiment, a plurality of services can be performed in the motor vehicle.

[0024] According to one specific embodiment, the control instructions include control instructions for at least partially automatically controlling a transverse and / or longitudinal guidance of the service station and / or the motor vehicle, so that the service station and / or the motor vehicle are guided at least partially automatically based on the control instructions.

[0025] The expression “at least partially automatically guided” includes one or more of the following situations: assisted guidance, partially automated guidance, highly automated guidance, fully automated guidance.

[0026] "Assisted guidance" means that the driver of a motor vehicle or mobile charging station permanently guides either the lateral or longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle or mobile charging station. The corresponding other driving task (i.e., controlling either the longitudinal or lateral guidance of the motor vehicle or mobile charging station) is automatically performed. This means that, in the case of assisted guidance of the motor vehicle or mobile charging station, either the lateral or longitudinal guidance is automatically controlled.

[0027] "Partially automated guidance" means that the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the vehicle or mobile charging station is automatically controlled in certain situations (e.g., driving on a highway, driving in a parking lot, overtaking an object, driving in a lane defined by lane markings) and / or for a certain period of time. The driver of the vehicle or mobile charging station does not have to manually control the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the vehicle or mobile charging station. However, the driver must constantly monitor the automatic control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance so that they can manually intervene if necessary. The driver must be ready to fully take over the guidance of the vehicle at any time.

[0028] "Highly automated guidance" means that the longitudinal and lateral guidance of a motor vehicle or mobile charging station is automatically controlled within a certain time period and under certain circumstances (e.g., driving on a motorway, driving in a parking lot, overtaking an object, driving in a lane defined by lane markings). The driver of the motor vehicle or mobile charging station does not have to manually control the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the motor vehicle or mobile charging station. The driver does not have to constantly monitor the automatic control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance in order to be able to intervene manually when necessary. When necessary, a takeover request is automatically output to the driver, in particular with sufficient time margin, to allow him to take over control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance. Therefore, the driver must be potentially able to take over control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance. The limits of the automatic control of the lateral and longitudinal guidance are automatically identified. With highly automated guidance, the risk-minimized state cannot be automatically achieved in every initial situation.

[0029] "Fully automated guidance" means that the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the vehicle or mobile charging station is automatically controlled in certain situations (e.g., driving on a motorway, driving in a parking lot, overtaking an object, driving in a lane defined by lane markings). The driver of the vehicle or mobile charging station does not have to manually control the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the vehicle or mobile charging station. The driver does not have to monitor the automatic control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance to be able to intervene manually if necessary. Before the automatic control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance ends, a request is automatically made to the driver to take over the driving task (control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the vehicle or mobile charging station), in particular with sufficient time to do so. If the driver does not take over the driving task, the system automatically returns to a risk-minimized state. The limits of the automatic control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance are automatically detected. In all situations, the system automatically returns to a risk-minimized state.

[0030] In one embodiment, there is no driver on board the mobile service station. This means, in particular, that the mobile service station travels without a driver. This is particularly true when the mobile service station is guided in a fully automated manner.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control command is or includes a remote control command for remotely controlling a motor vehicle or a mobile service station.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control instructions include control instructions for controlling at least one component of the motor vehicle and / or the mobile service station. Such a component is, for example, selected from the group consisting of a trunk lid of the motor vehicle, a charging device for an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle, a charging device of the mobile service station, a gripping arm of the mobile service station, a calibration system, a measuring system, an opening of the motor vehicle, in particular a motor opening of the motor vehicle, and a lighting system of the motor vehicle.

[0033] According to one specific embodiment, the motor vehicle is an element of a fleet of motor vehicles, wherein the position signal additionally represents the respective position of other motor vehicles of the fleet, wherein the control commands are ascertained such that the availability of the other motor vehicles of the fleet is additionally optimized.

[0034] This results in, for example, the technical advantage that while a service is being performed on a motor vehicle, the availability of other motor vehicles in the fleet is effectively optimized.

[0035] A motor vehicle within the meaning of the present invention is, for example, an electric motor vehicle.

[0036] A motor vehicle within the meaning of the present invention is, for example, a taxi, in particular a robotaxi.

[0037] In one embodiment, a plurality of motor vehicles are provided. The embodiments associated with one motor vehicle are similarly applicable to a plurality of motor vehicles, and vice versa.

[0038] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the ascertained control commands additionally include control commands for controlling at least one of the other motor vehicles of the motorcade.

[0039] This results in, for example, the technical advantage that at least one of the other motor vehicles of the motor vehicle fleet can be effectively controlled, so that the availability of the other motor vehicles of the motor vehicle fleet can be effectively optimized.

[0040] According to one specific embodiment, the additional control commands include control commands for at least partially automatically controlling the transverse and / or longitudinal guidance of another motor vehicle, so as to guide at least one further motor vehicle in an at least partially automated manner based on the additional control commands.

[0041] According to a further specific embodiment, it is provided that an availability value is ascertained and compared with an availability threshold value, wherein it is determined that the availability is optimized if the availability value is greater than or greater than the availability threshold value.

[0042] This results in, for example, the technical advantage that it is possible to efficiently determine when the availability is optimized.

[0043] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that the availability value is ascertained based on the position signal and / or based on the service signal.

[0044] This results in, for example, the technical advantage that the availability value can be efficiently ascertained.

[0045] According to one specific embodiment, a use request signal is received, which represents a corresponding use request for the motor vehicle and / or for at least one of the other motor vehicles of the fleet, wherein the control command is ascertained based on the use request signal.

[0046] This results in, for example, the following technical advantage: control commands can be efficiently obtained.

[0047] This means, in particular, that the use request signal comprises, for example, a use request for the use of the motor vehicle.

[0048] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided in particular that the use request signal comprises a request for use of at least one of the other motor vehicles of the vehicle fleet.

[0049] In particular, the expression "at least one" includes the expression "one or more".

[0050] According to one specific embodiment, it is provided that an availability threshold value is ascertained based on the usage request signal.

[0051] This results in, for example, the technical advantage that the availability threshold value can be determined efficiently.

[0052] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the method according to the first aspect is performed or carried out with the aid of the device according to the second aspect.

[0053] The technical functionality of the method according to the first aspect results analogously to the corresponding technical functionality of the device according to the second aspect.

[0054] This means, in particular, that device features follow from corresponding method features and vice versa.

[0055] In particular, the expression "or" includes the expression "also or".

[0056] In particular, the expression "also or" especially includes the expression "and / or".

[0057] In one embodiment, the method according to the first aspect is a computer-implemented method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description.

[0059] Figure 1 Flowchart of a method for performing service on a motor vehicle using a mobile service station,

[0060] Figure 2 equipment,

[0061] Figure 3 a machine-readable storage medium, and

[0062] Figure 4 A fleet of motor vehicles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1 A flow chart shows a method for performing service on a motor vehicle using a mobile service station, the method comprising the following steps:

[0064] Receiving 101 a position signal representing respective positions of the motor vehicle and the mobile service station;

[0065] receiving 103 a service signal representing at least one service to be performed at the motor vehicle by means of the mobile service station;

[0066] determining 105 control instructions for controlling the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle such that, when the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle are controlled based on the control instructions, a service is performed at the motor vehicle by means of the mobile service station such that the availability of the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle is optimized;

[0067] A control signal is output 107 , which represents the determined control command.

[0068] According to one specific embodiment, the method according to the first aspect includes controlling, in particular at least partially automatically controlling, a transverse and / or longitudinal guidance of the mobile service station and / or the motor vehicle based on the output control commands.

[0069] “Available” within the meaning of the present invention means, in particular, that the motor vehicle is available for a use request.

[0070] “Available” within the meaning of the present invention means in particular that the mobile service station is neither reserved for nor used for performing services at a motor vehicle, but is available for performing services at a motor vehicle.

[0071] “Optimization of the availability of the mobile service station” means, in particular, that the service times during which the mobile service station is unavailable are minimized.

[0072] “Optimization of the availability of the motor vehicle” means, in particular, that the service time during which the motor vehicle is unavailable is minimized.

[0073] Figure 2 Device 201 is shown.

[0074] The device 201 is configured to carry out all steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0075] The device 201 comprises an input 203 arranged to receive a position signal and a service signal.

[0076] The device 201 further comprises a processor 205 which is configured to determine a control instruction.

[0077] The device 201 comprises an output 207 which is configured to output a control signal.

[0078] In one specific embodiment (not shown), a plurality of processors are provided instead of one processor 205 .

[0079] In one embodiment, the device 201 includes a remote control apparatus for remotely controlling the mobile service station, the motor vehicle, or another motor vehicle in the fleet based on the output control instructions.

[0080] This means that, according to one embodiment, the method according to the first aspect comprises remotely controlling either the mobile service station or the motor vehicle or another motor vehicle of the fleet based on the output control instructions.

[0081] Figure 3 A machine-readable storage medium 301 is shown.

[0082] A computer program 303 is stored on a machine-readable storage medium 301 .

[0083] The computer program 303 comprises instructions which, when the computer program 303 is executed by a computer, arrange the computer to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

[0084] Figure 4 A first motor vehicle 401 , a second motor vehicle 403 , a third motor vehicle 405 and a fourth motor vehicle 407 are shown.

[0085] Figure 4 A mobile service station 409 is also shown.

[0086] Four motor vehicles 401 , 403 , 405 , 407 form a motorcade 411 .

[0087] also, Figure 4 A person 413 is shown carrying a mobile phone 415 .

[0088] Figure 4 Also shown is a service center 417, which includes Figure 2 device 201.

[0089] For example, person 413 can send a usage request to service center 417 via mobile phone 415. This usage request, for example, includes a request to be transported from a first location to a second location by a motor vehicle of fleet 411, wherein the first location and the second location are different, i.e., spaced apart from each other.

[0090] This therefore means that person 413 has made a request that he or she wish to be transported from a first location to a second location by means of a motor vehicle.

[0091] In response to the use request of person 413 , service center 417 may select one of vehicles 401 , 403 , 405 , 407 to satisfy the use request.

[0092] When making this selection, it is taken into account, for example, which of motor vehicles 401 , 403 , 405 , 407 still needs to perform a service.

[0093] For example, if first motor vehicle 401 still needs to calibrate the motor vehicle sensors using mobile service station 409 , then this motor vehicle 401 cannot be used for this usage request.

[0094] Therefore, the service center 417 plans the services to be performed at motor vehicles 401, 403, 405, 407 using the mobile service station 409 in particular such that the utilization of motor vehicles 401, 403, 405, 407 is optimized, or that motor vehicles 401, 403, 405, 407 are available in an optimized manner so as to be available for use requests.

[0095] This means in particular that the mobile service station is operated with regard to its location of use or the duration of its use at the location of use in such a way that the availability of the fleet of motor vehicles, in particular motor vehicles that can be guided at least partially automatically, is optimized.

[0096] The optimization data or optimization criteria may be, for example, the following:

[0097] Necessary service work for motor vehicles, especially routine service work such as calibration;

[0098] the route traveled by the motor vehicle to the location of the mobile service station;

[0099] The utilization of the vehicles, in particular the planned utilization. This means, in other words, where must the motor vehicles of the fleet be at what time in order to serve a request for use?

[0100] Necessary and plannable service work;

[0101] a detected, in particular predictively detected, fault of the motor vehicle;

[0102] Utilization rate of mobile service stations.

[0103] In summary, the approach described here is based in particular on the provision of a mobile service station which is able to carry out one or more services at one or more motor vehicles of a fleet of motor vehicles.

[0104] Examples of services include functional testing. Examples of services include calibrating vehicle sensors. Examples of services include updating one or more functionalities of a vehicle.

[0105] A service is, for example, the charging of an electrical energy storage device of an electric vehicle.

[0106] In one embodiment, it is provided that, if necessary and possible, the motor vehicles of the fleet are repaired by means of a mobile service station.

[0107] According to one embodiment, multiple services may be implemented simultaneously.

[0108] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, it is provided that the mobile service station is controlled, i.e., in particular, moved or driven, in such a way that the efficiency and / or effectiveness of the fleet of motor vehicles is optimized, in particular maximized, in particular maximized overall. This means, in particular, that the mobile service station is operated or controlled such that, if there are multiple service stations, they are distributed such that the motor vehicles of the fleet are available for the longest possible time and can process or service orders, i.e., usage requests, in particular delivery trips.

[0109] To further increase efficiency and effectiveness, according to one embodiment, it can be provided that the mobile service station is moved or driven by one or more motor vehicles during the service, for example to reduce the distance between the mobile service station and the next motor vehicle at which the service is to be performed.

[0110] In order to be able to optimally plan the mobile service station and thus optimize the service for the fleet, it is preferred to have a service center which, for example, regularly analyzes the data of the motor vehicles of the fleet (for example in test intervals, calibration intervals) and, based on this analysis, determines control commands, i.e., plans the operation of the mobile service station.

[0111] In one embodiment, it is provided that the motor vehicles of the fleet transmit the corresponding data to a service center, in particular periodically or in exceptional cases.

[0112] In one specific embodiment, it is provided that the service center requests these data from the motor vehicle.

[0113] In one specific embodiment, it is provided that knowledge is ascertained from these data, which is also taken into account in future service planning.

Claims

1. A method for performing a service on a motor vehicle (401, 403, 405, 407) using a mobile service station (409), the method comprising the following steps: - receiving (101) a position signal, the position signal representing the respective positions of the motor vehicle (401, 403, 405, 407) and the mobile service station (409); - receiving (103) a service signal, the service signal representing at least one service to be performed at the motor vehicle (401, 403, 405, 407) with the aid of the mobile service station (409); obtaining (105) a control instruction for controlling the mobile service station (409) and the motor vehicle (401, 403, 405, 407) in such a way that, when the mobile service station (409) and the motor vehicle (401, 403, 405, 407) are controlled based on the control instruction, the service is performed at the motor vehicle (401, 403, 405, 407) with the aid of the mobile service station (409), The availability of the mobile service station (409) and the motor vehicles (401, 403, 405, 407) is optimized, wherein the mobile service station (409) is moved or driven and the mobile service station (409) is operated in such a way with respect to its location of use or the duration of its use at the location of use that the efficiency and / or effectiveness is optimized for the fleet (411) of motor vehicles (401, 403, 405, 407), wherein the mobile service station (409) is moved or driven by one or more motor vehicles (401, 403, 405, 407) during the performance of the service in order to reduce the distance between the mobile service station (409) and the next motor vehicle at which the service is to be performed; and outputting (107) a control signal representing the obtained control command.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The motor vehicles (401, 403, 405, 407) are elements of a fleet (411) of motor vehicles, wherein the position signal additionally represents the respective positions of the other motor vehicles of the fleet (411), wherein the control commands are determined in such a way that the availability of the other motor vehicles of the fleet (411) is additionally optimized.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The determined control commands additionally include control commands for controlling at least one of the other motor vehicles of the vehicle fleet (411).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: An availability value is determined and compared with an availability threshold value, wherein if the availability value is greater than or greater than or equal to the availability threshold value, it is determined that the availability is optimized.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The availability value is ascertained based on the position signal and / or based on the service signal.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A use request signal is received, which represents a corresponding use request for the use of the motor vehicle (401, 403, 405, 407) and / or for the use of at least one of the other motor vehicles of the fleet (411), wherein the control command is determined based on the use request signal.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The availability threshold is determined based on a usage request signal.

8. A device (201) for providing services at a motor vehicle (401, 403, 405, 407) using a mobile service station (409), the device being configured to carry out all steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A computer program product (303), comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, arrange for the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A machine-readable storage medium (301) on which the computer program product (303) according to claim 9 is stored.

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