Method for perfecting vehicle information database for automatic refueling

Abstract

The application discloses a vehicle information database perfecting method for automatic oiling, which integrates real-time, quasi-real-time and periodic maintenance and updating. The periodic maintenance and updating is triggered and completed manually; the real-time updating is triggered by events including new vehicle model design or market release of a vehicle manufacturer, and includes real-time automatic updating, real-time semi-automatic updating and / or real-time manual updating; and the quasi-real-time updating is triggered by events that a vehicle not matching the database information appears at a gas station, and includes quasi-real-time automatic updating, quasi-real-time semi-automatic updating and / or quasi-real-time manual updating. The application solves the problems of untimely information acquisition and unobtainable part of vehicle model feature point information by means of protocol pushing, automatic searching, manual surveying and mapping and autonomous surveying and mapping, and changes the past situation that vehicle information database perfecting mainly relies on manual periodic maintenance and sometimes cannot be perfected, and is more complete, flexible and practical.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic refueling technology for automobiles, and specifically to a method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling. Background Technology

[0002] With economic and social development, automatic refueling technology for automobiles is being used more and more widely.

[0003] Automatic car refueling typically requires the license plate, vehicle model, and coordinates of vehicle feature points (including image recognition points such as fuel tank cap, fuel filler neck, and wheels) relative to the vehicle body to be entered into a vehicle information database beforehand. When a vehicle enters the refueling station, the system recognizes the license plate or vehicle model information through image recognition and extracts the corresponding feature point location information from the database. This drives a robotic arm carrying a dedicated camera, gripper, and / or fuel nozzle to a specific location to perform operations such as taking photos, opening / closing the fuel tank cap, and / or refueling.

[0004] Because it is difficult to record all vehicle information data at once in reality, and because new models are constantly emerging with economic and technological development, automatic refueling cannot be completed when the information of the refueling vehicle does not match the information in the database. In this case, either the vehicle leaves without refueling, or someone is on duty at the gas station to complete the refueling manually.

[0005] Currently, vehicle information databases in the automated refueling sector rely primarily on manual, periodic maintenance and updates. Even when a gas station encounters incompatible vehicle models, data entry is only possible during scheduled maintenance, and even then, there's no guarantee of accuracy. This is because the relative location information of feature points typically requires specialized information from the manufacturer, and the information provided to ordinary users during car sales is insufficient to complete the vehicle model database. Furthermore, some retailers may be unwilling to provide detailed feature point location information. Therefore, the automated refueling sector urgently needs a more rational and usable method for improving vehicle information databases, enabling real-time or near real-time data entry to meet the needs of more vehicles requiring automated refueling. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention combines obtaining professional vehicle design or structural information (generally provided by the manufacturer), online search and mapping to propose a method for improving the vehicle information database for automatic refueling, which can effectively solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

[0007] This invention discloses a method for improving a vehicle information database for automated refueling, characterized in that the vehicle information database includes license plate and / or vehicle model information, and at least one feature point location information; the database improvement method includes periodic maintenance and updates, real-time updates, and / or near-real-time updates of the vehicle information for automated refueling, or integrates at least two of these updates; the periodic maintenance and updates are manually triggered and employ methods including manual data updates to complete the database improvement; the real-time updates are triggered by events such as the design or market launch of new vehicle models by vehicle manufacturers, including real-time automatic updates, real-time semi-automatic updates, and / or real-time manual updates, requiring cooperation from merchants to actively push new vehicle model information to the database system implemented according to this method in an agreed format and path; the near-real-time updates are triggered by events such as the appearance of vehicles at gas stations that do not match the database information, including near-real-time automatic updates, near-real-time semi-automatic updates, and / or near-real-time manual updates, the near-real-time automatic updates including automatic online search updates and / or autonomous mapping updates, the near-real-time semi-automatic updates including manual online search updates, and the near-real-time manual updates including manual mapping updates.

[0008] Furthermore, the feature point location information includes the relative position information of the feature points in the vehicle coordinate system; the feature points include inherent, unchanging, and easily image-recognizable landmarks on the vehicle to be refueled, such as the outer and inner caps of the fuel tank, the fuel filler neck, the wheel axle, the corners of the windows, the corners of the front and rear windshields, and the vertices of the front and rear of the vehicle; the license plate information is associated with the vehicle model information, and the vehicle model information is associated with the feature point location information; generally, one license plate is associated with only one vehicle model, and one vehicle model can be associated with multiple license plates; one vehicle model is associated with a set of feature point location information, and the set of feature points consists of multiple feature points, which is generally fixed and consistent across all vehicle models.

[0009] Furthermore, the real-time automatic update includes receiving new vehicle model automatic refueling information in a predetermined format from a predetermined path, and automatically updating the vehicle information database after the database system confirms that it is correct. The predetermined path includes computer ports, storage locations, file directories, email addresses, etc. The real-time semi-automatic update includes receiving partial predetermined format update information from a predetermined path, performing an automatic update after the database system confirms that it is correct, and simultaneously manually updating the remaining information received from non-predetermined formats or paths. This working method is frequently encountered in actual work and is known as the manual intervention method. The real-time manual update includes receiving non-predetermined format data, obtaining the required vehicle information through online searches and / or consultations, and manually updating the vehicle information database. The person performing the manual update is generally the database maintenance administrator or other authorized personnel.

[0010] Furthermore, when database matching fails, based on the license plate and / or vehicle model information captured and identified at the gas station, the near-real-time automatic update includes using automatic online search and / or autonomous mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model and automatically input it into the vehicle information database; the near-real-time semi-automatic update includes using manual participation in online search and / or mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model and input it into the vehicle information database, specifically including methods such as manual search, manual-assisted input, and manual-assisted autonomous mapping. The manual-assisted autonomous mapping includes methods such as manually affixing feature point markers to the vehicle body to facilitate feature point recognition by the autonomous mapping system, and manual-assisted image recognition; the near-real-time manual update includes using manual mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model and manually input it into the vehicle information database. Manual updates generally require on-duty personnel at the gas station, and online search and mapping technologies are existing technologies.

[0011] A method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0012] S1: Receive data and / or commands, and determine the database completion trigger conditions;

[0013] S2: Execute real-time update, near-real-time update, or periodic maintenance update operations according to the triggering conditions;

[0014] S21: When a vehicle manufacturer has a new model design or launches a new model into the market, a real-time update operation is triggered, and the corresponding real-time automatic update, real-time semi-automatic update, or real-time manual update operation is performed according to the real-time update driving information category.

[0015] S211: When data in a specified format is received from the agreed path, the database system automatically imports it into the vehicle information database after verifying its correctness, thus completing the database update. If the database information update is complete, the record characteristic flag for the vehicle model is set to complete and usable, such as marked as 01, and the process proceeds to step S3 to end the update. If the database information update is incomplete, the process proceeds to step S212. The record characteristic flag setting includes at least three types of flags: complete and usable database record, incomplete but still usable, and unusable, which can be marked as 01, 02, and 03 respectively. The incomplete but still usable database record generally means that the feature point location information includes at least the relative position information of the fuel tank cover of the vehicle model. Different automatic refueling systems have different requirements.

[0016] S212: When the received data contains both conventional and non-conventional format data, perform real-time semi-automatic update, including automatic update of conventional format data and manual update of non-conventional format data; if the database information is completely updated, set the vehicle model information record characteristic flag to complete and available, such as marking it as 01, and proceed to step S3 to end this update; if the database information is still not completely updated, proceed to step S213.

[0017] S213: When only new model design or launch information is received, or only some or all non-standard format data is received, perform real-time manual update, including manually importing the received non-standard format data into the database. If incomplete, search online and / or consult to obtain the required automatic refueling vehicle information and update it manually. Mark the database model information record characteristic flags for this update, and proceed to step S3 to end this update. The record characteristic flags include at least three types of flags: complete and usable database record, incomplete but still usable, and unusable, which can be marked as 01, 02, and 03 respectively. Generally, one model is one database record.

[0018] S22: When a gas station experiences a vehicle event that does not match the information in the database, a near real-time update operation is triggered, and near real-time automatic update, near real-time semi-automatic update, and near real-time manual update are performed according to the on-site conditions.

[0019] S221: Quasi-real-time automatic update. If there is no pre-set working mode or manual intervention, first start the online automatic search. If the searched information is complete and usable, it will be automatically imported into the database. Then, the vehicle model information recording characteristic flag will be set to complete and usable, such as 01. Proceed to step S3 to end this update. If the database information is not updated or the update is incomplete, but the autonomous mapping system is available (if the autonomous mapping system is unavailable at this time, proceed directly to step S222), then start autonomous mapping and update the database according to the mapping results. Determine again whether the database update is complete: if complete, set the vehicle model information recording characteristic flag to complete and usable, and proceed to step S3 to end this update. If incomplete, proceed to step S222 and enter the quasi-real-time semi-automatic update process. If the gas station is unattended, directly set the database recording characteristic flag to the end, and proceed to step S3 to end this update.

[0020] If there is a pre-set working mode or manual intervention, the corresponding process shall be executed according to the pre-set working mode or the manually inserted working mode; the pre-set working mode or manual intervention refers to a certain priority working mode that is preset in the program or manually inserted in the three working modes of automatic, semi-automatic and manual.

[0021] S222: Semi-automatic update in near real-time, including manual online search and / or surveying and updating of the vehicle information database; after the update is completed, continue to determine whether the database update is complete: if complete, set the vehicle model information record characteristic flag to complete and available, and proceed to step S3 to end this update; if incomplete, proceed to step S223 to enter the manual update process; if there are no surveyors, directly set the database record characteristic flag to the end, and proceed to step S3 to end this update;

[0022] S223: Near real-time manual update, including manually surveying and mapping to obtain vehicle feature point location information and then manually entering it into the vehicle information database. After the entry is completed, the database record characteristic flag is set, and then proceed to step S3 to end this update. The manual surveying generally refers to using professional surveying tools and instruments to complete the coordinate measurement of fixed points. The surveying technology is existing technology.

[0023] S23: When a manual maintenance command is entered, a periodic maintenance and update operation is triggered. The database is improved through methods including manual updates. After the data entry is completed, the database record characteristic flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S3 to end the update. Manual maintenance commands are generally performed by the database maintenance administrator or other authorized personnel.

[0024] S3: Check and confirm whether the database record characteristic flags updated this time are complete. If there are any abnormalities, supplement and improve them according to the record content. If it cannot be determined, mark the record as abnormal and / or issue an alarm message, pending subsequent manual confirmation, and end the update.

[0025] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by integrating real-time updates, near-real-time updates, and periodic maintenance updates into a single design that combines protocol push, online automatic search, manual surveying, and autonomous surveying, it can solve the problems of untimely acquisition of vehicle information for automatic refueling and the inability to acquire feature point information of some vehicle models. It changes the past situation where the vehicle information database was mainly improved by manual periodic maintenance, which was sometimes not even possible. The new method is more complete, flexible, and practical. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for improving a vehicle information database for automated refueling. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1: A method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling

[0029] A method for improving a vehicle information database for automated refueling is characterized in that the vehicle information database includes license plate and / or vehicle model information, and at least one feature point location information; the database improvement method includes periodic maintenance and updates, real-time updates, and / or near-real-time updates of the vehicle information for automated refueling, or integrates at least two of these updates into one. This embodiment integrates the above three update methods into one, making it more complete, flexible, and practical; the periodic maintenance and updates are manually triggered and the database improvement is completed using methods including manual data updates. Generally, this is done by a database maintenance administrator or other authorized personnel, based on the latest collected and mastered vehicle model information that has not yet been entered into the database and the database requirements, to update the data. The database information is updated by adding, deleting, modifying, and performing other update operations. Real-time updates are triggered by events such as the design or market launch of new vehicle models by vehicle manufacturers, including real-time automatic updates, real-time semi-automatic updates, and / or real-time manual updates. Real-time updates require the cooperation of merchants, who proactively push relevant information about new vehicle models to the database system implemented according to this method, following an agreed format and path. Quasi-real-time updates are triggered by events such as the appearance of vehicles at gas stations that do not match the database information, including quasi-real-time automatic updates, quasi-real-time semi-automatic updates, and / or quasi-real-time manual updates. Quasi-real-time automatic updates include automatic online search updates and / or autonomous mapping updates; quasi-real-time semi-automatic updates include manual online search updates; and quasi-real-time manual updates include manual mapping updates. This embodiment comprehensively utilizes traditional methods such as periodic update maintenance, merchant-proactive information pushes, online information searches, gas station autonomous mapping, and manual mapping, and rationally integrates and optimizes automatic, semi-automatic, and manual intervention modes.

[0030] Preferably, the feature point location information includes the relative position information of the feature points in the vehicle coordinate system; the feature points include inherent, unchanging, and easily image-recognizable landmarks on the vehicle to be refueled, such as the outer and inner caps of the fuel tank, the fuel filler neck, the wheel axle, the corners of the windows, the corners of the front and rear windshields, and the vertices of the front and rear of the vehicle; the license plate information is associated with the vehicle model information, and the vehicle model information is associated with the feature point location information; generally, one license plate is associated with only one vehicle model (this information is public information controlled by traffic management departments such as traffic police departments, and is generally queried directly with permission; if the license plate does not match the information provided by the traffic management department after recognition, it should be reported to the traffic management department in a timely manner, and a temporary record of the license plate and vehicle model association information should be established; after confirmation, the temporary mark should be deleted, and it can be queried normally). If an error is confirmed, the record should be deleted or marked as abnormal. A vehicle model can be associated with multiple license plates; a vehicle model is associated with a set of feature point location information. The set of feature points consists of multiple feature points, which are generally fixed and consistent across all vehicle models. Under possible conditions, complete feature point location information should be entered for each vehicle model. If this is not possible, only partial feature point location information can be entered. Generally, the location information of the fuel tank cap is required. When entering information, the location information of the fuel tank cap, filler neck, four wheels, and at least one corner point of each of the left and right side windows should be entered into the database as much as possible. Other feature point information is optional. When performing automatic refueling, the vehicle model is generally found by license plate, then the feature point information is found by vehicle model, and finally the refueling robot is driven to move and operate based on the feature point location information.

[0031] Preferably, the real-time automatic update includes receiving new vehicle model automatic refueling information in a predetermined format from a predetermined path, and automatically updating the vehicle information database after the database system confirms that it is correct. The predetermined path includes computer ports, storage locations, file directories, email addresses, etc. This embodiment designs this working method based on the premise that a cooperation agreement has been reached with relevant merchants. When the manufacturer has a model design finalized or is about to be launched, it actively pushes the vehicle information required for automatic refueling. This working method is not mandatory, but is only triggered when the conditions are met. The real-time semi-automatic update includes receiving partial update information in a predetermined format from a predetermined path, and automatically updating the database system after confirming that it is correct, while manually updating the remaining information received in a non-predetermined format or path. This working method is frequently encountered in actual work, i.e., the so-called manual intervention method. This embodiment automatically searches the database online for new vehicle models and obtains public information. After the information is opened, the manual replenishment of the remaining automatic refueling vehicle information database is also classified as a real-time semi-automatic update. The real-time manual update includes receiving non-standard format data, online searches, and / or obtaining the required vehicle information through consultation, and then manually updating the vehicle information database. The person performing the manual update is generally the database maintenance administrator or other authorized personnel. This method is generally used when merchants do not provide information in the agreed format, or when the administrator obtains the required information through email or official website queries, and can only import it into the database system manually. In fact, online search matching technology is a mature existing technology, so it is also possible to consider automatically entering the information after online search matching into the database. The main problem is that it requires high software design and needs to consider various abnormal situations. Sometimes manual import is simpler. This embodiment uses this method in the near real-time update process.

[0032] Preferably, when database matching fails, the near real-time automatic update is based on the license plate and / or vehicle model information captured and identified at the gas station. This includes using automatic online search and / or autonomous mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model and automatically input it into the vehicle information database. Since the license plate and / or vehicle model information has already been captured and identified when the vehicle enters the station, the vehicle information required for near real-time automatic refueling is mainly feature point location information. In this embodiment, after the license plate and / or vehicle model information is extracted from the gas station and fails to match with the database, the automatic online search function is first activated using the vehicle model information. When the automatic search results do not meet the requirements for a complete vehicle information database, the autonomous mapping system is activated to automatically map the vehicle feature point locations. The mapping technology can use existing mature technologies. Generally, the autonomous mapping system relies on the automatic refueling system. It controls the refueling robot to carry a mapping camera and / or distance sensor to map the vehicle to be refueled. This work takes a certain amount of time. The autonomous mapping system can be designed using the refueling area or a dedicated mapping area can be set up. The autonomous mapping system needs to be specially designed. If there is no autonomous mapping system on site, it can be used in the database. The software should avoid this option or directly jump to the near-real-time semi-automatic update process. The near-real-time semi-automatic update includes manual online searching and / or surveying to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model and input it into the vehicle information database. Specifically, this includes methods such as manual search, manual-assisted input, and manual-assisted autonomous surveying. The manual-assisted autonomous surveying includes methods such as manually affixing feature point markers to the vehicle body to facilitate feature point recognition by the autonomous surveying system, and manual image recognition. Because near-real-time automatic update software has high design requirements and significant risks, and near-real-time manual update requires high skill levels and involves a large workload, both methods are difficult to use independently for database updates. Therefore, the near-real-time semi-automatic update method is generally the preferred solution for improving the vehicle information database for automatic refueling. Thus, in actual software system implementation, only the near-real-time semi-automatic method can be implemented. Near-real-time manual update includes manual surveying to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model and manually input it into the vehicle information database. Manual updates generally require on-duty personnel at the gas station, and online search and surveying technologies are existing technologies. In fact, near real-time updates are the main and more practical way for automatic refueling systems to improve their vehicle information database.If a vehicle's license plate can only be recognized after being photographed at a gas station, but the corresponding vehicle model is not found in the database or the public transportation management information system, manual intervention is generally required to obtain the vehicle model information as much as possible (because the feature point location information corresponds to the vehicle model). If the information cannot be obtained in a short time, it should be marked as an unknown vehicle model n, where n is the natural count of unknown vehicle models. The feature point location information obtained from subsequent surveying should be associated with the license plate (this temporary solution can only provide automatic refueling services for vehicles with this license plate, and not for other vehicles of the same model). After obtaining the vehicle model information later, the database information should be associated according to the normal association rules. If the vehicle model information can be obtained through photo recognition or database query, but the feature point location information corresponding to the vehicle model is missing, the corresponding vehicle model can generally be searched online first to see if the required information can be obtained. Then, the necessary information can be supplemented through surveying, and the vehicle information database can be improved. If the necessary feature point location information cannot be entered in the early stage and surveying cannot be carried out or surveying is abandoned, automatic refueling services for vehicles of this model cannot be realized.

[0033] Example 2: Steps of a method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling is characterized by the following steps:

[0035] S1: Receives data and / or commands, and determines the database completion trigger conditions; in software design, data-driven processes are sometimes expressed in the form of commands.

[0036] S2: Execute real-time updates, near-real-time updates, or periodic maintenance updates based on the triggering conditions. The steps are as follows:

[0037] S21: When a vehicle manufacturer designs or launches a new model, a real-time update is triggered. Depending on the type of real-time update driving information, corresponding operations are performed: real-time automatic update, real-time semi-automatic update, or real-time manual update. Generally, proactive data pushes are governed by long-term cooperation agreements. Detailed steps are as follows:

[0038] S211: When data in the agreed format is received from the agreed path, the database system automatically imports it into the vehicle information database after verifying its correctness, completing the database update. If the database information update is complete, the vehicle model information record characteristic flag is set to complete and usable, such as marked as 01, and proceeds to step S3 to end this update. If the database information update is incomplete, proceeds to step S212. The record characteristic flag setting includes at least three types of flags: complete and usable, incomplete but still usable, and unusable, which can be marked as 01, 02, and 03 respectively. The incomplete but still usable database record generally means that the feature point location information includes at least the relative position information of the fuel tank cover of the vehicle model. Different automatic refueling systems have different requirements. The fuel tank cover position information is almost essential for all automatic refueling systems, especially for early automatic refueling systems that use close-up images of the fuel tank cover for positioning, which is the only essential requirement, i.e., other feature point information is generally not necessary. However, for automatic refueling systems with more precise positioning requirements, at least 4 feature point information are generally required. Therefore, the definition of the incomplete but still usable database record flag will vary depending on the automatic refueling system.

[0039] S212: When the received data contains both conventional and non-conventional format data, perform real-time semi-automatic update, including automatic update of conventional format data and manual update of non-conventional format data; if the database information is completely updated, set the vehicle model information record characteristic flag to complete and available, such as marking it as 01, and proceed to step S3 to end this update; if the database information is still not completely updated, proceed to step S213.

[0040] S213: When only new model design or launch information is received, or only some or all non-standard format data is received, real-time manual updates are performed. This includes manually importing the received non-standard format data into the database. If incomplete, online searches and / or consultations are conducted to obtain the necessary information on vehicles for automatic refueling, and then manual updates are performed. The database model information record characteristic flags for this update are marked, and the process proceeds to step S3 to end the update. The record characteristic flags include at least three categories: complete and usable database record, incomplete but still usable, and unusable, which can be marked as 01, 02, and 03, respectively. Generally, one database record corresponds to one model. In fact, in addition to merchants actively pushing information according to the agreement, information on new model designs or launches can also be obtained through market analysis, public news reports, and other means. Therefore, this embodiment incorporates real-time manual updates as one of the steps to address possible events and meet the need for timely service of new models.

[0041] S22: When a gas station experiences a vehicle event that does not match the information in the database, a near real-time update operation is triggered. Depending on the on-site conditions, the corresponding near real-time automatic update, near real-time semi-automatic update, and near real-time manual update operations are performed. The detailed steps are as follows:

[0042] S221: Quasi-real-time automatic update. If there is no pre-set working mode or manual intervention, first start the online automatic search. If the searched information is complete and usable, it will be automatically imported into the database. Then, the vehicle model information recording characteristic flag will be set to complete and usable, such as 01. Proceed to step S3 to end this update. If the database information is not updated or the update is incomplete, but the autonomous mapping system is available (if the autonomous mapping system is unavailable at this time, proceed directly to step S222), then start autonomous mapping and update the database according to the mapping results. Determine again whether the database update is complete: if complete, set the vehicle model information recording characteristic flag to complete and usable, and proceed to step S3 to end this update. If incomplete, proceed to step S222 and enter the quasi-real-time semi-automatic update process. If the gas station is unattended, directly set the database recording characteristic flag to the end, and proceed to step S3 to end this update.

[0043] If there is a pre-set working mode or manual intervention, the corresponding process shall be executed according to the pre-set working mode or the manually inserted working mode; the pre-set working mode or manual intervention refers to the program pre-setting or manually inserting a certain priority working mode among the three working modes of automatic, semi-automatic and manual. For example, if the automatic working mode has not been developed and debugged, the program can be preset to start from the semi-automatic mode. If the online search and autonomous mapping functions of the automatic refueling system are faulty, manual intervention can be used to directly insert the manual mode.

[0044] S222: Semi-automatic update in near real-time, including manual online search and / or surveying and updating of the vehicle information database; after the update is completed, continue to determine whether the database update is complete: if complete, set the vehicle model information record characteristic flag to complete and available, and proceed to step S3 to end this update; if incomplete, proceed to step S223 to enter the manual update process; if there are no surveyors, directly set the database record characteristic flag to the end, and proceed to step S3 to end this update;

[0045] S223: Near real-time manual update, including manually surveying and mapping to obtain vehicle feature point location information and then manually entering it into the vehicle information database. After the entry is completed, the database record characteristic flag is set, and then proceed to step S3 to end this update. The manual surveying generally refers to using professional surveying tools and instruments to complete the coordinate measurement of fixed points. The surveying technology is existing technology.

[0046] Regarding the selection of the three working modes—automatic, semi-automatic, and manual—the difference between the near-real-time update method and the real-time update method lies in the fact that the real-time update method mainly relies on external input for judgment, while the near-real-time update method has no external input for judgment and mainly relies on the program-set process and manual intervention input for judgment. Generally, the program can be set to first execute online automatic search and update, and autonomous mapping update. If it is not completed, it will sequentially enter the semi-automatic mode and the manual mode. Before entering each mode, the program should check whether the next step is available. If it is not available, it will continue to jump until it ends.

[0047] S23: After a manual maintenance command is entered, a periodic maintenance update operation is triggered. The database is improved through methods including manual updates. After the data entry is completed, the database record characteristic flag is set, and the process returns to step S3 to end the update. The manual maintenance command is generally operated by the database maintenance administrator or other authorized personnel. Based on the latest collected information on vehicle models and database requirements that have not yet been entered into the database, operations such as adding, deleting, and modifying database information are performed. In steps S22 and S23, there may be incomplete database records. Some records only contain vehicle model information, some only contain license plate information, and some contain both license plate and vehicle model information. Some vehicle models lack necessary feature point information, and many more have incomplete feature point information. These need to be gradually improved during periodic maintenance. Generally, the association information between license plates and vehicle models, and the association information between vehicle models and feature points are manually found and imported into the database to finally complete the database that can be used for automatic refueling.

[0048] S3: Check and confirm whether the database record characteristic flags updated this time are complete. If there are any abnormalities, supplement and improve them according to the record content. If it cannot be determined, mark the record as abnormal and / or issue an alarm message, pending subsequent manual confirmation, and end the update.

[0049] The basic principle of this invention is to introduce surveying and mapping technology into the field of automatic refueling of automobiles, which makes up for the shortcomings of some models that cannot obtain the information required for automatic refueling and cannot provide automatic refueling services. At the same time, it comprehensively utilizes methods such as regular updates and maintenance, information push from relevant merchants, online information search, gas station self-surveying and mapping and manual surveying, and reasonably integrates and optimizes automatic, semi-automatic and manual intervention working modes to achieve an efficient, complete, flexible and practical method for improving the vehicle information database for automatic refueling.

[0050] In summary, this invention provides a highly practical method for improving a vehicle information database for automated refueling. The automated refueling vehicle information database system developed using this method can achieve one-time development, full functionality, and overall uniformity. The integrated system requires no secondary development, but related hardware systems, such as the autonomous mapping system, can be built and used in stages. Functional software modules, such as automatic network search and identification / extraction modules, can also be further developed. The application of this invention's method can acquire more and more complete information on vehicles used for automated refueling, promoting timely updates and improvements to the information database, and enabling more vehicles to enjoy better automated refueling services promptly.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, including combinations or omissions of various working modes or methods. These improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling, characterized in that, The vehicle information database includes license plate and / or vehicle model information, and at least one feature point location information; the database improvement method includes periodic maintenance and updates, real-time updates, and / or near-real-time updates of vehicle information for automatic refueling; the periodic maintenance and updates are manually triggered and complete the database improvement using methods including manual data updates; the real-time updates are triggered by events including new vehicle design or market launch, including real-time automatic updates, real-time semi-automatic updates, and / or real-time manual updates; the near-real-time updates are triggered by events such as the appearance of vehicles at gas stations that do not match the database information, including near-real-time automatic updates, near-real-time semi-automatic updates, and / or near-real-time manual updates; the feature point location information includes the relative position information of the feature points in the vehicle coordinate system; the feature points include inherent, unchanging, and easily image-recognizable landmarks on the vehicle to be refueled.

2. The method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The license plate information is associated with the vehicle model information, and the vehicle model information is associated with the feature point location information.

3. The method for improving the vehicle information database for automatic refueling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The real-time automatic update includes receiving new vehicle model automatic refueling information in a predetermined format from a predetermined path, and automatically updating the vehicle information database after the database system confirms that it is correct; the real-time semi-automatic update includes receiving partial predetermined format update information from a predetermined path, performing automatic update after the database system confirms that it is correct, and simultaneously manually updating the remaining information received from non-predetermined formats or paths; the real-time manual update includes receiving non-predetermined format data, obtaining the required vehicle information through online searches and / or consultations, and manually updating the vehicle information database.

4. The method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The near real-time automatic update includes using automatic online search and / or autonomous mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model of the vehicle to be refueled and automatically entering it into the vehicle information database; the near real-time semi-automatic update includes using manual participation in online search and / or mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model of the vehicle to be refueled and enter it into the vehicle information database; the near real-time manual update includes using manual mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model of the vehicle to be refueled and manually entering it into the vehicle information database.

5. The method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling according to claim 3, characterized in that, The near real-time automatic update includes using automatic online search and / or autonomous mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model of the vehicle to be refueled and automatically entering it into the vehicle information database; the near real-time semi-automatic update includes using manual participation in online search and / or mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model of the vehicle to be refueled and enter it into the vehicle information database; the near real-time manual update includes using manual mapping to obtain the feature point location information of the corresponding vehicle model of the vehicle to be refueled and manually entering it into the vehicle information database.

6. A method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Receive data and / or commands, and determine the database completion trigger conditions; S2: Execute real-time update, near-real-time update, or periodic maintenance update operations according to the triggering conditions; S3: Check and confirm whether the database record characteristic flags updated this time are complete. If there are any abnormalities, supplement and improve them according to the record content. If it cannot be determined, mark the record as abnormal and / or issue an alarm message, pending subsequent manual confirmation, and end the update.

7. The method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling according to claim 6, characterized in that, The real-time update, near real-time update, or periodic maintenance update operation further includes: S21: When a new model is designed or launched on the market, a real-time update operation is triggered, and the corresponding real-time automatic update, real-time semi-automatic update, or real-time manual update operation is performed according to the real-time update driving information category.

8. The method for improving a vehicle information database for automatic refueling according to claim 7, characterized in that, The corresponding operations for real-time automatic update, real-time semi-automatic update, and real-time manual update further include: S211: When data in a specified format is received from the agreed path, the database system automatically imports it into the vehicle information database after verifying its correctness, thus completing the database update. If the database information is completely updated, the record characteristic flag for the vehicle model information is set to complete and usable, and the process proceeds to step S3 to end the update. If the database information is not completely updated, the process proceeds to step S212. The record characteristic flag setting includes at least three types of flags: complete and usable database record, incomplete but still usable, and unusable. S212: When the received data contains both conventional and non-conventional format data, perform real-time semi-automatic update, including automatic update of conventional format data and manual update of non-conventional format data; if the database information is completely updated, set the vehicle model information record characteristic flag to complete and available, and proceed to step S3 to end this update; if the database information is still not completely updated, proceed to step S213. S213: When only new model design or launch information is received, or only some or all non-standard format data is received, perform real-time manual update, including manually importing the received non-standard format data into the database. If incomplete, search online and / or consult to obtain the required automatic refueling vehicle information and update it manually. Mark the characteristic flag of the updated database model information record, and proceed to step S3 to end this update.

9. The method for improving the vehicle information database for automatic refueling according to claim 6, characterized in that, The real-time update, near real-time update, or periodic maintenance update operation further includes: S22: When a gas station experiences a vehicle event that does not match the information in the database, a near real-time update operation is triggered, and near real-time automatic update, near real-time semi-automatic update, and near real-time manual update are performed according to the on-site conditions. S23: When a manual maintenance command is entered, a periodic maintenance and update operation is triggered. The database is improved by manually updating the data. After the data entry is completed, the database record characteristic flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S3 to end the update.

10. The method for improving the vehicle information database for automatic refueling according to claim 9, characterized in that, The corresponding operations for near real-time automatic updates, near real-time semi-automatic updates, and near real-time manual updates further include: S221: Quasi-real-time automatic update. If there is no pre-set working mode or manual intervention, first start the online automatic search. If the searched information is complete and usable, it will be automatically imported into the database. Then, the vehicle information recording characteristic flag will be set to complete and usable, and the process will proceed to step S3 to end this update. If the database information is not updated or the update is incomplete, but the autonomous mapping system is available, then autonomous mapping will be started, and the database will be updated according to the mapping results. The database update will be checked again to see if it is complete. If it is complete, the vehicle information recording characteristic flag will be set to complete and usable, and the process will proceed to step S3 to end this update. If it is incomplete, the process will proceed to step S222 and enter the quasi-real-time semi-automatic update process. If the gas station is unattended, the database recording characteristic flag will be set to post, and the process will proceed to step S3 to end this update. If there is a prefabricated working mode or manual intervention, the corresponding process shall be followed according to the prefabricated working mode or the manually inserted working mode. S222: Semi-automatic update in near real-time, including manual online search and / or surveying and updating of the vehicle information database; after the update is completed, continue to determine whether the database update is complete: if complete, set the vehicle model information record characteristic flag to complete and available, and proceed to step S3 to end this update; if incomplete, proceed to step S223 to enter the manual update process; if there are no surveyors, directly set the database record characteristic flag to the end, and proceed to step S3 to end this update; S223: Near real-time manual update, including manually surveying and mapping to obtain vehicle feature point location information and then manually entering it into the vehicle information database. After the entry is completed, the database record characteristic flag is set, and then proceed to step S3 to end this update.

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