System and method for providing marshalling status via vehicle exterior lights

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for providing a marshalling status via a vehicle exterior light. A method of wirelessly transmitting status information of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures, the method comprising: receiving a load process trigger based on a current status associated with a preload process of the one or more vehicles; determining a current state associated with the loading process of the one or more vehicles based on the loading process trigger and an autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm; and outputting an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the loading process of the one or more vehicles to the one or more infrastructures or the one or more human operators via exterior lights of the one or more vehicles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication between one or more vehicles and one or more infrastructures. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to wireless communication between one or more vehicles and one or more infrastructures for providing status notifications using exterior lights of the vehicles. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] In a vehicle marshaling environment, vehicles are connected to infrastructure so that the infrastructure can monitor the vehicles as they progress through the facility. However, problems may arise with the connection between the infrastructure and the vehicles. In situations where such problems do arise, it may be difficult to properly diagnose the problem in a timely manner, which would, for example, prevent traffic jams. The present disclosure addresses these and other problems associated with marshaling vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a method for wirelessly transmitting status information of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures, the method comprising: receiving an onboarding process trigger based on a current status associated with a pre-onboarding process of the one or more vehicles; determining a current status associated with an onboarding process of the one or more vehicles based on the onboarding process trigger and an autonomous vehicle marshaling algorithm; and outputting an indication corresponding to the current status associated with the onboarding process of the one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures or one or more human operators via external lights of the one or more vehicles; wherein the current status associated with the pre-onboarding process indicates a wireless connection status, a provisioning status, or a pre-onboarding status. wherein the current state associated with the loading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection state, a flashing code sequence, or a loading state confirmation; wherein the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm for determining the current state associated with the loading process is configured to perform one or more diagnostic processes, wherein the one or more diagnostic processes are a flashing code sequence, a vehicle wireless connection check and state, a vehicle loading initialization readiness check, an AVM feature activation process, or a combination thereof; the method further comprises: receiving a preloading process trigger from a server; based on the preloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm, determining the current state associated with the preloading process of one or more vehicles, wherein the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm for determining the current state associated with the preloading process is configured to perform one or more diagnostic processes, wherein the one or more diagnostic processes are a flashing code sequence, a vehicle wireless connection check and state, a vehicle loading initialization readiness check, an AVM feature activation process, or a combination thereof; the method further comprises: receiving a preloading process trigger from a server; based on the preloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm, determining the current state associated with the preloading process of one or more vehicles, wherein the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm for determining the current state associated with the preloading process The master vehicle grouping algorithm is configured to perform one or more diagnostic processes, wherein the one or more diagnostic processes are vehicle provisioning of vehicle modules, wireless connection checks and status, load readiness checks of vehicle CAN modules, AVM feature activation processes, or combinations thereof; and output an indication corresponding to a current status associated with a pre-loading process of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructure via an exterior light of one or more vehicles; the method further comprising: stopping navigation of one or more vehicles toward a waypoint based on one or more faults associated with the one or more vehicles, wherein the one or more faults include failures associated with: pre-loading status, loading status, autonomous vehicle grouping feature activation, vehicle key detection, flashing challenge, vehicle vehicle global navigation satellite system time synchronization, loading readiness check, vehicle safety authentication, re-onboarding status, off-boarding status, wireless connection between vehicle and roadside unit, wireless connection between vehicle and autonomous vehicle formation CS, cellular signal of formation status, activation of CV2X-PC5 congestion status, expiration of one or more vehicle safety authentications, occurrence of waiting delay between wireless messages, and interruption of wireless connection between one or more vehicles and a server, or a combination thereof; and based on one or more faults, outputting an indication corresponding to a current status associated with one or more faults to one or more infrastructure via external lights of one or more vehicles;The method further includes: receiving a reloading process trigger based on one or more faults; determining a current state associated with a reloading process of one or more vehicles based on the reloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm; and outputting an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the reloading process of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructure via the exterior lights of one or more vehicles; The method further includes: receiving an unloading process trigger from a service; determining a current state associated with an unloading process of one or more vehicles based on the unloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm; and outputting an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the unloading process of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructure via the exterior lights of one or more vehicles; wherein the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm for determining the current state associated with the unloading process is configured to perform a wireless connection check and status, an unloading readiness check of a vehicle CAN module, an AVM feature deactivation process, or a combination thereof; wherein the indication is a visual cue corresponding to the current state associated with a loading process, a preloading process, a reloading process, or an unloading process of one or more vehicles, wherein the visual cue includes a predefined pattern from a plurality of patterns. ;

[0006] The present disclosure provides a method for marshaling one or more autonomously operated vehicles, the method comprising: broadcasting a loading process trigger associated with marshaling the one or more autonomously operated vehicles to one or more vehicles; based on the loading process trigger and an autonomous vehicle marshaling algorithm, resolving an indication corresponding to a current state associated with the loading process of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles, wherein the indication is output to one or more infrastructures or one or more human operators via external lights of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles; and navigating the one or more autonomously operated vehicles toward a waypoint based on the indication; wherein the current state associated with the pre-loading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection state, a flashing code sequence, or a loading state confirmation ; The method further comprises: broadcasting a preloading process trigger to one or more autonomously operated vehicles; based on the preloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm, resolving an indication corresponding to a current state associated with the preloading process of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles, wherein the indication is output to one or more infrastructure via external lights of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles; wherein the current state associated with the preloading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection state, a provisioning state, or a preloading state; The method further comprises: determining one or more faults associated with the one or more autonomously operated vehicles, wherein the one or more faults comprise failures associated with: a preloading state, a loading state, an autonomous vehicle teaming feature activation, a vehicle key The method further comprises: a key detection, a flashing query, a vehicle global navigation satellite system time synchronization, a loading readiness check, a vehicle safety authentication, a reloading status, an unloading status, a wireless connection between a vehicle and a roadside unit, a wireless connection between a vehicle and an autonomous vehicle formation CS, a cellular signal of a formation status, an activation of a CV2X-PC5 congestion status, an expiration of one or more vehicle safety authentications, an occurrence of a waiting delay between wireless messages, and an interruption of a wireless connection between one or more vehicles and a server, or a combination thereof; and based on one or more faults, causing one or more autonomously operated vehicles to stop navigating toward a waypoint; the method further comprises: based on one or more faults, broadcasting a reloading process trigger; and based on the reloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle formation CS, broadcasting a reloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle formation CS, a grouping algorithm, discerning an indication corresponding to a current state associated with a reloading process of one or more autonomously operated vehicles, wherein the indication is output to one or more infrastructure facilities via external lights of one or more autonomously operated vehicles; the method further comprising: broadcasting an unloading process trigger; and based on the unloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm, discerning an indication corresponding to a current state associated with an unloading process of one or more autonomously operated vehicles, wherein the indication is output to one or more infrastructure facilities via external lights of one or more autonomously operated vehicles; wherein the broadcasted loading process trigger is sent via a short-range wireless communication method; the method further comprising: determining, using a server, one or more faults associated with the one or more autonomously operated vehicles;and rebroadcasting one or more signals from the one or more autonomously operated vehicles to one or more infrastructures via a remote wireless communication method based on the one or more faults, wherein the one or more signals are a loading process trigger, a preloading process trigger, a reloading process trigger, or an unloading process trigger.;

[0007] The present disclosure provides a system for wirelessly transmitting status information of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures, the system comprising: one or more vehicles, the one or more vehicles being configured to: receive a loading process trigger based on a current status associated with a pre-loading process of the one or more vehicles; determine a current status associated with a loading process of the one or more vehicles based on the loading process trigger and an autonomous vehicle marshaling algorithm; and output an indication corresponding to the current status associated with the loading process of the one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures or one or more human operators via external lights of the one or more vehicles; and a server, the server being configured to: broadcast a loading process trigger associated with marshaling one or more vehicles to the one or more vehicles; resolve a current status associated with the loading process of the one or more vehicles based on the loading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle marshaling algorithm, wherein the indication is output to the one or more infrastructures via the external lights of the one or more vehicles; and navigate the one or more vehicles toward a waypoint based on the indication.

[0008] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 An overall system for autonomous vehicle teaming according to various embodiments is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 An example of an overall system for autonomous vehicle teaming according to various implementations is shown;

[0012] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F shows different flashing patterns of exterior lights of a vehicle according to various embodiments;

[0013] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of enabling a vehicle to communicate wirelessly with an infrastructure according to various implementations; and

[0014] Figure 5is a flow chart illustrating another example method of enabling a vehicle to communicate wirelessly with infrastructure in accordance with various implementations.

[0015] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0017] The present disclosure provides a means for enabling a vehicle to wirelessly communicate with at least one infrastructure to provide one or more visual notifications (e.g., marshaling status notifications) via the vehicle's exterior lights. For example, the vehicle can be programmed to transmit any status of the vehicle's current state (such as loading, reloading, unloading, or other information, such as any errors that may affect the vehicle (e.g., the movement of the vehicle)) to the infrastructure. The advantage of such an ability for the vehicle to wirelessly transmit the vehicle's status via the vehicle's exterior lights is to mitigate the frequency of false triggering that results in emergency stops, thereby reducing unnecessary interruptions to the flow of the manufacturing process.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram illustration of an autonomous vehicle marshaling (AVM) system 100 is shown. In one or more examples, the AVM system 100 marshales one or more vehicles traveling at a low speed. However, it should be understood that the AVM system 100 can marshall one or more vehicles traveling at any speed. It should also be understood that the AVM system 100 can marshall semi-autonomous vehicles and / or fully autonomous vehicles.

[0019] The AVM system 100 generally includes a vehicle manufacturing cloud 102, a vehicle delivery manager cloud 104, a vehicle customer portal account 106, an infrastructure 108, and a vehicle 110. The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 operates as a central cloud system that manages and / or facilitates any manufacturing processes associated with the vehicle 110. The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle delivery manager cloud 104 and the infrastructure 108. The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 also communicates wirelessly directly with the vehicle 110.

[0020] The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 includes an AVM algorithm 112a. The AVM algorithm 112a processes state information associated with at least one of the one or more vehicles 110. It should be understood that the AVM algorithm 112a processes state information associated with each of the one or more vehicles (e.g., vehicle 110). The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 is configured to enable the infrastructure 108 to monitor the progress of the vehicle when one or more vehicles (e.g., vehicle 110) advance through, for example, a factory floor or a parking lot. The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 is also configured to enable the infrastructure 108 to communicate with one or more vehicles. For example, the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112a to send instructions to the infrastructure 108 and / or process information received from the infrastructure 108. The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 is configured to cause the vehicle delivery manager cloud 104 to facilitate the delivery of one or more vehicles (i.e., vehicle 110) to various locations. For example, the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112a to send instructions to the vehicle delivery manager cloud 104 and / or process information received from the vehicle delivery manager cloud 104.

[0021] The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 is also configured to start, stop, or pause one or more vehicles as they travel through, for example, a factory floor or a parking lot. For example, the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 is also configured to control the speed of one or more vehicles as they travel through, for example, a factory floor or a parking lot. For example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112a to send instructions to the vehicle 110 and / or process information received from the vehicle 110.

[0022] The infrastructure 108 includes an AVM algorithm 112b, one or more sensors 114, and a sensor component 116. The sensor component 116 provides communication between one or more infrastructures (e.g., the infrastructure 108) and one or more vehicles. For example, the sensor component 116 may utilize GPS, Wi-Fi, satellite, 3G / 4G / 5G, and / or Bluetooth. TMTo communicate with one or more vehicles. The sensor component 116 also communicates with one or more sensors 114 (e.g., such as one or more of a camera, a lidar, a radar, and / or an ultrasonic device). When one or more vehicles move through, for example, a factory floor or a parking lot, one or more sensors 114 monitor the movement of the vehicles. As an example, the infrastructure 108 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112b to process information and send the information to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 and / or process information received from the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. As another example, the infrastructure 108 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112b to process information and send the information directly to the vehicle 110 and / or process information received from the vehicle 110. It should be understood that the infrastructure 108 can forward instructions received from the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 to the vehicle 110. However, it should also be understood that the infrastructure 108 can send instructions to the vehicle 110.

[0023] The vehicle 110 includes an AVM algorithm 112c, a wireless transmission module 118, a vehicle central gateway module 120, a vehicle infotainment system 122, one or more vehicle sensors 124, a vehicle battery 126, a vehicle global navigation satellite system 128, a vehicle navigation map 130, and vehicle exterior lights 132. The wireless transmission module 118 may be a transmission control unit. The wireless transmission module 118 includes one or more sensors configured to collect data and send signals to other components of the vehicle 110. The one or more sensors of the wireless transmission module 118 may include a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) configured to determine the current speed of the vehicle 110; a wheel speed sensor (not shown) configured to determine whether the vehicle 110 is traveling uphill or downhill; a throttle position sensor (not shown) that determines whether a downshift or upshift of one or more gears associated with the vehicle 110 is required in the current state of the vehicle 110; and / or a turbine speed sensor (not shown) configured to transmit data associated with the speed of the torque converter of the vehicle 110. The wireless transmission module 118 transmits the information collected by the one or more sensors to the AVM algorithm 112c. For example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process the information collected by the one or more sensors and transmit the information to the infrastructure 108. As another example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process the information collected by the one or more sensors and transmit the information directly to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. The AVM algorithm 112 c is configured to transmit information and / or instructions received from the infrastructure 108 and / or the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 to the wireless transmission module 118 .

[0024] The vehicle central gateway module 120 operates as an interface between various vehicle domain bus systems, such as an engine compartment bus (not shown), an internal bus (not shown), an optical bus for multimedia (not shown), a diagnostic bus for maintenance (not shown), or a CAN bus. The vehicle central gateway module 120 is configured to distribute data transmitted to the vehicle central gateway module 120 by each of the various domain bus systems to other components of the vehicle 110. The vehicle central gateway module 120 is also configured to distribute information received from the AVM algorithm 112c to various domain bus systems. The vehicle central gateway module 120 is also configured to send information received from various domain bus systems to the AVM algorithm 112c. For example, the vehicle 110 uses the AVM algorithm 112c to process the information received from the vehicle central gateway module 120 and send the information to the infrastructure 108. As another example, the vehicle 110 uses the AVM algorithm 112c to process the information received from the vehicle central gateway module 120 and send the information directly to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. The AVM algorithm 112 c is configured to communicate information and / or instructions received from the infrastructure 108 and / or the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 to the vehicle central gateway module 120 .

[0025] The vehicle infotainment system 122 is a system that delivers a combination of information and entertainment content and / or services to the user 144 of the vehicle 110. It should be understood that in some examples, the vehicle infotainment system 122 can deliver only entertainment content to the user 144 of the vehicle 110. It should also be understood that in some examples, the vehicle infotainment system 122 can deliver only information services to the user 144 of the vehicle 110. As an example, the vehicle infotainment system 122 includes a built-in car computer that combines one or more functions, such as a digital radio, a built-in camera, and / or a television. The vehicle infotainment system 122 transmits information associated with the built-in car computer or processor to the AVM algorithm 112c. For example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process information received from the vehicle infotainment system 122 and sends the information to the infrastructure 108. As another example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process information received from the vehicle infotainment system 122 and sends the information directly to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. The AVM algorithm 112 c is configured to communicate information and / or instructions received from the infrastructure 108 and / or the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 to the vehicle infotainment system 122 .

[0026] The one or more vehicle sensors 124 may be, for example, one or more of a camera, a lidar, a radar, and / or an ultrasonic device. For example, an ultrasonic device used as one or more vehicle sensors 124 emits high-frequency sound waves that strike an object (e.g., a wall or another vehicle) and are then reflected back to the vehicle 110. Based on the amount of time it takes for the sound waves to return to the vehicle 110, the vehicle 110 may determine the distance between the one or more vehicle sensors 124 and the object. As another example, a camera device used as one or more vehicle sensors 124 provides a visual indication of the space around the vehicle 110. As an additional example, a radar device used as one or more vehicle sensors 124 emits an electromagnetic wave signal that strikes an object and is then reflected back to the vehicle 110. Based on the amount of time it takes for the electromagnetic wave to return to the vehicle 110, the vehicle 110 may determine the range, speed, and angle of the vehicle 110 relative to the object.

[0027] The one or more vehicle sensors 124 transmit information associated with the position and / or distance of the vehicle 110 relative to the object to the AVM algorithm 112c. For example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process the information received from the one or more vehicle sensors 124 and transmit the information to the infrastructure 108. As another example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process the information received from the one or more vehicle sensors 124 and transmit the information directly to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. The AVM algorithm 112c is configured to transmit information and / or instructions received from the infrastructure 108 and / or the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 to the one or more vehicle sensors 124.

[0028] The vehicle battery 126 is controlled by a battery management system (not shown) that provides instructions to the vehicle battery 126. For example, the battery management system provides instructions to the vehicle battery 126 based on the temperature of the vehicle battery 126. The battery management system ensures that the current mode of the vehicle battery 126 is acceptable. For example, the acceptable current mode prevents overvoltage, overcharging and / or overheating of the vehicle battery 126. As another example, the temperature of the vehicle battery 126 indicates to the battery management system whether any of the acceptable current modes is within an acceptable temperature range. The battery management system associated with the vehicle battery 126 transmits information associated with the temperature of the vehicle battery 126 to the AVM algorithm 112c. For example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process the received information about the vehicle battery 126 and sends the information to the infrastructure 108. As another example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process the information about the vehicle battery 126 and sends the information directly to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. The AVM algorithm 112 c is configured to communicate information and / or instructions received from the infrastructure 108 and / or the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 to the vehicle battery 126 .

[0029] The vehicle GNSS 128 is configured to communicate with satellites so that the vehicle 110 can determine the specific location of the vehicle 110. The vehicle navigation map 132 can display the specific location of the vehicle 110 to the user 144 via a display screen (not shown). The vehicle GNSS 128 transmits geographic information associated with the vehicle 110 to the AVM algorithm 112c. For example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process information received from the vehicle GNSS 128 and send the information to the infrastructure 108. As another example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process information from the vehicle GNSS 128 and send the information directly to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. The AVM algorithm 112c is configured to transmit information and / or instructions received from the infrastructure 108 and / or the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 to the vehicle GNSS 128. As another example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process information associated with the vehicle navigation map 130 and send the information to the infrastructure 108. As another example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process information from the vehicle navigation map 132 and send the information directly to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. The AVM algorithm 112c is configured to transmit information and / or instructions received from the infrastructure 108 and / or the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 to the vehicle navigation map 130.

[0030] The vehicle exterior lights 132 may include one or more lights embedded around the perimeter of the vehicle 110. For example, the vehicle exterior lights 132 include, but are not limited to, low beam headlamps, high beam headlamps, parking lights, daytime running lights, fog lights, signal lights, side marker lights, cab lights, tail lights, brake lights, center mounted brake lights, and / or reverse lights. The vehicle exterior lights 132 are configured to automatically turn on and off based on external weather conditions. The vehicle exterior lights 132 are also configured to automatically turn on and off based on the brightness of light adjacent to the vehicle 110 (such as sunlight, artificial light, and / or the absence of light and / or the reduction of light). The vehicle exterior lights 132 are also configured to be manually turned on and off by a user 144. In addition, the vehicle exterior lights 132 are configured to turn on and off in a certain pattern to provide visual notifications or information, such as indicating one or more faults. For example, the one or more faults include failures associated with: pre-loading state, loading state, AVM feature activation, vehicle key detection, flash challenge, vehicle GNSS time synchronization, loading readiness check, vehicle safety authentication, reloading state, unloading state, wireless connection between vehicle 110 and roadside unit (RSU), wireless connection between vehicle 110 and AVM CS, cellular signal of marshaling state, activation of CV2X-PC5 congestion state, expiration of one or more vehicle safety authentications, occurrence of waiting delays between wireless messages, and interruption of one or more wireless connections between vehicle 110 and server. The vehicle 110 transmits one or more instructions to the vehicle exterior lights 132 based on the AVM algorithm 112c. For example, the vehicle 110 transmits one or more instructions received from the infrastructure 108 to the vehicle exterior lights 132. As another example, the vehicle 110 transmits one or more instructions received from the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 directly to the vehicle exterior lights 132.

[0031] The delivery manager cloud 104 wirelessly communicates (e.g., receives and / or sends instructions and / or information) with one or more of the rental agency cloud 134, the valet parking agency cloud 136, the insurance agency cloud 138, and / or the dealer 140. For example, the delivery manager cloud can facilitate the delivery of one or more vehicles to any of the rental agency cloud 134, the valet parking agency cloud 136, the insurance agency cloud 138, and / or the dealer 140. The delivery manager cloud 104 also wirelessly communicates with the vehicle customer portal account 106. It should be understood that in one or more examples, other cloud systems may be included.

[0032] The delivery manager cloud 104 communicates wirelessly with a user device 142, such as a mobile device, a display panel, and / or a computer. The vehicle 110 also communicates wirelessly directly with the user device 142. For example, the user 144 interfaces with the user device 142 via an application that organizes any information and / or instructions received from the vehicle customer portal account and / or the vehicle 110. As another example, the user 144 may send one or more instructions to the vehicle customer portal account, such as selecting which vehicle the user 144 wants to receive from any of a rental agency (not shown) associated with the rental agency cloud 134, a valet parking agency (not shown) associated with the valet parking agency cloud 136, an insurance agency (not shown) associated with the insurance agency cloud 138, and / or a dealer 140.

[0033] Figure 2 The engagement of the vehicle 110 with the infrastructure 108 is shown. Typically, the manufacturing plant information technology system 202 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle manufacturing system 102. The manufacturing plant information technology system 202 is also connected to the AVM central server edge 204. It should be understood that the manufacturing plant information technology system 202 can be wirelessly connected to the AVM central server edge 204, where the manufacturing plant information technology system 202 is configured to communicate with the AVM central server edge 204. It should also be understood that the manufacturing plant information technology system 202 can be hardwired to the AVM central server edge 204. The AVM central server edge 204 receives one or more signals from the RSU 206. It should be understood that the AVM central server edge 204 can be wirelessly connected to one or more infrastructures (e.g., infrastructure 108) and is configured to communicate with one or more infrastructures (e.g., infrastructure 108). It should also be understood that the AVM central server edge 204 can be hardwired to one or more infrastructures. The vehicle 110 is wirelessly connected to each of the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 and / or the RSU 206 , wherein the vehicle 110 is configured to communicate with each of the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 and / or the RSU 206 .

[0034] The one or more infrastructures utilize the AVM algorithm 112b to enable one or more vehicles to perform various tasks associated with the formation of one or more vehicles. For example, the vehicle 110 utilizes the vehicle exterior lights 132 to communicate with the infrastructure 108. The one or more sensors 114 can sense outputs from the vehicle 110. For example, the vehicle exterior lights 132 communicate wirelessly with the infrastructure 108 to provide one or more visual notifications (e.g., formation status notifications).

[0035] In one embodiment, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c during a preload operation flow related to the current state of the vehicle 110. For example, the current state indicates at least one of the following: a wireless connection state of the vehicle 110, a provisioning of the vehicle 110, a load readiness check of the vehicle 110, and / or a preload confirmation of the vehicle 110. It should be understood that the current state of the vehicle 110 is transmitted by the vehicle 110 to the infrastructure 108. For example, the vehicle 110 transmits the current state of the vehicle 110 by displaying a patterned light sequence via the vehicle's exterior lights 132. As another example, the patterned light sequence can be different based on the current state of the vehicle 110. The patterned light sequence can change the lighting sequence of the exterior lights 132, change the brightness of the exterior lights 132, etc.

[0036] The manufacturing plant information technology system 202 sends a preload process trigger to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102. The vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 forwards the preload process trigger to one or more vehicles. The manufacturing plant information technology system 102 also sends the preload process trigger to the AVM central server edge 204. The AVM central server edge 204 forwards the preload process trigger to one or more infrastructures. As a result of receiving the preload process trigger, the one or more infrastructures are placed in a ready state to receive various patterned light sequences from one or more vehicles via one or more sensors 114.

[0037] One or more vehicle processes perform at least one execution check of the vehicle 110. The at least one execution check is processed by the AVM algorithm 112c and includes at least one of the following: execution of vehicle provisioning of vehicle modules; execution of vehicle wireless connection checks and status; execution of vehicle loading readiness checks of vehicle CAN modules; and / or execution of AVM feature activation processes. The vehicle 110 outputs the current state of preloading of the vehicle 110 based on the at least one execution check. For example, the vehicle 110 outputs the current state of preloading of the vehicle 110 via the vehicle exterior lights 132. The output of the current state of preloading of the vehicle 110 includes at least one of the following: the wireless connection status of the vehicle 110; the provisioning status of the vehicle 110; and / or the preloading status of the vehicle 110. It should be understood that the output indicating each of the current states of the vehicle 110 can correspond to different light sequences in various patterned light sequences. It should also be understood that the output is captured by one or more sensors 114, and the current state of the vehicle 110 is interpreted by one or more infrastructures.

[0038] In another embodiment, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c during a loading operation flow related to a current state of the vehicle 110. For example, the current state indicates at least one of: a vehicle wireless connection state, a vehicle wake-up, and / or a pre-load confirmation of the vehicle 110. It should be understood that the current state of the vehicle 110 is transmitted by the vehicle 110 to the infrastructure 108. For example, the vehicle 110 transmits the current state of the vehicle 110 by displaying a patterned light sequence via the vehicle exterior lights 132. As another example, the patterned light sequence can be different based on the current state of the vehicle 110.

[0039] The AVM central server edge 204 initiates a loading process trigger based on the pre-loaded state of the vehicle 110. The loading process trigger is received from one or more vehicles via a message broadcast to the RSU 206 based on the pre-loaded state of the vehicle 110. The loading process trigger may also be received from one or more vehicles via a cellular message to the vehicle manufacturing cloud 102 based on the pre-loaded state of the vehicle 110. One or more vehicles process at least one execution check of the vehicle 110. The at least one execution check is processed by the AVM algorithm 112c and includes at least one of the following: execution of a flash code challenge as may be specified by the AVM central server edge 204; execution of a vehicle wireless connection check and status; execution of a vehicle loading initialization readiness check; and / or execution of an AVM feature loading activation process. The vehicle 110 outputs a current state of pre-loading of the vehicle 110 based on the at least one execution check. For example, the vehicle 110 outputs the current state of loading of the vehicle 110 via the vehicle exterior lights 132. The output of the current state of loading of the vehicle 110 includes at least one of: a wireless connection state of the vehicle 110; a flash code challenge executed and sent as a parking vehicle communication model (PVCM) message; and / or a loading state confirmation of the vehicle 110. It should be understood that the output indicating each of the current states of the vehicle 110 can correspond to a different light sequence in a variety of patterned light sequences. It should also be understood that the output is captured by one or more sensors 114 and interpreted by one or more infrastructures (i.e., infrastructure 108).

[0040] In a third embodiment, the manufacturing plant information technology system 202 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to marshal one or more vehicles by using PCIM messages and / or PCVM messages. However, it should be understood that the manufacturing plant information technology system 202 can use any message to marshal one or more vehicles. For example, in the case where PCIM messaging is used, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to display the status of the received PCIM message of the vehicle 110 via the vehicle exterior light 132 during the marshalling of the message received from one or more infrastructures. As another example, the status of the received PCIM message includes at least one of the received counter and / or emergency stop status. In addition, in the case where PCVM messaging is used, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to display the marshalling confirmation of the vehicle 110 via, for example, the vehicle exterior light 132 during the marshalling of the message received from one or more infrastructures. As another example, the marshalling confirmation includes at least one of the following items: counter, ranging details, emergency stop status and / or vehicle RF signal strength status details.

[0041] In the case where one or more signals are broadcast from the manufacturing plant information technology system 202, PCIM messages are utilized. The AVM central server edge 204 sends a PCIM broadcast to the RSU 206, so that a marshaling sequence is initialized. It should be understood that the PCIM broadcast is a marshaling sequence. The vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to send a response back to the marshaling sequence received from the RSU 206 using PCVM messaging. The vehicle 110 also utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to send ranging related details and / or heartbeat related details to the RSU 206 using PCVM messaging. The vehicle 110 outputs the current state of the PCIM reception via the external lights 132 through the PC5. The vehicle 110 also outputs the PCVM identifier via the external lights 132. In addition, the vehicle 110 outputs a counter through the PC5. It should be understood that the output indicating each of the current states of the vehicle 110 can correspond to different light sequences (e.g., different flashing or on / off sequences) in various patterned light sequences. It should also be appreciated that output is captured by one or more sensors 114 and the current state of the vehicle 110 is interpreted by one or more infrastructures.

[0042] In the case where one or more vehicles directly request PCIM from the AVM central server edge 204, one or more signals are exchanged between the one or more vehicles and the AVM central server edge 204 via the cellular path that initiates the marshaling sequence. The vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to process the PCIM received back from the AVM central server edge 204. The vehicle also utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c to publish the PCVM directly to the AVM central server edge 204. For example, when one or more submodules of the hosted feature code have confirmed that its feature-specific aspects are fully functioning without errors, the AVM algorithm 112c publishes the PCVM directly to the AVM central server edge 204. The vehicle 110 outputs the current status of the PCIM request and / or PCIM response via the cellular path. The vehicle 110 also outputs the PCVM identifier and counter sent via the cellular path. It should be understood that the output indicating each of the current states of the vehicle 110 can correspond to different light sequences in various patterned light sequences. It should also be understood that the output is captured by one or more sensors 114 and interpreted by one or more infrastructures.

[0043] In another embodiment, the manufacturing plant information technology system 202 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c during the reload operation process related to the current state of the vehicle 110. For example, the current state indicates at least one of the following: the state of the reload initialization condition of the vehicle 110; the check performed via the vehicle 110; the wireless connection state of the vehicle; and / or the reload confirmation of the vehicle 110. It should be understood that the reload operation process is based on any aspect of the entire third embodiment. It should be understood that the current state of the vehicle 110 is transmitted by the vehicle 110 to the infrastructure 108. For example, the vehicle 110 transmits the current state of the vehicle 110 by displaying a patterned light sequence via the vehicle exterior lights 132. As another example, the patterned light sequence can be different based on the current state of the vehicle 110.

[0044] In another embodiment, the vehicle 110 utilizes the AVM algorithm 112c as part of one or more unloading final checks during the unloading operation process related to the current state of the vehicle 110 to ensure that the vehicle 110 is disconnected from the marshaling sequence. For example, the disconnection of the vehicle 110 can be initiated by one or more infrastructures. In addition, the disconnection of the vehicle 110 can be temporary or permanent. As another example, the current state indicates an unloading confirmation. It should be understood that the current state of the vehicle 110 is transmitted by the vehicle 110 to the infrastructure 108. For example, the vehicle 110 transmits the current state of the vehicle 110 by displaying a patterned light sequence via the vehicle exterior lights 132. As another example, the patterned light sequence can be different based on the current state of the vehicle 110.

[0045] The AVM central server edge 204 initiates the unloading of the vehicle 110 by sending one or more signals to the manufacturing plant information technology system 202. The manufacturing plant information technology system 202 forwards the one or more signals to the vehicle 110. The AVM central server edge 204 also sends one or more signals to the RSU 206. The RSU 206 forwards the one or more signals to the vehicle 110. One or more vehicles process at least one execution check of the vehicle 110. The execution check is processed by the AVM algorithm 112c and includes at least one of the following items: execution of a wireless connection check and status of the vehicle 110; execution of an unloading readiness check of a vehicle CAN module associated with the vehicle 110; and / or execution of an AVM feature deactivation process of the vehicle 110. The vehicle 110 outputs a current state of the unloading of the vehicle 110 based on the at least one execution check. For example, the vehicle 110 outputs the current state of the unloading of the vehicle 110 via the vehicle exterior lights 132. It should be understood that the output indicating each of the current states of the vehicle 110 can correspond to a different light sequence in a variety of patterned light sequences. It should also be appreciated that the output is captured by one or more sensors 114 and interpreted by one or more infrastructures.

[0046] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F Examples of different flashing patterns for exterior vehicle lights 132 are shown. For example, Figure 3A The headlight panel of the vehicle 110 is shown activated with a light pattern 300 indicating successful loading. As another example, Figure 3A Also shown is a headlight panel of the vehicle 110 activated with a light pattern 300 that displays the AVM status via the headlight panel. It should be understood that the light pattern 300 is a static light pattern in which the activated lights of the vehicle 110 are spaced apart in vertical and horizontal orientations. As an additional example, Figure 3B The headlight panel of the vehicle 110 is shown activated with a light pattern 302 that displays a flashing pattern, code, and / or sequence. It should be understood that the light pattern 302 is a fixed light pattern relative to the activation of both headlights of the vehicle 110. For example, Figure 3C The headlight panel of the vehicle 110 is shown activated with a light pattern 304 displaying an AVM pattern. It should be understood that the light pattern 304 is a dynamic (e.g., moving) light pattern relative to the activation of the two headlights of the vehicle 110. As another example, Figure 3D The side door lights of the vehicle 110 are shown activated with a light pattern 306 indicating the status of the AVM wireless connection. As an additional example, Figure 3D Also shown is a light pattern 306 that displays an indication of the status of the AVM wireless connection via the side door lights of the vehicle 110. It should be understood that the light pattern 306 is a fixed light pattern relative to the activation of both side door lights of the vehicle 110. As yet another example, Figure 3EThe rear lights of the vehicle 110 are shown activated with a light pattern 308 indicating the status of the AVM via light bars. For example, the vehicle 110 may display four rear light bars to indicate success; three rear light bars to indicate in progress; two rear light bars to indicate failure; and one rear light bar to indicate emergency stop. It should be understood that the activation of the four rear light bars relative to the light pattern 308 is a stationary light pattern. As another example, Figure 3F The side door lights of the vehicle 110 are shown deactivated with a light pattern 310 indicating a failure of the AVM wireless connection. It should be appreciated that while the side door lights of the vehicle 110 may be deactivated with respect to the light pattern 310, other vehicle exterior lights 132 (e.g., the front light bar and / or lights adjacent to the fender) may be activated. It should also be appreciated that FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F Each of the illustrated light patterns may be any display pattern of the vehicle exterior lights 132 , and may be static or dynamic, which may communicate any status to any sensing entity (eg, one or more infrastructures and / or one or more human operators).

[0047] Figure 4 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 400 for wirelessly transmitting status information of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures. At step 402, a loading process trigger is received. For example, the receiving of the loading process trigger is based on a current state. As another example, the current state is associated with a preloading process of one or more vehicles. Additionally, the current state associated with preloading indicates, for example, one or more of a wireless connection state, a provisioning state, or a preloading state.

[0048] At step 404, a current state associated with a loading process for one or more vehicles is determined. For example, the current state associated with the loading process for one or more vehicles (i.e., vehicle 110) is based on a loading process trigger. As another example, the current state associated with the loading process for one or more vehicles is based on one or more AVM algorithms, such as described in more detail herein. For example, the current state associated with the loading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection state, a flashing code sequence, or a loading state confirmation. As another example, the AVM algorithm for determining the current state associated with the loading process is configured to perform one or more diagnostic processes, wherein the one or more diagnostic processes are a flashing code sequence, a vehicle wireless connection check and status, a vehicle loading initialization readiness check, an AVM feature activation process, or a combination thereof.

[0049] At step 406, an indication corresponding to a current state associated with a loading process of one or more vehicles is output. For example, an indication corresponding to a current state associated with a loading process of one or more vehicles is output to one or more infrastructures via external lights of one or more vehicles. As another example, an indication corresponding to a current state associated with a loading process of one or more vehicles is output to one or more human operators via external lights of one or more vehicles. As yet another example, an indication corresponding to a current state associated with a loading process of one or more vehicles is output to one or more infrastructures and / or one or more human operators via external lights of one or more vehicles. In addition, the indication is a visual cue corresponding to a current state associated with a loading process, a preloading process, a reloading process, or an unloading process of one or more vehicles, wherein the visual cue includes, for example, a predefined pattern from a plurality of patterns.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, a preloading process trigger is received. For example, a current state associated with the preloading process of one or more vehicles is determined. As another example, the current state associated with the preloading process of one or more vehicles is determined based on the preloading process trigger and the AVM algorithm. In addition, the AVM algorithm for determining the current state associated with the preloading process is configured to perform one or more diagnostic processes, wherein the one or more diagnostic processes are, for example, vehicle provisioning of vehicle modules, wireless connection checks and status, loading readiness checks of vehicle CAN modules, AVM feature activation processes, or combinations thereof. As another example, an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the preloading process of one or more vehicles is output. For example, an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the preloading process of one or more vehicles is output to one or more infrastructure via the exterior lights of one or more vehicles.

[0051] In another embodiment, the navigation of one or more vehicles is stopped. For example, the navigation of one or more vehicles is stopped based on one or more faults associated with one or more vehicles. As another example, one or more faults include failures associated with the following items: pre-load state, loading state, autonomous vehicle marshaling feature activation, vehicle key detection, flashing query, vehicle global navigation satellite system time synchronization, loading readiness check, vehicle safety certification, reloading state, unloading state, wireless connection between vehicle and roadside unit, wireless connection between vehicle and autonomous vehicle marshaling CS, cellular signal of marshaling state, activation of CV2X-PC5 congestion state, expiration of one or more vehicle safety certifications, the appearance of waiting delay between wireless messages, and one or more vehicles and server wireless connection interruption, or a combination thereof. For example, an indication of the current state associated with one or more faults is outputted to one or more infrastructures via the external lights of one or more vehicles. In addition, based on one or more faults, an indication of the current state associated with one or more faults is outputted to one or more infrastructures via the external lights of one or more vehicles. For example, a reloading process trigger is received. As another example, a reloading process trigger is received based on one or more faults. For example, a current state associated with a reloading process of one or more vehicles is determined. As another example, the current state associated with the reloading process of one or more vehicles is determined based on a reloading process trigger. Additionally, the current state associated with the reloading process of one or more vehicles is determined based on an AVM algorithm. For example, an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the reloading process of one or more vehicles is output. As another example, an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the reloading process of one or more vehicles is output to one or more infrastructure via an exterior light of one or more vehicles.

[0052] In an additional embodiment, an unloading process trigger is received. For example, an unloading process trigger is received from a server. As another example, a current state associated with the unloading process of one or more vehicles is determined. In addition, the current state associated with the unloading process of one or more vehicles is determined based on the unloading process trigger. For example, the current state associated with the unloading process of one or more vehicles is determined based on the AVM algorithm. As another example, an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the unloading process of one or more vehicles is output. In addition, an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the unloading process of one or more vehicles is output (to one or more infrastructures) via the external lights of one or more vehicles. For example, the AVM algorithm for determining the current state associated with the unloading process is configured to perform a wireless connection check and status, an unloading readiness check of the vehicle CAN module, an AVM feature deactivation process, or a combination thereof.

[0053] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating another example method 500 for wirelessly transmitting status information of one or more autonomously operated vehicles to one or more infrastructures. At step 502, a loading process trigger is broadcast to one or more autonomously operated vehicles. For example, the loading process trigger is associated with marshaling one or more autonomously operated vehicles. As another example, the broadcasted loading process trigger is sent via a short-range wireless communication method. In one embodiment, one or more faults associated with one or more autonomously operated vehicles with a server are determined. One or more signals are rebroadcast. For example, one or more signals are rebroadcast from one or more autonomously operated vehicles via a long-range wireless communication method. As another example, the one or more signals are a loading process trigger, a preloading process trigger, a reloading process trigger, and / or an unloading process trigger. In addition, the rebroadcasted one or more signals are sent to one or more infrastructures. For example, the rebroadcasting of the one or more signals is based on one or more faults. As another example, the one or more faults include failures associated with: pre-loading state, loading state, autonomous vehicle teaming feature activation, vehicle key detection, flash challenge, vehicle global navigation satellite system time synchronization, loading readiness check, vehicle safety authentication, reloading state, unloading state, wireless connection between vehicle and roadside unit, wireless connection between vehicle and autonomous vehicle teaming CS, cellular signal of teaming state, activation of CV2X-PC5 congestion state, expiration of one or more vehicle safety authentications, occurrence of waiting delays between wireless messages, and interruption of wireless connection between one or more vehicles and server, or a combination thereof.

[0054] At 504, an indication is resolved. As an example, the indication is recognized by one or more infrastructures. For example, the indication is resolved based on a loading process trigger and one or more AVM algorithms. As another example, the indication corresponds to a current state associated with a loading process of one or more autonomously operated vehicles. In addition, the indication is output to, for example, one or more infrastructures (e.g., infrastructure 108) via external lights (e.g., external vehicle lights 132) of one or more autonomously operated vehicles (e.g., vehicle 110). As another example, the indication is output to one or more human operators via external lights of one or more autonomously operated vehicles. As yet another example, the indication is output to one or more infrastructures and / or one or more human operators via external lights of one or more autonomously operated vehicles. For example, the current state associated with the loading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection state, a flashing code sequence, or a loading state confirmation.

[0055] At step 506, one or more autonomously operated vehicles are navigated toward the waypoint. For example, based on the indication, one or more autonomously operated vehicles are navigated toward the waypoint.

[0056] In one embodiment, a preloading process trigger is broadcast. For example, a preloading process trigger is broadcast to one or more autonomously operated vehicles. An indication is resolved. As an example, the indication is recognized by one or more infrastructures. For example, the indication is resolved based on a preloading process trigger. As another example, resolving the indication is based on an AVM algorithm. Additionally, the indication corresponds to a current state associated with the preloading process of one or more autonomously operated vehicles. For example, the indication is output to one or more infrastructures via exterior lights of one or more autonomously operated vehicles. As another example, the current state associated with the preloading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection state, a provisioning state, or a preloading state.

[0057] In another embodiment, one or more faults associated with one or more autonomously operated vehicles are determined. For example, the one or more faults include failures associated with: preload state, loading state, autonomous vehicle group feature activation, vehicle key detection, flashing query, vehicle global navigation satellite system time synchronization, loading readiness check, vehicle safety certification, reloading state, unloading state, wireless connection between vehicle and roadside unit, wireless connection between vehicle and autonomous vehicle group CS, cellular signal of grouping state, activation of CV2X-PC5 congestion state, expiration of one or more vehicle safety certifications, occurrence of waiting delay between wireless messages, and interruption of wireless connection between one or more vehicles and server, or a combination thereof. Stop one or more autonomously operated vehicles from navigating toward a waypoint. For example, based on one or more faults, stop one or more autonomously operated vehicles from navigating toward a waypoint. Broadcast preload process trigger. For example, broadcast reload process trigger based on one or more faults. Resolve indication. As an example, the indication is identified by one or more infrastructures. For example, the reload process trigger is resolved based on the reload process trigger. As another example, the reload process trigger is based on the AVM algorithm. Additionally, the indication corresponds to a current state associated with, for example, a preloading process of one or more autonomously operated vehicles. For example, the indication is output to one or more infrastructures via exterior lights of one or more autonomously operated vehicles.

[0058] In additional embodiments, the offloading process trigger is broadcast. The indication is discerned. As an example, the indication is discerned by one or more infrastructures. For example, the indication corresponds to a current state associated with the offloading process of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles. As another example, the indication is output to the one or more infrastructures via exterior lights of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles.

[0059] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics when describing the scope of the present disclosure should be understood to be modified by the word "about" or "approximately". Such modifications are desirable for a variety of reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0060] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical "or", and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0061] In this application, the terms "controller" and / or "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinatorial logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality (e.g., an operational amplifier circuit integrator as part of a heat flux data module); or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0062] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium as used herein does not encompass transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital tape or hard drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0063] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented partially or completely by a special-purpose computer, which is created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The functional blocks, flow chart components, and other elements described above are used as software specifications, which can be translated into a computer program by routine work of a technician or programmer.

[0064] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the above invention, a broadcast loading process trigger is sent via a short-range wireless communication method.

[0066] According to the present invention, a system for wirelessly transmitting status information of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures is provided, the system comprising: one or more vehicles, the one or more vehicles being configured to: receive a loading process trigger based on a current state associated with a preloading process of the one or more vehicles; determine the current state associated with the loading process of the one or more vehicles based on the loading process trigger and an autonomous vehicle marshaling algorithm; and output an indication corresponding to the current state associated with the loading process of the one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures or one or more human operators via the external lights of the one or more vehicles; and a server, the server being configured to: broadcast a loading process trigger associated with marshaling one or more vehicles to the one or more vehicles; distinguish the current state associated with the loading process of the one or more vehicles based on the loading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle marshaling algorithm, wherein the indication is output to the one or more infrastructures via the external lights of the one or more vehicles, and based on the indication, the one or more vehicles are navigated toward a waypoint.

Claims

1. A method for wirelessly transmitting status information of one or more vehicles to one or more infrastructures, the method comprising: receiving a loading process trigger based on a current state associated with a preloading process of the one or more vehicles; determining a current state associated with a loading process of the one or more vehicles based on the loading process trigger and an autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm; as well as An indication corresponding to the current status associated with the loading process of the one or more vehicles is outputted to at least one of the one or more infrastructure facilities or one or more human operators via exterior lights of the one or more vehicles. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the current state associated with the preloading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection state, a provisioning state, or a preloading state.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the current status associated with the loading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection status, a blinking code sequence, or a loading status confirmation.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm for determining the current state associated with the loading process is configured to perform one or more diagnostic processes, wherein the one or more diagnostic processes are a flash code sequence, a vehicle wireless connection check and status, a vehicle loading initialization readiness check, an AVM feature activation process, or a combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Receive a preload process trigger from the server; determining a current state associated with a preloading process of the one or more vehicles based on the preloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm, wherein the autonomous vehicle teaming algorithm for determining the current state associated with the preloading process is configured to perform one or more diagnostic processes, wherein the one or more diagnostic processes are vehicle provisioning of vehicle modules, wireless connection check and status, loading readiness check of vehicle CAN modules, AVM feature activation process, or a combination thereof; as well as An indication corresponding to the current status associated with the preloading process of the one or more vehicles is outputted to the one or more infrastructures via the exterior lights of the one or more vehicles.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: stopping navigation of the one or more vehicles toward the waypoint based on one or more faults associated with the one or more vehicles, wherein the one or more faults include failures associated with: a pre-load state, a load state, an autonomous vehicle teaming feature activation, a vehicle key detection, a flash challenge, a vehicle global navigation satellite system time synchronization, a load readiness check, a vehicle safety authentication, a reload state, an unload state, a wireless connection between the one or more vehicles and a roadside unit, a wireless connection between the one or more vehicles and an autonomous vehicle teaming CS, a cellular signal of a teaming state, an activation of a CV2X-PC5 congestion state, an expiration of one or more vehicle safety authentications, an occurrence of a waiting delay between wireless messages, and an interruption of a wireless connection between the one or more vehicles and a server, or a combination thereof; as well as Based on the one or more faults, an indication corresponding to a current status associated with the one or more faults is outputted to the one or more infrastructure via the exterior lights of the one or more vehicles.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: receiving a reload process trigger based on the one or more faults; determining a current state associated with a reloading process of the one or more vehicles based on the reloading process trigger and an autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm; as well as An indication corresponding to the current status associated with the reloading process of the one or more vehicles is outputted to the one or more infrastructure facilities via the exterior lights of the one or more vehicles.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Receive an uninstall process trigger from the server; determining a current status associated with an unloading process of the one or more vehicles based on the unloading process trigger and an autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm, wherein the autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm is configured to perform a wireless connection check and status, an unloading readiness check of a vehicle CAN module, an AVM feature deactivation process, or a combination thereof; as well as An indication corresponding to the current status associated with the unloading process of the one or more vehicles is outputted to the one or more infrastructure facilities via the exterior lights of the one or more vehicles.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication is a visual cue corresponding to a current state associated with the loading process, preloading process, reloading process, or unloading process of the one or more vehicles, wherein the visual cue comprises a predefined pattern from among a plurality of patterns.

10. A method of marshaling one or more autonomously operated vehicles, the method comprising: broadcasting to one or more vehicles a loading process trigger associated with grouping the one or more autonomously operated vehicles; resolving an indication corresponding to a current status associated with a loading process of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles based on the loading process trigger and an autonomous vehicle marshaling algorithm, wherein the indication is output to one or more infrastructure facilities or one or more human operators via exterior lights of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles, and wherein the current status associated with the loading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection status, a blinking code sequence, or a loading status confirmation; and Based on the indication, the one or more autonomously operated vehicles are navigated toward the waypoint.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: broadcasting a preload process trigger to the one or more autonomously operating vehicles; as well as Based on the preloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm, an indication corresponding to a current state associated with the preloading process of the one or more autonomously operating vehicles is discerned, wherein the indication is output to the one or more infrastructures via the exterior lights of the one or more autonomously operating vehicles, and wherein the current state associated with the preloading process indicates one or more of a wireless connection state, a provisioning state, or a preloading state.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining one or more faults associated with the one or more autonomously operated vehicles, wherein the one or more faults include failures associated with: a pre-load state, a load state, an autonomous vehicle constellation feature activation, a vehicle key detection, a flash challenge, a vehicle global navigation satellite system time synchronization, a load readiness check, a vehicle safety authentication, a reload state, an unload state, a wireless connection between the vehicle and a roadside unit, a wireless connection between the vehicle and the autonomous vehicle constellation CS, a cellular signal of a constellation state, an activation of a CV2X-PC5 congestion state, an expiration of one or more vehicle safety authentications, an occurrence of a waiting delay between wireless messages, and an interruption of a wireless connection between the one or more vehicles and a server, or a combination thereof; as well as Based on the one or more faults, the one or more autonomously operated vehicles are stopped from navigating toward the waypoint.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Based on the one or more failures, broadcasting a reload process triggering; as well as Based on the preloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm, an indication corresponding to a current state associated with a preloading process of the one or more autonomously operating vehicles is resolved, wherein the indication is output to the one or more infrastructures via the exterior lights of the one or more autonomously operating vehicles.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: Broadcast uninstall process trigger; as well as Based on the unloading process trigger and the autonomous vehicle grouping algorithm, an indication corresponding to a current state associated with the unloading process of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles is resolved, wherein the indication is output to the one or more infrastructures via the exterior lights of the one or more autonomously operated vehicles.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining one or more faults associated with the one or more autonomously operated vehicles with a server; as well as Based on the one or more faults, one or more signals from the one or more autonomously operated vehicles are rebroadcasted to the one or more infrastructures via a long-range wireless communication method, wherein the one or more faults include failures associated with: a preloading state, a loading state, an autonomous vehicle formation feature activation, a vehicle key detection, a flashing query, a vehicle global navigation satellite system time synchronization, a loading readiness check, a vehicle safety authentication, a reloading state, an unloading state, a wireless connection between the vehicle and a roadside unit, a wireless connection between the vehicle and the autonomous vehicle formation CS, a cellular signal of a formation state, an activation of a CV2X-PC5 congestion state, an expiration of one or more vehicle safety authentications, an occurrence of a waiting delay between wireless messages, and an interruption of a wireless connection between the one or more vehicles and a server, or a combination thereof, and wherein the one or more signals are a loading process trigger, a preloading process trigger, a reloading process trigger, or an unloading process trigger.

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