System and method for vehicle grouping

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for vehicle grouping. A method includes assigning one or more vehicles to zones within one or more geo-fencing locations; assigning a target orientation within the region to each of the one or more vehicles; and moving each of the one or more vehicles to a target location within the region and positioning within the target location in the target orientation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to grouping vehicles. More specifically, this disclosure relates to grouping vehicles for parking in a specific location and in a specific orientation within said specific location. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are provided only as background information in connection with this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Organizing parked vehicles as part of a manufacturing process inherently involves inefficiencies, such as leaving unused space between parked vehicles that could have been used, for example, to accommodate more vehicles in a parking lot. Due to the lack of organizational capacity in current parking systems, other issues regarding the specific locations where vehicles should be parked cannot be considered. This disclosure addresses these and other problems related to the grouping of one or more vehicles as part of an automated parking system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure and is not a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0005] This disclosure provides a method comprising: assigning one or more vehicles to an area within the one or more geofenced locations based on a first set of inputs and a map including one or more geofenced locations; assigning a target orientation within the area to each of the one or more vehicles based on a second set of inputs; and moving each of the one or more vehicles to a first target location within the area and positioning it at the first target location with the target orientation; the method further comprising: identifying the one or more geofenced locations based on one or more locations of interest adjacent to the one or more geofenced locations, wherein the one or more locations of interest include a repair shop, a transport area, an inspection area, an assembly area, a short-term parking area, a long-term parking area, a purchase area, a calibration area, a test area, or a combination thereof; wherein the second set of inputs includes at least one of the following: an expected interaction with each of the one or more vehicles, one or more repairable parts of each of the one or more vehicles, the wheelbase of each of the one or more vehicles, and the [missing information - likely a typo or incomplete sentence]. The method includes the following inputs: turning radius, steering capability of each of the one or more vehicles, target orientation, or a combination thereof; wherein the first set of inputs includes at least one of the following: vehicle status, second target location, one or more vehicle characteristics, probability of damage to the one or more vehicles, probability of the one or more vehicles being stolen, logistics delivery information for each of the one or more vehicles, or a combination thereof; wherein the vehicle status indicates one or more tasks associated with the assembly of the vehicle, wherein the one or more tasks include vehicle repair, vehicle inspection, feature calibration, sensor calibration, installation of additional components, or a combination thereof; the method further includes: moving one or more vehicles to the second target location, wherein the second target location is determined based on a dynamic sequence associated with when the one or more tasks should be performed on each of the one or more vehicles; and wherein assigning one or more vehicles to the area is further based on: determining a priority list of vehicle repairs associated with each of the one or more vehicles; or determining a priority list of the logistics delivery information.

[0006] This disclosure provides a system comprising: a vehicle system configured to: assign one or more vehicles to an area within the one or more geofenced locations based on a first set of inputs and a map including one or more geofenced locations; assign a target orientation within the area to each of the one or more vehicles based on a second set of inputs; and cause each of the one or more vehicles to move to a first target location within the area and be positioned at the first target location with the target orientation; and the one or more vehicles configured to: receive a first set of instructions from the vehicle system, wherein the first set of instructions causes each of the one or more vehicles to... Each vehicle moves to the first target location and receives a second set of instructions from the vehicle system, wherein the second set of instructions causes each of the one or more vehicles to be located within the first target location with the target orientation; wherein the vehicle system is further configured to: identify one or more geofenced locations based on one or more locations of interest proximate to the one or more geofenced locations, wherein the one or more locations of interest include repair shops, transport areas, inspection areas, assembly areas, short-term parking areas, long-term parking areas, purchase areas, calibration areas, testing areas, or combinations thereof; wherein the second set of inputs includes at least one of the following: related to the one or more vehicles The expected interaction of each vehicle, one or more repairable parts of each of the one or more vehicles, the wheelbase of each of the one or more vehicles, the turning radius of each of the one or more vehicles, the steering capability of each of the one or more vehicles, the target orientation, or a combination thereof; wherein the first set of inputs includes at least one of the following: vehicle status, second target location, one or more vehicle characteristics, the probability that the one or more vehicles are damaged, the probability that the one or more vehicles are stolen, logistics and distribution information for each of the one or more vehicles, or a combination thereof; wherein the vehicle status indicates one or more of the components associated with the assembly of the vehicles. The vehicle system is further configured to: move one or more of the vehicles to a second target location, wherein the second target location is determined based on a dynamic sequence associated with when to perform the one or more tasks on each of the one or more vehicles; and wherein the vehicle system configured to allocate the one or more vehicles to the area is further configured to: determine a priority list of the vehicle repairs associated with each of the one or more vehicles; or determine a priority list of the logistics delivery information.

[0007] This disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more processor-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: assign one or more vehicles to an area within the one or more geofenced locations based on a first set of inputs and a map including one or more geofenced locations; assign a target orientation within the area to each of the one or more vehicles based on a second set of inputs; and cause each of the one or more vehicles to move to a first target location within the area and be positioned at the first target location with the target orientation; wherein the at least one processor further: identifies the one or more geofenced locations based on one or more locations of interest adjacent to the one or more geofenced locations, wherein the one or more locations of interest include a repair shop, a transport area, an inspection area, an assembly area, a short-term parking area, a long-term parking area, a purchase area, a calibration area, a test area, or a combination thereof; wherein the second set of inputs includes at least one of the following: a pre-defined location associated with each of the one or more vehicles. The first set of inputs includes at least one of the following: vehicle status, second target location, one or more vehicle characteristics, probability of damage to the vehicle, probability of the vehicle being stolen, logistics and delivery information for each of the vehicles; wherein the vehicle status indicates one or more tasks associated with the assembly of the vehicle, wherein the one or more tasks include vehicle repair, vehicle inspection, feature calibration, sensor calibration, additional component installation, or a combination thereof; and wherein the at least one processor further: moves one or more vehicles to the second target location, wherein the second target location is determined based on a dynamic sequence associated with when the one or more tasks are to be performed on each of the vehicles.

[0008] Further applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To better understand this disclosure, various forms of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1A system for automated vehicle grouping according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1 The system shown is used to group example vehicles;

[0012] Figure 3 An example parking environment according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for grouping vehicles according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

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

[0017] One or more examples provide a means for providing a parking system to manage or control the parking process to optimize the parking of one or more vehicles, for example, by grouping them based on one or more considerations as described herein. In one or more embodiments, the parking system is configured to pre-classify one or more vehicles into specific areas, allowing for easy maintenance among other parked vehicles. In one or more embodiments, the parking system is also configured to optimize the spacing between parked vehicles to accommodate the need for a human operator to access a specific vehicle at a given time, thus saving overall space in the parking area. In one or more embodiments, the parking system is further configured to determine the value of a vehicle and park higher-value vehicles in safer parking areas.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the parking system is further configured to take into account the wheelbase of a particular vehicle to optimize parking, such that vehicles with similar wheelbases are grouped together and thus easier to maneuver. In one or more embodiments, the parking system is also configured to allow space in front of and / or behind the parked vehicle, allowing the vehicle to move within the parking position to prevent flat spots that could affect one or more tires due to prolonged storage. In one or more embodiments, the parking system is configured to take into account the contents of the parked vehicle, allowing a human operator to easily locate a particular vehicle equipped with special equipment that may be necessary for certain tasks.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an Automated Vehicle Grouping (AVM) system 100 is shown. In one or more examples, the AVM system 100 groups one or more vehicles (e.g., vehicle 102) that are traveling at low speeds. However, it should be understood that the AVM system 100 can group one or more vehicles that are traveling at any speed. It should also be understood that the AVM system 100 can group semi-autonomous vehicles and / or fully autonomous vehicles.

[0020] AVM system 100 typically includes vehicle 102, central server 104, system operator 106, cloud system 108, and infrastructure system 110. Central server 104 operates as the central communication point associated with AVM system 100 and manages and / or facilitates any manufacturing processes associated with vehicle 102. For example, central server 104 facilitates the grouping of one or more vehicles, enabling one or more vehicles to travel through (e.g., traverse) a grouping environment (e.g., a factory floor or parking lot).

[0021] Central server 104 is configured to communicate directly and wirelessly with each of the components of AVM system 100 (e.g., vehicle 102, system operator 106, cloud system 108, and infrastructure system 110), and may include infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112. Central server 104 is also configured to provide vehicle 102 with logical interface information received from infrastructure system 110. Additionally, central server 104 is configured to calculate one or more maneuvers (e.g., movement) associated with vehicle 102.

[0022] The infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 processes state information associated with at least one or more vehicles, specifically vehicle 102. It should be understood that the infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 processes state information associated with each of the one or more vehicles. The central server 104 is configured to utilize the infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 to transmit one or more instructions and / or process information received from each of the components of the AVM system 100 (e.g., vehicle 102, system operator 106, cloud system 108, and infrastructure system 110). For example, the received information may relate to, but is not limited to, grouping vehicles 102 and / or vision-based communication with vehicles 102.

[0023] Preferably, based on direct communication with one or more vehicles, the central server 104 is further configured to cause one or more vehicles to start, stop (e.g., at a specific parking location), or pause their progress through the formation environment. The central server 104 is further configured to control the formation speed of one or more vehicles as they travel through the formation environment.

[0024] Vehicle 102 includes a vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114. In one or more embodiments, vehicle 102 utilizes the vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 to process and transmit information collected by one or more components associated with the configuration of vehicle 102, such as components located internally and / or externally associated with vehicle 102. For example, although not shown, components associated with the configuration of vehicle 102 may include a wireless transmission module, a vehicle central gateway module, a vehicle infotainment system, one or more vehicle sensors, a vehicle battery, a vehicle global navigation satellite (e.g., GNSS), a vehicle navigation mapping system, and / or a controller area network (CAN) vehicle bus. It should be understood that the grouping of vehicles 102 within the AVM system 100 can be supported by utilizing any of the one or more components associated with the configuration of vehicle 102.

[0025] More specifically and refer to Figure 2In various forms, vehicle 102 can be powered in various ways (e.g., using electric motors and / or internal combustion engines). It should be understood that vehicle 102 can be any type of vehicle powered by electric motors and / or internal combustion engines, such as cars, trucks, robots, aircraft, and / or boats. Vehicle 102 typically includes a vehicle controller 200, one or more actuators 202, multiple onboard sensors 204, a human-machine interface (HMI) 206, and a vehicle system 208. Vehicle 102 also has a reference point 210, i.e., a designated point within the space defined by the vehicle body, which identifies the position of vehicle 102. For example, reference point 210 is the geometric center point where the respective longitudinal and lateral center axes of vehicle 102 intersect. As another example, reference point 210 is the point where vehicle 102 is located when navigating toward a waypoint (such as for parking vehicle 102).

[0026] In some examples, vehicle controller 200 is configured or programmed to control one or more of the following: vehicle braking, propulsion (e.g., controlling the acceleration of vehicle 102 by controlling one or more of an internal combustion engine, electric motor, hybrid engine, etc.), steering, climate control, interior and / or exterior lights, etc. In other examples, vehicle controller 200 is also configured or programmed to determine whether and when vehicle controller 200 (rather than a human operator) controls such operations associated with vehicle 102. It should be understood that any operation associated with vehicle 102 can be facilitated via automated, semi-automated, or manual modes. For example, an automated mode can facilitate complete control of any operation by vehicle controller 200 without the assistance of a human operator. As another example, a semi-automated mode can facilitate at least partial control of any operation by a human operator in combination with vehicle controller 200. As a further example, a manual mode can facilitate complete control of operation by a human operator without the assistance of vehicle controller 200.

[0027] Vehicle controller 200 includes one or more processors (not shown), or can be communicatively coupled to one or more processors (e.g., via a vehicle communication bus). For example, the one or more processors may be controllers included in vehicle 102, used to monitor and / or control various vehicle controllers, such as powertrain controllers, brake controllers, steering controllers, etc. Vehicle controller 200 is typically arranged to communicate over a vehicle communication network (not shown) (which may include buses in vehicle 102, such as a CAN bus, etc.) and / or other wired and / or wireless mechanisms.

[0028] Vehicle controller 200 transmits messages to and / or receives messages from various devices (e.g., one or more actuators 202, HMI 206, etc.) in vehicle 102 via a vehicle network. Alternatively or additionally, where vehicle controller 200 includes multiple device generators, a vehicle communication network is used for communication between the device generators of vehicle controller 200, as represented herein. Furthermore, as discussed below, various other controllers and / or sensors provide data to vehicle controller 200 via the vehicle communication network.

[0029] Additionally, the vehicle controller 200 is configured via vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 to communicate through a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication network, such as communicating with an infrastructure controller (not shown). The vehicle controller 200 is also configured via vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 to communicate with other traffic objects (e.g., vehicles, infrastructure, etc.) through a wireless vehicle communication interface, such as via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication network. The vehicle communication network refers to one or more mechanisms by which the vehicle controller 200 of vehicle 102 communicates with other traffic objects. As an example, the vehicle communication network can be one or more wireless communication mechanisms, including any desired combination of wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and / or radio frequency) communication mechanisms, and any desired network topology (or multiple topologies utilizing multiple communication mechanisms). Examples of vehicle communication networks include cellular, Bluetooth®, IEEE 802.11, Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), and / or Wide Area Network (WAN) (including the Internet) providing data communication services.

[0030] One or more actuators 202 are implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic and / or mechanical components that can actuate various vehicle subsystems according to appropriate control signals. One or more actuators 202 can be used to control the braking, acceleration, and / or steering of the vehicle 102. The vehicle controller 200 can be programmed to activate one or more actuators 202 (including propulsion, steering, and / or braking actuators) based on planned acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle 102.

[0031] The multiple onboard sensors 204 include various means for providing data to the vehicle controller 200. For example, the multiple onboard sensors 204 may include object detection sensors (e.g., lidar sensors) disposed on or in the vehicle 102, which provide the relative position, size, and / or shape of one or more objects (such as attached vehicles, bicycles, robots, drones, etc.) traveling beside, in front of, and / or behind the vehicle 102. As another example, one or more of the multiple onboard sensors 204 may be radar sensors fixed to one or more bumpers of the vehicle 102, which can provide the position of an object relative to the position of each vehicle 102.

[0032] Multiple onboard sensors 204 may include camera sensors that provide images from the area surrounding vehicle 102, such as providing front, side, and rear views. As another example, vehicle controller 200 may be programmed to receive sensor data from camera sensors and implement image processing techniques to detect roads, infrastructure elements, etc. Vehicle controller 200 may also be programmed to determine the current vehicle position based on location coordinates (e.g., GPS coordinates) received from vehicle 102 indicating the position of vehicle 102 determined from a GPS sensor (not shown).

[0033] HMI 206 is configured to receive information from a human operator during operation of vehicle 102. Additionally, HMI 206 is configured to present information to a human operator, such as an occupant of vehicle 102. In some variations, vehicle controller 200 is programmed to receive destination data (e.g., location coordinates) from HMI 206.

[0034] Vehicle system 208 is configured to control each of the subsystems within vehicle 102 and facilitate requests across each of the aforementioned components (e.g., vehicle controller 200, one or more actuators 202, multiple on-board sensors 204, and / or HMI 206). Thus, vehicle 102 can be autonomously guided to waypoints using at least multiple on-board sensors 204. Route selection can be performed using vehicle position, distance traveled, queuing for vehicle grouping, etc.

[0035] Return to reference Figure 1 Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, as a supplement to or alternative to infrastructure system 110, vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 may determine state information associated with vehicle 102 based on processed information, as further described herein. In another embodiment, vehicle 102 utilizes vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 to process information obtained from any of the components associated with the construction of vehicle 102 and transmits it to central server 104 and / or cloud system 108. However, it should be understood that vehicle 102 may utilize vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 to process information obtained from any of the components associated with the construction of vehicle 102 and transmit it directly to infrastructure system 110 and / or system operator 106. Additionally, vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 is further configured to process information received from any of the components of AVM system 100 and transmit it to any of the components associated with the construction of vehicle 102.

[0036] Central server 104 is configured to enable infrastructure system 110 to monitor the progress of one or more vehicles as they move through a grouped environment. Infrastructure system 110 includes sensor components 116 and wireless communication components 118. For example, wireless communication component 118 may utilize GPS, Wi-Fi, satellite, 3G / 4G / 5G, and / or Bluetooth. TM To communicate with one or more vehicles. It should be understood that, by utilizing either sensor component 116 and / or wireless communication component 118, infrastructure system 110 is configured to perform one or more positioning functions associated with the grouping of vehicles 102, such as, but not limited to, perception, path planning, detection, control, response, or combinations thereof of vehicles 102.

[0037] Wireless communication component 118 communicates with sensor component 116, which is configured to manage one or more of the following: a camera, lidar, radar, and / or ultrasonic devices. Sensor component 116 monitors the movement of one or more vehicles as they are grouped through a grouped environment.

[0038] System operator 106 may be a human operator responsible for monitoring one or more vehicles in the group via communication with cloud system 108. It should be understood that cloud system 108 is a backend system, which may represent an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cloud system responsible for the remote engagement and / or disengagement of the AVM application (including vehicle 102 registering with and / or deregistering with AVM system 100). In one or more embodiments, system operator 106 communicates with and / or monitors one or more vehicles via a user device (not shown) and / or the human eye of a human operator with cloud system 108. However, it should be understood that system operator 106 may also be a non-human operator, such as a mainframe controller, a machine learning-based control system, or any neural network. It should also be understood that system operator 106 is responsible for managing and / or supervising the operation of vehicle 102 during automated grouping, access processes, and / or at various locations (e.g., via in-facility interfaces). System operator 106 is capable of receiving instructions from central server 104 and forwarding those instructions to one or more vehicles via cloud system 108. For example, the instructions received from the central server 104 may be one or more grouping commands, which may cause one or more vehicles to travel to a vehicle repair shop, a parking location, a future location, or any other location.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, system operator 106 can obtain information associated with the operation of vehicle 102. In one or more embodiments, the obtained information may be displayed on a user device based on one or more determinations made by logistics management system 120 regarding parking vehicle 102 within a grouping environment. For example, the user device may be a tablet computer or any other suitable electronic device. As another example, one or more determinations are made by utilizing at least the sensor components 116 of infrastructure system 110 and / or multiple on-board sensors 204. In another one or more embodiments, infrastructure system 110 is configured to communicate with logistics management system 120 (e.g., via wireless or wired means). Although logistics management system 120 is depicted as being located outside infrastructure system 110, it should be understood that logistics management system 120 may be located inside infrastructure system 110.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, and further considering Figure 3 The illustration provided herein depicts a virtual rendering (e.g., a digital twin) of a manufacturing facility. The logistics management system 120 is configured to facilitate the grouping of one or more vehicles to a specific parking location 302 within one or more zones 304a to 304c, as described herein. It should be understood that the display 300 depicting the virtual rendering of the manufacturing facility can display any number of parking locations (e.g., parking spaces or target locations) within any number of zones. As an example, the virtual rendering of the manufacturing facility can classify each parking location within zones 304a to 304c in a color-coded manner, such that one or more zones 304a to 304c can be easily noticed and / or a specific vehicle among many vehicles can be highlighted. As another example, the virtual rendering of the manufacturing facility can highlight one or more vehicles based on the color-coded assignment of vehicles to specific parking locations, such that the color code identifying a specific vehicle matches the color code of the assigned parking location associated with that specific vehicle.

[0041] In one example, the logistics management system 120 is configured to identify each of one or more zones 304a to 304c based on a map of the marshalling environment. As another example, the map of the marshalling environment may be stored in a database (not shown) associated with the logistics management system 120. It should be understood that the database associated with the logistics management system 120 may be located internally or externally to the logistics management system 120. As yet another example, the logistics management system 120 is also configured to identify each of one or more zones 304a to 304c based on one or more user inputs received from the system operator 106 or any other component of the AVM system 100 as supplementary or alternative to the map of the marshalling environment. As an additional example, the logistics management system 120 is further configured to identify each of one or more zones 304a to 304c based on inputs from sensor component 116 of the infrastructure system 110 and / or any of the multiple on-board sensors 204 as supplementary or alternative to the map of the marshalling environment and / or user inputs.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 and / or infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 are configured to generate (e.g., create) geofence regions associated with each of one or more zones 304a to 304c. For example, the geofence regions associated with each of one or more zones 304a to 304c are virtual dynamic radio frequency (RF) based boundaries. As another example, the geofence regions associated with each of one or more zones 304a to 304c are dynamic virtual geographic areas of operational areas associated with a marshalling environment. As yet another example, vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 and / or infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 utilize GNSS and / or RF-based wireless communication to generate geofence regions associated with each of one or more zones 304a to 304c.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the logistics management system 120 is also configured to assign vehicle 102 (e.g., and / or any one or more vehicles) to a specific area (e.g., area 304c) among one or more zones 304a to 304c. In one example, the assignment of vehicle 102 to area 304c may be based on the location of area 304c relative to a location of interest. For example, the location of interest may be a repair shop, a transport area, an inspection area, an assembly area, a short-term parking area, a long-term parking area, a purchasing area, a calibration area, a testing area, any other type of workstation associated with a marshalling environment, or a combination thereof. As an example, vehicle 102 may be assigned to area 304c at any time (such as at various points in the manufacturing process).

[0044] As yet another example, the assignment of vehicle 102 to zone 304c can be based on the status information of vehicle 102. In one example, the status information may indicate which tasks (if any) should be performed on vehicle 102. More specifically, the status information may indicate vehicle maintenance, vehicle inspection, feature calibration, sensor calibration, installation of additional components, or a combination thereof. While tasks should be performed before vehicle 102 is grouped to a subsequent location (e.g., a subsequent workstation in a manufacturing facility or shipped to a customer), tasks can be performed at any time.

[0045] The allocation of vehicle 102 to zone 304c can also be based on priorities, for example, those associated with status information. As an example, vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 and / or infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 can determine a list of priorities associated with status information (e.g., maintenance completion priority or delivery priority of vehicle 102).

[0046] In one or more embodiments, each of one or more zones 304a to 304c may include any number of parking locations (e.g., parking spaces or target locations). For example, the allocation of vehicle 102 to zone 304c is dynamic. In other words, the allocation of a first parking location within zone 304c for vehicle 102 may change to a second parking location within zone 304c based on a change in order relative to a priority list (e.g., chronological order). As an example, a second parking location may be, but is not limited to, a safer location and / or a location closer to the location of interest. As another example, the allocation of a first parking location within zone 304c for vehicle 102 may change to a second parking location within a different zone (such as zone 304a or zone 304c).

[0047] In one or more other embodiments, the allocation of vehicle 102 to a specific parking location may be based on a second parking location, one or more characteristics of vehicle 102, the likelihood of vehicle 102 being damaged, the likelihood of vehicle 102 being stolen, logistics delivery information of vehicle 102, or a combination thereof. For example, vehicle 102 may be allocated to a closed or open parking location based on weather (e.g., if it is raining, vehicle 102 may be parked in a closed parking location). As another example, one or more vehicle characteristics may include, but are not limited to, vehicle 102's serial number, vehicle 102's vehicle trim, and / or any specific features associated with vehicle 102 (e.g., diesel engine vs. gasoline engine). As another example, logistics delivery information may include details about the means by which vehicle 102 will be delivered to a location, such as car, ship, train, truck, etc.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the logistics management system 120 is further configured to assign vehicle 102 (e.g., and / or any one or more vehicles) to a specific parking orientation (e.g., a target orientation) within a specific area (e.g., area 304c) of one or more zones 304a to 304c. For example, the assigned parking orientation instructs vehicle 102 to be parked in parking position 302 in a specific orientation. In one example, the assignment of vehicle 102 to a specific parking orientation may be based on at least one of the following: anticipated interaction with vehicle 102, one or more serviceable parts of vehicle 102, wheelbase of vehicle 102, radius of vehicle 102, steering capability of vehicle 102, or a combination thereof. For example, anticipated interaction with vehicle 102 may include anticipated human operator driving vehicle 102 to a second position or vehicle 102 driving itself to a second position. As another example, one or more serviceable parts of vehicle 102 may indicate clearance around vehicle 102 that would allow for the repair of one or more parts. As yet another example, the orientation of vehicle 102 can provide space around vehicle 102 that will allow vehicle 102 to adjust its positioning to mitigate any possible flat spots that may appear over time in one or more tires (not shown) of vehicle 102. It should be understood that a particular orientation of vehicle 102 can refer to any positional or directional parking aspect associated with vehicle 102, such as the vertical and / or horizontal setting of vehicle 102.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for grouping vehicles (e.g., vehicle 102) to optimize a grouping environment for one or more needs. At operation 402, one or more vehicles are assigned to zones within one or more geofenced areas (e.g., zones in one or more zones 304a to 304c) (e.g., the geofenced areas are associated with the zones). For example, the assignment of one or more vehicles to zones is based on a first set of inputs and / or a map of the areas (e.g., a map of the grouping environment). As another example, the areas include one or more geofenced locations. As an example, the first set of inputs includes at least one of the following: vehicle status, a second target location, one or more vehicle characteristics, the probability that one or more vehicles are damaged, the probability that one or more vehicles are stolen, logistics delivery information for each of the one or more vehicles, or a combination thereof.

[0050] As another example, the vehicle status indication is associated with one or more tasks related to vehicle assembly, said one or more tasks including vehicle maintenance, vehicle inspection, feature calibration, sensor calibration, installation of additional components, or a combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, a vehicle from one or more vehicles is moved to a second target location. For example, the second target location is determined based on a dynamic sequence associated with when one or more tasks will be performed on each of the one or more vehicles. In one or more embodiments, the allocation of one or more vehicles to an area is further based on determining a priority list of vehicle maintenance associated with each of the one or more vehicles and / or determining a priority list of logistics and distribution information.

[0051] At operation 404, the target orientation within the area is assigned to each of the one or more vehicles. For example, the target orientation is assigned to each of the one or more vehicles based on a second set of inputs. As another example, the second set of inputs includes at least one of the following: the expected interaction with each of the one or more vehicles, one or more serviceable parts of each of the one or more vehicles, the wheelbase of each of the one or more vehicles, the turning radius of each of the one or more vehicles, the steering capability of each of the one or more vehicles, the target orientation, or a combination thereof.

[0052] At operation 406, each of one or more vehicles is moved to a first target location within the area (e.g., parking location 302) and / or positioned within the first target location with a target orientation. In one or more embodiments, one or more geofence locations are identified. For example, one or more geofence locations are identified based on one or more locations of interest that are close to one or more geofence locations. As another example, one or more locations of interest include repair shops, transport areas, inspection areas, assembly areas, short-term parking areas, long-term parking areas, purchase areas, calibration areas, testing areas, or combinations thereof.

[0053] Figure 5An operating environment facilitating the execution of one or more systems and methods described herein is illustrated. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein may be implemented using computing device 502. For example, computing device 502 may be a personal computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, handheld computer, server, workstation, mainframe, wearable computer, supercomputer, or a combination thereof. However, it should be understood that the foregoing examples of computing device 502 are not exhaustive, and computing device 502 may be any type of processing or computing device. Computing device 502 typically includes a processor 504, a display adapter 506, one or more input / output ports 508, one or more input / output components 510, a network adapter 512, a power supply 514, and memory 516. However, it should be understood that computing device 502 may include any of the listed components, and is not required to include any of them.

[0054] Processor 504 is configured to provide instructions to computing device 502, enabling computing device 502 to perform one or more tasks, including implementing software programs to perform one or more operations as described in more detail herein. It should also be understood that computing device 502 may include any number of processors 504. Display adapter 506 may be a graphics card or video board that provides computing device 502 with the ability to display content on display device 518. For example, display device 518 may be any screen, monitor, and / or light-emitting component associated with any of a personal computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, handheld computer, server, workstation, mainframe, wearable computer, supercomputer, or a combination thereof. However, it should be understood that the foregoing examples of display device 518 are not exhaustive, and display device 518 may be any type of device capable of providing visual display.

[0055] Input / output port 508 provides multiple interfaces (e.g., jacks) for one or more cables to connect to computing device 502. It should be understood that any number of input / output ports 508 may be present on computing device 502. For example, input / output port 508 provides computing device 502 with a means to receive signals and / or data from external devices connected to computing device 502 via one or more cables. As another example, input / output port 508 provides computing device 502 with a means to transmit signals and / or data to external devices connected to computing device 502 via one or more cables. Input / output component 510 may include one or more components supporting input / output port 508, such as, but not limited to, switches, buttons, pressure pads, float switches, keyboards, radio receivers, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Network adapter 512 can be any type of network interface controller configured to provide means for communicating with another computing device (such as remote computing device 522) via network 520. For example, remote computing device 522 can be a user device such as a cellular phone, smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or a combination thereof. Power supply 514 is configured to convert alternating high-voltage current (e.g., AC) into direct current (e.g., DC) to provide power to other components of computing device 502 (e.g., processor 504, display adapter 506, one or more input / output ports 508, one or more input / output components 510, network adapter 512, and memory 516).

[0057] Additionally, memory 516 may be a mass storage device and / or system memory, such as a hard disk drive, memory card, solid-state drive, random access memory (RAM), or a combination thereof. Memory 516 is configured to provide storage for instructions and data associated with the operation of computing device 502. Memory 516 may typically include operating system 524, parking software 526, and parking data 528. For example, operating system 524 is configured to manage and / or process any of the data and / or instructions associated with parking software 526 and / or parking data 528, as described in more detail herein.

[0058] Furthermore, a system bus 530 is also included within the computing device 502, configured to couple each of the various components of the computing device 502 (e.g., processor 504, display adapter 506, one or more input / output ports 508, one or more input / output components 510, network adapter 512, power supply 514, and memory 516). It should also be understood that the functions associated with each component of the computing device 502 and with each component of the computing device 502 can be implemented within a remote computing device 522. Although Figure 5The operating environment shown herein depicts a specific configuration associated with at least computing device 502, network 520, and remote computing device 522; however, it should be understood that the operating environment can be configured in any manner.

[0059] Therefore, one or more examples of this disclosure provide a means for providing a parking system to optimize the parking process of one or more vehicles by grouping one or more vehicles in a specific location and in a specific orientation based on one or more considerations as described herein.

[0060] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, percentage of composition, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics should be understood as being modified by the words “about” or “approximately” when describing the scope of this disclosure. Such modification is desired for various reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0061] As used herein, the phrases A, B, and C at least one should be interpreted as representing logic (A or B or C) using the non-exclusive logic "or", and should not be interpreted as representing "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C".

[0062] In this application, the terms “controller” and / or “module” may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; composable logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or combinations of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0063] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not cover transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium can be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-limiting examples of non-transient tangible computer-readable media include 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 magnetic tape or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0064] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a dedicated computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. Function blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications that can be translated into computer programs through the routine work of a technician or programmer.

[0065] The description in this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to be made within its scope. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0066] According to the present invention, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media are provided, the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing processor-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: assign one or more vehicles to an area within the one or more geofenced locations based on a first set of inputs and a map of an area including one or more geofenced locations; assign a target orientation within the area to each of the one or more vehicles based on a second set of inputs; and cause each of the one or more vehicles to move to a first target location within the area and be positioned at the first target location with the target orientation.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to: identify the one or more geofence locations based on one or more locations of interest that are close to the one or more geofence locations, wherein the one or more locations of interest include maintenance areas, transportation areas, inspection areas, assembly areas, short-term parking areas, long-term parking areas, purchasing areas, calibration areas, testing areas, or combinations thereof.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the second set of inputs includes at least one of the following: the intended interaction with each of the one or more vehicles, one or more repairable parts of each of the one or more vehicles, the wheelbase of each of the one or more vehicles, the turning radius of each of the one or more vehicles, the steering capability of each of the one or more vehicles, the target orientation, or a combination thereof.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first set of inputs includes at least one of the following: vehicle status, second target location, one or more vehicle characteristics, the probability that the one or more vehicles are damaged, the probability that the one or more vehicles are stolen, logistics and delivery information of each of the one or more vehicles, or a combination thereof.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the vehicle status indicator relates to one or more tasks associated with the assembly of the vehicle, wherein the one or more tasks include vehicle maintenance, vehicle inspection, feature calibration, sensor calibration, installation of additional components, or a combination thereof.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor further causes one or more vehicles to move to the second target location, wherein the second target location is determined based on a dynamic sequence associated with when the one or more tasks are performed on each of the one or more vehicles.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Based on the first set of inputs and a map of the area including one or more geofence locations, assign one or more vehicles to the area within the one or more geofence locations; Based on the second set of inputs, the target orientation within the area is assigned to each of the one or more vehicles. as well as Each of the one or more vehicles is moved to a first target location within the area and positioned within the first target location with the target orientation.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The one or more geofence locations are identified based on one or more locations of interest that are close to the one or more geofence locations, wherein the one or more locations of interest include maintenance areas, transportation areas, inspection areas, assembly areas, short-term parking areas, long-term parking areas, purchase areas, calibration areas, testing areas, or combinations thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second set of inputs includes at least one of the following: intended interaction with each of the one or more vehicles, one or more serviceable parts of each of the one or more vehicles, wheelbase of each of the one or more vehicles, turning radius of each of the one or more vehicles, steering capability of each of the one or more vehicles, target orientation, or a combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of inputs includes at least one of the following: vehicle status, second target location, one or more vehicle characteristics, probability that the one or more vehicles are damaged, probability that the one or more vehicles are stolen, logistics and delivery information of each of the one or more vehicles, or a combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the vehicle status indication relates to one or more tasks associated with the assembly of the vehicle, wherein the one or more tasks include vehicle maintenance, vehicle inspection, feature calibration, sensor calibration, installation of additional components, or a combination thereof.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: The vehicle of one or more vehicles is moved to the second target location, wherein the second target location is determined based on a dynamic sequence associated with when the one or more tasks are performed on each of the one or more vehicles.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the allocation of one or more vehicles to the area is further based on: Determine a priority list of vehicle repairs associated with each of the one or more vehicles.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the allocation of one or more vehicles to the area is further based on: Determine the priority list of the logistics and delivery information.

9. A system comprising: The vehicle system is configured to: Based on the first set of inputs and a map of areas including one or more geofence locations, one or more vehicles are assigned to areas within said one or more geofence locations. Based on the second set of inputs, the target orientation within the area is assigned to each of the one or more vehicles. Move each of the one or more vehicles to a first target location within the area, and position it within the first target location with the target orientation; and The one or more vehicles are configured as follows: Receive a first set of instructions from the vehicle system, wherein the first set of instructions causes each of the one or more vehicles to move to the first target location, and The system receives a second set of instructions, wherein the second set of instructions causes each of the one or more vehicles to be positioned within the first target location with the target orientation.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the vehicle system is further configured to: The one or more geofence locations are identified based on one or more locations of interest that are close to the one or more geofence locations, wherein the one or more locations of interest include maintenance areas, transportation areas, inspection areas, assembly areas, short-term parking areas, long-term parking areas, purchase areas, calibration areas, testing areas, or combinations thereof.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the second set of inputs includes at least one of the following: intended interaction with each of the one or more vehicles, one or more serviceable parts of each of the one or more vehicles, wheelbase of each of the one or more vehicles, turning radius of each of the one or more vehicles, steering capability of each of the one or more vehicles, target orientation, or a combination thereof.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the first set of inputs includes at least one of the following: vehicle status, second target location, one or more vehicle characteristics, probability that the one or more vehicles are damaged, probability that the one or more vehicles are stolen, logistics and delivery information of each of the one or more vehicles, or a combination thereof.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the vehicle status indication is associated with one or more tasks related to the assembly of the vehicle, wherein the one or more tasks include vehicle maintenance, vehicle inspection, feature calibration, sensor calibration, installation of additional components, or a combination thereof.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the vehicle system is further configured to: The vehicle of one or more vehicles is moved to the second target location, wherein the second target location is determined based on a dynamic sequence associated with when the one or more tasks are performed on each of the one or more vehicles.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the vehicle system configured to allocate the one or more vehicles to the area is further configured to: Determine a priority list for the maintenance of each of the one or more vehicles; or Determine the priority list of the logistics and delivery information.

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