System and method for inspection and repair of automated vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for inspecting and servicing an automated vehicle. A method includes generating a service-based list associated with a vehicle; determining one or more service-based operations; transmitting the service request to a management system; receiving one or more instructions indicating a location of the parking area based on a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; and moving the vehicle to the parking area in response to receiving the one or more instructions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the inspection of a vehicle and the performance of one or more repairs on the vehicle based on the inspection. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the automation of the inspection and the performance of one or more repairs. 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] During the vehicle manufacturing process, vehicle inspection and associated repairs can be time-consuming. Inefficiency in performing inspections and associated repairs can stem from the inability to determine or track the availability of repair shops or what types of repairs a shop might be equipped to undertake based on available tools and / or resources. The inability to prioritize repairs and / or inspections can also lead to inefficiency, as repairs and / or inspections cannot be completed in a timely manner. This disclosure addresses these and other problems related to the inspection and repair of one or more vehicles as part of an automated inspection and repair 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: generating a service-based list associated with a vehicle; determining one or more service-based operations based on the service-based list; transmitting a service request to a management system, the service request including information associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; receiving one or more instructions from the management system indicating the location of a parking area based on a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; and moving a vehicle to the parking area in response to receiving the one or more instructions; wherein the generation of the service-based list is based on operator observations, vehicle inspections by an infrastructure system, self-identification of one or more issues associated with the vehicle, or a combination thereof; the method further comprising: based on one or more service-based operations included as part of the service-based list... The service prioritizes the one or more service-based tasks by associating each task with the functionality of one or more components of the vehicle; wherein the information associated with each operation in the one or more service-based operations relates to one or more tools, one or more resources, or a combination thereof; wherein the one or more tools and one or more resources include vehicle lifts, fluid removal systems, filling systems, diagnostic equipment, component-specific lifts, sensor calibration equipment, or a combination thereof; wherein one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a short-term storage location in the parking area based on a low complexity rating associated with the service request; and wherein one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a location in the parking area near a workstation equipped to perform the service based on a high complexity rating associated with the service request and one or more service-based operations.

[0006] This disclosure provides another method comprising: receiving a service request from a vehicle, the service request including information associated with each of one or more service-based operations, said information relating to one or more tools, one or more resources, or a combination thereof; determining a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; sending one or more instructions to the vehicle indicating the location of a parking area based on the determination of the complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; and causing the vehicle to move to the parking area; wherein the one or more service-based tasks are configured based on the association between each of the one or more service-based tasks included as part of a list of service-based tasks and the functionality of one or more components of the vehicle. The method further includes prioritizing rows, and one or more service-based operations are based on a service-based list; one or more instructions guide vehicles to short-term storage locations in a parking area based on a low complexity rating associated with a service request; one or more instructions guide vehicles to locations in the parking area near workstations, which are configured to perform services based on a high complexity rating associated with the service request and one or more service-based operations; the method also includes determining whether a workstation is configured to perform services based on workstation availability and whether one or more tools and one or more resources match one or more tools and one or more resources of the workstation; and the method also includes assigning vehicles to locations in a service-based queue based on complexity ratings.

[0007] This disclosure provides a system comprising: a management system configured to: receive a service request from a vehicle, the service request including information associated with each of one or more service-based operations, wherein the information relates to one or more tools, one or more resources, or a combination thereof; determine a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; transmit one or more instructions to the vehicle indicating the location of a parking area based on the determination of the complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; and a vehicle configured to: generate a list of services associated with the vehicle; determine one or more service-based operations based on the list of services; transmit the service request to the management system; and receive one or more instructions, wherein in response to receiving one or more instructions, the vehicle is configured to move to a parking area; wherein the generation of the service-based list is based on operator observations, vehicle checks by infrastructure systems, and [other factors related to vehicle-to-vehicle interactions]. The system includes a self-identification of one or more issues associated with a vehicle, or a combination thereof; wherein the vehicle is further configured to: prioritize one or more service-based tasks based on the association of each task in one or more service-based tasks included as part of a service-based list with the functionality of one or more components of the vehicle; wherein one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a short-term storage location in a parking area based on a low complexity rating associated with a service request; wherein one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a location in the parking area near a workstation equipped to perform a service based on a high complexity rating associated with the service request and one or more service-based operations; wherein the management system is further configured to: determine whether a workstation is equipped to perform a service based on the availability of the workstation and whether one or more tools and one or more resources match the one or more tools and one or more resources of the workstation; and wherein the management system is further configured to: assign a location in a service-based queue to the vehicle based on a complexity rating.

[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: Figure 1 A system for automated vehicle grouping according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1 The system shown is used to group example vehicles; Figure 3 An example marshalling environment according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for inspecting and repairing a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another example method for inspecting and repairing a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] 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

[0011] 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.

[0012] One or more examples provide a means for performing vehicle-based inspections and / or repairs during the manufacturing process, as well as managing the completion of subsequent inspections and / or repairs. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle inspections and associated repairs are fully automated and initiated by the vehicle itself, providing advantages over manufacturing processes that require initial inspections by human operators rather than the vehicle. This is particularly advantageous when manufacturing large numbers of vehicles and provides a time-saving solution for inspections that would otherwise be performed by human operators.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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, causing one or more vehicles to travel through (e.g., traverse) a grouping environment (e.g., such as...). Figure 3The grouping environment 300 shown. In one or more examples, the grouping environment 300 may be, but is not limited to, a factory floor or a parking lot.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 processes state information associated with at least one or more vehicles 102. It should be understood that the infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 also 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 of vehicles 102 and / or vision-based communication with vehicles 102.

[0017] Specifically, based on direct communication with one or more vehicles, the central server 104 is also configured to cause one or more vehicles to start, stop (e.g., at a specific parking location), or pause their progress through the grouping environment 300. The central server 104 is also configured to control the grouping speed of one or more vehicles as they travel through the grouping environment 300.

[0018] 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 disposed internally and / or externally in relation to 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 map system, and / or a controller area network (CAN) vehicle bus. It should be understood that the grouping of vehicle 102 within AVM system 100 can be supported by utilizing any of one or more components associated with the configuration of vehicle 102.

[0019] More specifically, and refer to Figure 2 Vehicle 102 can be powered in various forms and in various ways, such as by using an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine. It should be understood that vehicle 102 can be any type of vehicle powered by an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine, such as a car, truck, robot, aircraft, and / or boat. 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 parking vehicle 102).

[0020] In some examples, vehicle controller 200 is configured or programmed to control the operation of 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 devices, a vehicle communication network is used for communication between the devices represented herein as vehicle controller 200. Furthermore, as discussed below, various other controllers and / or sensors provide data to vehicle controller 200 via the vehicle communication network.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 one or more embodiments, vehicle 102 utilizes vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 to process information obtained from any component associated with the construction of vehicle 102 and transmit 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 component 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 also configured to process information received from any component of AVM system 100 and transmit it to any component associated with the construction of vehicle 102.

[0030] Central server 104 is configured to cause infrastructure system 110 to monitor the progress of one or more vehicles as they move through grouping environment 300. 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 localization 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.

[0031] Wireless communication component 118 communicates with sensor component 116, which is configured to manage one or more of, for example, cameras, lidar, radar, and / or ultrasonic devices. When one or more vehicles are grouped through grouping environment 300, sensor component 116 monitors the movement of one or more vehicles.

[0032] System operator 106 may be a human operator responsible for monitoring one or more marshalled vehicles by communicating with cloud system 108. It should be understood that cloud system 108 is a backend system that may represent an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cloud system responsible for the remote engagement and / or disengagement of AVM applications (including the registration and / or deregistration of vehicle 102 from 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. 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 marshalling, boarding 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.

[0033] 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 inspections and / or any recommended maintenance associated with vehicle 102 within marshalling environment 300. 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 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. It should also be understood that logistics management system 120 is also configured to communicate directly with vehicle 102.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, and further considering the depiction of the grouping environment 300 Figure 3 The illustrations provided show that the logistics management system 120 is configured to facilitate the inspection of one or more vehicles and then, based on any recommended repairs associated with vehicle 102, group one or more vehicles into a specific repair shop 304a among one or more repair shops 304a to 304c. It should be understood that, although... Figure 3 A certain number of parking spaces and / or maintenance workshops are described, but the grouping environment 300 can include any number of parking spaces and / or maintenance workshops.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, vehicle 102 is configured to receive one or more inputs from system operator 106 that may initiate an inspection of vehicle 102. However, it should be understood that an inspection of vehicle 102 may be initiated without receiving one or more inputs. For example, an inspection of vehicle 102 may be initiated automatically based on an indication that vehicle 102 is in a specific location within the marshalling environment 300 or for any other reason.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, inspection of vehicle 102 may be performed by infrastructure system 110, system operator 106, and / or vehicle 102 itself. For example, in cases where vehicle 102 is assigned to be responsible for inspecting itself (e.g., vehicle 102), vehicle 102 may pair the implementation of one or more diagnostic checks with the utilization of multiple on-board sensors 204 to perform a self-test. In one or more examples, inspection of vehicle 102 may include an inspection of the performance of one or more functions associated with the interior of vehicle 102, the exterior of vehicle 102, or a combination thereof. In one or more examples, inspection of vehicle 102 may result in vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114, infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112, and / or system operator 106 identifying one or more repairs required for vehicle 102. In one or more examples, vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114, infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112, and / or system operator 106 may recommend (e.g., to vehicle 102) that one or more of the identified repairs should be addressed (e.g., repaired). In one or more examples, vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114, infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112, and / or system operator 106 may recommend one or more follow-up inspections of vehicle 102 based on one or more identified maintenance.

[0037] In one or more examples, infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112 and / or vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 can track components and / or systems associated with recommended maintenance. As another example, components and / or systems associated with recommended maintenance can be tracked based on one or more inputs related to an inspection of vehicle 102, said one or more inputs may be received by any of vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114, infrastructure-side AVM algorithm 112, and / or system operator 106.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 is configured to receive recommendations for each of one or more identified maintenance and / or follow-up inspections, and to aggregate the one or more identified maintenance and / or follow-up inspections by generating (e.g., creating) a service-based list. For example, the service-based list is generated based on recommendations that should address one or more identified maintenance and / or follow-up inspections. As another example, the service-based list is also generated based on observations / inspections performed by operator 106, inspections of vehicle 102 by infrastructure system 110, self-identification of one or more problems associated with vehicle 102, or a combination thereof. In one or more examples, the vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 is also configured to determine an importance value for each of the one or more recommended maintenance and / or follow-up inspections. As another example, the vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 is also configured to assign a priority to each of the one or more recommended maintenance and / or follow-up inspections based on the importance value of each of the one or more recommended maintenance and / or follow-up inspections. For example, a high importance value may correspond to a recommended maintenance and / or follow-up inspection related to the propulsion characteristics of vehicle 102. As another example, a low importance value could correspond to a recommended repair and / or follow-up inspection related to the aesthetic features of vehicle 102. However, it should be understood that the vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 can assign an importance value to either of the recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections based on any considerations related to the functionality of vehicle 102.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, a vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 determines one or more service-based operations related to one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections. In one or more examples, one or more service-based operations are determined based on a list of services. In another example, one or more service-based operations are determined based on recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 is configured to determine any relevant tools and / or resources that may be necessary to resolve each of one or more identified repairs and / or follow-up inspections. In one or more examples, tools and / or resources may include vehicle lifts, fluid removal systems, filling systems, diagnostic equipment, component-specific lifts, sensor calibration equipment, or combinations thereof. However, it should be understood that tools and / or resources may include any other repair-related tools / resources or any other inspection-related tools / resources. The vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 is also configured to request one or more professionals (e.g., technicians or system operators 106) to resolve or participate in one or more identified repairs and / or perform follow-up inspections.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, vehicle 102 is configured to transmit service requests to logistics management system 120. In one or more examples, the service request may include information associated with each operation necessary to resolve one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections. In one or more examples, logistics management system 120 may be configured as a central server to manage one or more repair shops 304a to 304c. However, it should be understood that each of the repair shops 304a to 304c may have a separate logistics management system configured therein.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the logistics management system 120 is configured to determine the complexity associated with each operation necessary to resolve one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections. In one or more additional embodiments, the logistics management system 120 is also configured to assign a complexity rating to each operation based on the determined complexity associated with each operation necessary to resolve one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections. In one or more examples, a low complexity rating may correspond to repairs and / or follow-up inspections that are considered minimally invasive and can be performed in other short-term storage locations within the parking lot or marshalling environment 300. In one or more examples, a high complexity rating may correspond to repairs and / or follow-up inspections that are considered more invasive than those corresponding to low complexity ratings and may require vehicle 102 to be marshalled into one or more repair shops 304a to 304c.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, and where one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up checks correspond to a low complexity rating, the logistics management system 120 is configured to assign vehicle 102 to a specific parking location 306 (e.g., a parking space or target location) adjacent to repair shop 304a. However, it should be understood that vehicle 102 may be assigned to any parking location within any proximity to any of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c. As an example, the logistics management system 120 is also configured to transmit one or more instructions to a technician, said instructions including information associated with one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up checks requiring performance on vehicle 102. It should be understood that the technician may be, but is not limited to, human technicians or robotic technicians.

[0044] When vehicle 102 is equipped with automated driving capabilities, infrastructure system 110 will group vehicle 102 to parking position 306 via automated driving. However, if vehicle 102 is not equipped with automated driving capabilities, or if one or more recommended maintenance services affect vehicle 102's autonomous driving ability and prevent vehicle 102 from being grouped to parking position 306 via automated driving, a technician can operate vehicle 102 and manually drive it to parking position 306. In one or more examples, a technician can operate vehicle 102 based on one or more directional commands displayed on a display screen (not shown) on vehicle 102. As another example, one or more directional commands can be received from infrastructure system 110 and / or logistics management system 120, which can cause vehicle 102 to display one or more directional commands.

[0045] In one or more examples, once vehicle 102 is located in parking location 306, the logistics management system 120 is configured to assign vehicle 102 to a location in a service-based queue. In other words, vehicle 102 is placed in a queue of other vehicles awaiting maintenance and / or inspection. However, the logistics management system 120 is also configured to determine the priority for resolving maintenance and / or inspection associated with vehicle 102, and may assign vehicle 102 to a location in the service-based queue based on the determination of priority. For example, the priority could be the type of maintenance performed on vehicle 102 or the expected delivery date (e.g., delivery date). However, it should be understood that the priority can be any consideration associated with the delivery, maintenance, and / or inspection of vehicle 102.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, and where one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections correspond to a high complexity rating, the logistics management system 120 is configured to determine which of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c is equipped to perform one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections on vehicle 102. For example, the logistics management system 120 is configured to make the determination associated with which repair shop is equipped to perform one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections based on a comparison of whether the tools and / or resources necessary for resolving one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections determined by the vehicle-side AVM algorithm 114 match the tools and / or resources at each of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, each segment of each of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c can be organized such that the logistics management system 120 knows the location of each of the tools and / or resources equipped in each of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c. As an example, each segment of each of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c can be organized based on efficiency-related determinations made by the logistics management system 120, such that tools and / or resources are provided efficiently, resulting in minimizing the time spent by vehicle 102 moving around any of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c. As another example, efficiency-related determinations can be made based on historical data related to the time spent by vehicle 102 moving around the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the logistics management system 120 is also configured to determine the availability of each section of each of one or more repair shops 304a to 304c that have been determined to be equipped with the necessary tools and / or resources to address one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections associated with vehicle 102. In one or more examples, availability may be determined based on whether the section is being used when the logistics management system 120 makes its determination regarding the availability of each section of each of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c. For example, the determination of the availability of each section of each of the one or more repair shops 304a to 304c may be made dynamically (e.g., in real time) based on technicians tracking the progress of the execution of one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections of vehicle 102 and / or one or more outputs received from sensor components 116 of infrastructure system 110. As another example, one or more outputs from sensor components 116 of infrastructure system 110 may be received by logistics management system 120 and may be one or more captured images based on progress associated with the execution of one or more recommended maintenance and / or follow-up inspections of vehicle 102.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the logistics management system 120 may determine that different equipment is needed to address one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections associated with vehicle 102. In one or more examples, and where the logistics management system 120 determines that different equipment is needed to address one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections associated with vehicle 102 and vehicle 102 is equipped with automated driving capabilities, the infrastructure system 110 will group vehicle 102 to parking position 306 via automated driving. However, and where vehicle 102 is not equipped with automated driving capabilities, or if repairs affect the autonomous driving capability of vehicle 102, preventing vehicle 102 from being grouped to parking position 306 via automated driving, a technician may operate vehicle 102 and manually drive vehicle 102 to parking position 306.

[0050] In this scenario, for example, parking location 306 is equipped with additional resources necessary to perform one or more recommended maintenance and / or follow-up inspections of vehicle 102. However, if parking location 306 is not equipped with additional resources, these resources may be brought to parking location 306 by technicians and / or (e.g., by infrastructure system 110) automated robots grouped to parking location 306. As an example, additional resources may arrive at parking location 306 before vehicle 102 arrives at parking location 306. As another example, additional resources may also arrive at parking location 306 upon request from vehicle 102, infrastructure system 110, logistics management system 120, or a combination thereof. In one or more examples, logistics management system 120 is configured to determine one or more parking locations with sufficient space to accommodate instances in which additional resources are brought to parking location 306.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the logistics management system 120 may determine that a technician with a specific skill set is required to perform one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections associated with vehicle 102. In one or more examples, and where the logistics management system 120 determines that a technician with a specific skill set is required to perform one or more recommended repairs and / or follow-up inspections associated with vehicle 102 and vehicle 102 is equipped with automated driving capabilities, the infrastructure system 110 will group vehicle 102 to parking position 306 via automated driving. However, and where vehicle 102 is not equipped with automated driving capabilities, or if the repair affects the autonomous driving capability of vehicle 102 and prevents vehicle 102 from being grouped to parking position 306 via automated driving, a technician may operate vehicle 102 and manually drive vehicle 102 to parking position 306. In this case, for example, vehicle 102 may remain parked at parking position 306 until a technician with a specific skill set arrives at repair shop 304a, at which point vehicle 102 is grouped back to repair shop 304a or driven back to repair shop 304a by the technician.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, and where the logistics management system 120 determines that the repair shop 304a is unavailable (e.g.), the logistics management system 120 assigns vehicle 102 to a queue. In one or more examples, and where the logistics management system 120 determines that the repair shop 304a is unavailable, the infrastructure system 110 groups vehicle 102 to parking position 306 via automated driving. However, and where vehicle 102 is not equipped with automated driving capabilities, or if repairs affect the autonomous driving capability of vehicle 102, preventing vehicle 102 from being grouped to parking position 306 via automated driving, a technician can operate vehicle 102 and manually drive vehicle 102 to parking position 306. In this case, for example, vehicle 102 will remain in the queue until the repair shop 304a becomes available, at which point vehicle 102 will be grouped back to the repair shop 304a by the technician or driven back to the repair shop 304a.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the logistics management system 120 is configured to communicate with one or more repair shops 304a to 304c, such that, for example, one or more repair shop elevators can be monitored. In this example, monitoring of the one or more repair shop elevators can ensure the correct positioning of the lifting arm associated with each of the one or more repair shop elevators. In one or more embodiments, the sensor component 116 of the infrastructure system 110 can sense the entry of a vehicle 102 within a threshold distance from the lifting arm associated with each of the one or more repair shop elevators. At this point, the logistics management system 120 can cause the lifting arm associated with each of the one or more repair shop elevators to adjust to a position accommodating the vehicle 102, ensuring that the vehicle 102 is centered on the repair shop elevator before it can function. For example, the logistics management system 120 can cause the lifting arm associated with each of the one or more repair shop elevators to adjust to a position accommodating the vehicle 102 by transmitting one or more captured images from the sensor component 116 to the logistics management system 110.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for performing one or more inspections and / or repairs on a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102). At operation 402, a service-based list associated with the vehicle is generated. As an example, the service-based list is generated based on observations made by an operator (e.g., system operator 106), inspections of the vehicle by an infrastructure system (e.g., infrastructure system 110), self-identification of one or more problems associated with the vehicle, or a combination thereof. As another example, the service-based list is generated by the vehicle itself.

[0055] At operation 404, one or more service-based operations are identified. For example, one or more service-based operations are identified based on a list of services. At operation 406, a service request is transmitted to a management system (e.g., a logistics management system 120). As an example, the service request includes information associated with each of the one or more service-based operations. As another example, the information associated with each of the one or more service-based operations relates to one or more tools, one or more resources, or a combination thereof. As yet another example, the one or more tools and one or more resources include vehicle lifts, fluid removal systems, filling systems, diagnostic equipment, component-specific lifts, sensor calibration equipment, or a combination thereof.

[0056] At operation 408, one or more instructions indicating the location of a parking area are received from the management system. As an example, receiving one or more instructions indicating the location of a parking area is based on a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations. As another example, one or more instructions guide a vehicle to a short-term storage location within the parking area (e.g., parking location 306) based on a low complexity rating associated with a service request. As yet another example, one or more instructions guide a vehicle to a location within the parking area near a workstation (e.g., repair shop 304a), the workstation being configured to perform services based on a high complexity rating associated with the service request and one or more service-based operations.

[0057] At operation 410, the vehicle moves to the parking area. As an example, the vehicle moves to the parking area in response to receiving one or more instructions. In one or more embodiments, the service-based list includes one or more service-based tasks. As an example, the one or more service-based tasks are prioritized based on the association between each task and the functionality of one or more components of the vehicle.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another example method 500 for performing one or more inspections and / or repairs on a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102). At operation 502, a service request is received from the vehicle. For example, the service request includes information associated with each of one or more service-based operations. As another example, the information relates to one or more tools, one or more resources, or a combination thereof. As yet another example, the list of services is received at an infrastructure system (e.g., infrastructure system 110).

[0059] At operation 504, a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations is determined. At operation 506, one or more instructions instructing the location of the parking area are transmitted to the vehicle. For example, the transmission of one or more instructions is based on the determination of a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations. As an example, one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a short-term storage location in the parking area (e.g., parking location 306) based on a low complexity rating associated with a service request. As yet another example, one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a location in the parking area near a workstation (e.g., repair shop 304a), the workstation being configured to perform a service based on a high complexity rating associated with the service request and one or more service-based operations.

[0060] At operation 508, the infrastructure system causes the vehicle to move to the parking area. In one or more embodiments, the service-based list includes one or more service-based tasks. As an example, the one or more service-based tasks are prioritized based on the association of each task in the one or more service-based tasks with the functionality of one or more components of the vehicle. As another example, one or more service-based operations are based on the service-based list. In one or more embodiments, a determination is made regarding whether a workstation is configured to perform a service based on the availability of the workstation and / or whether one or more tools and one or more resources match the one or more tools and one or more resources of the workstation. In one or more embodiments, a position in the service-based queue is assigned to the vehicle based on a complexity rating.

[0061] Figure 6 An operating environment, such as a computer system, is shown that facilitates the execution of one or more systems and methods described herein. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein can be implemented using computing device 602. For example, computing device 602 can 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 602 are not exhaustive, and computing device 602 can be any type of processing or computing device. Computing device 602 typically includes a processor 604, a display adapter 606, one or more input / output ports 608, one or more input / output components 610, a network adapter 612, a power supply 614, and memory 616. However, it should be understood that computing device 602 may include any additional components and does not need to include the listed components (e.g., processor 604, display adapter 606, one or more input / output ports 608, one or more input / output components 610, network adapter 612, power supply 614, and memory 616).

[0062] Processor 604 is configured to provide instructions to computing device 602, enabling computing device 602 to process 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 602 may include any number of processors 604. Display adapter 606 may be a graphics card or video board that provides computing device 602 with the ability to display content on display device 618. For example, display device 618 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, host computer, wearable computer, supercomputer, or a combination thereof. However, it should be understood that the foregoing examples of display device 618 are not exhaustive, and display device 618 may be any type of device capable of providing visual display.

[0063] Input / output port 608 provides multiple interfaces (e.g., jacks) for one or more cables to connect to computing device 602. It should be understood that any number of input / output ports 608 may be present on computing device 602. For example, input / output port 608 provides computing device 602 with a means to receive signals and / or data from external devices connected to computing device 602 via one or more cables. As another example, input / output port 608 provides computing device 602 with a means to transmit signals and / or data to external devices connected to computing device 602 via one or more cables. Input / output component 610 may include one or more components supporting input / output port 608, such as, but not limited to, switches, buttons, pressure pads, float switches, keypads, radio receivers, or combinations thereof.

[0064] Network adapter 612 can be any type of network interface controller configured to provide means for communicating with another computing device (such as remote computing device 622) via network 620. For example, remote computing device 622 can be a user device such as a cellular phone, smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or a combination thereof. Power supply 614 is configured to convert high-voltage alternating current (e.g., AC) into direct current (e.g., DC) to provide power to other components of computing device 602 (e.g., processor 604, display adapter 606, one or more input / output ports 608, one or more input / output components 610, network adapter 612, and memory 616).

[0065] Additionally, memory 616 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 616 is configured to provide storage for instructions and data associated with the operation of computing device 602. Memory 616 may typically include operating system 624, inspection software 626, and inspection data 628. For example, operating system 624 is configured to manage and / or process any data and / or instructions associated with inspection software 626 and / or inspection data 628, as described in more detail herein.

[0066] Furthermore, system bus 630 is also included within computing device 602, configured to couple each of the various components of computing device 602 (e.g., processor 604, display adapter 606, one or more input / output ports 608, one or more input / output components 610, network adapter 612, power supply 614, and memory 616). It should also be understood that the functions associated with each component of computing device 602 and with each component of computing device 602 can be implemented within remote computing device 622. Although Figure 6 The operating environment shown herein depicts a specific configuration associated with at least computing device 602, network 620, and remote computing device 622; however, it should be understood that the operating environment can be configured in any manner.

[0067] Therefore, one or more examples of this disclosure provide a means for providing an automated method for inspecting and repairing a vehicle, at least based on initiation of a self-check performed by the vehicle. This disclosure also provides a complexity rating of necessary repairs indicated by the vehicle (e.g., from a management system) and the convenience of vehicle-related repairs and / or subsequent inspections.

[0068] 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 a variety of reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0069] 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".

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] According to the present invention, a method includes: receiving a service request from a vehicle, the service request including information associated with each of one or more service-based operations, said information relating to one or more tools, one or more resources, or a combination thereof; determining a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; transmitting one or more instructions to the vehicle indicating the location of a parking area based on the determination of the complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; and causing the vehicle to move to the parking area.

[0075] In one aspect of the invention, the one or more service-based tasks are prioritized based on the association of each of the one or more service-based tasks included as part of a service-based list with the function of one or more components of the vehicle, and wherein the one or more service-based operations are based on the service-based list.

[0076] In one aspect of the invention, one or more instructions guide a vehicle to a short-term storage location in a parking area based on a low-complexity rating associated with a service request.

[0077] In one aspect of the invention, one or more instructions guide a vehicle to a location near a workstation in a parking area, the workstation being configured to perform a service based on a high complexity rating associated with a service request and one or more service-based operations.

[0078] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes determining that a workstation is configured to perform services based on the availability of the workstation and whether one or more tools and one or more resources match one or more tools and one or more resources of the workstation.

[0079] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: assigning a vehicle a position in a service-based queue based on a complexity rating.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Generate a service-based list associated with each vehicle; One or more service-based operations are determined based on the service-based list; Transmit a service request to the management system, the service request including information associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; Receive one or more instructions from the management system indicating the location of the parking area based on a complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations; as well as In response to receiving one or more of the instructions, the vehicle is moved to the parking area.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the generation of the service-based list is based on observations performed by an operator, inspections of the vehicle by the infrastructure system, self-identification of one or more issues associated with the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The one or more service-based tasks are prioritized based on the association between each task in the one or more service-based tasks included as part of the service-based list and the functionality of one or more components of the vehicle.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the information associated with each of the one or more service-based operations relates to one or more tools, one or more resources, or a combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the one or more tools and the one or more resources include vehicle lifts, fluid removal systems, filling systems, diagnostic equipment, component-specific lifts, sensor calibration equipment, or combinations thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a short-term storage location in the parking area based on a low complexity rating associated with the service request.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more instructions direct the vehicle to a location near a workstation in the parking area, the workstation being configured to perform a service based on a high complexity rating associated with the service request and the one or more service-based operations.

8. A system comprising: The management system is configured as follows: The vehicle receives a service request that includes information associated with each of one or more service-based operations, wherein the information relates to one or more tools, one or more resources, or a combination thereof. Determine the complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations, and Based on the determination of the complexity rating associated with each of the one or more service-based operations, one or more instructions indicating the location of the parking area are transmitted to the vehicle; and The vehicle is configured to: Generate a service-based list associated with the vehicle. One or more service-based operations are determined based on the list of services. The service request is transmitted to the management system, and Receive one or more instructions, wherein in response to receiving one or more instructions, the vehicle is configured to move to the parking area.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the generation of the service-based list is based on observations performed by an operator, inspections of the vehicle by the infrastructure system, self-identification of one or more issues associated with the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the vehicle is further configured to: The one or more service-based tasks are prioritized based on the association between each task in the one or more service-based tasks included as part of the service-based list and the functionality of one or more components of the vehicle.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a short-term storage location in the parking area based on a low-complexity rating associated with the service request.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more instructions guide the vehicle to a location near a workstation in the parking area, the workstation being configured to perform a service based on a high complexity rating associated with the service request and the one or more service-based operations.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the management system is further configured to: The workstation is determined to be configured to perform the service based on the availability of the workstation and whether the one or more tools and resources match the one or more tools and resources of the workstation.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the management system is further configured to: The vehicle is assigned a position in a service-based queue based on the complexity rating.

15. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more tools and the one or more resources include a vehicle lift, a fluid removal system, a filling system, a diagnostic device, a component-specific lift, a sensor calibration device, or a combination thereof.

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