Method for providing services by a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a method and a vehicle for providing services. The method includes: receiving a service instruction including a target address; receiving a digital key token generated based on the service instruction and used to access the vehicle; controlling the vehicle to drive towards the target address in response to the service instruction; detecting information from a user regarding the digital key token upon determining that the vehicle has arrived at the target address; and allowing the user access to the vehicle upon verification that the information corresponds to the digital key token. Furthermore, this invention also provides a method and a server for execution by a server providing services to a vehicle, and a system including the vehicle and the server. Through this invention, a digital key token can be used to locate and access a vehicle providing services without further user intervention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicles, and more particularly, to methods for providing services by vehicles and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, some internet companies in China have begun to pilot automated delivery vehicles in certain cities. These vehicles utilize autonomous driving technology to automate the transportation and delivery of goods, aiming to improve delivery efficiency, reduce costs, and decrease reliance on human labor. As an emerging logistics and delivery solution, it is gradually changing traditional delivery models and is expected to become an important component of smart cities and smart logistics in the future.

[0003] However, in practical applications, delivery personnel remain indispensable, especially in the crucial last 100 meters of delivery. Complex environments, such as those within residential areas or industrial parks, may prevent automated delivery vehicles from reaching customers, or customers may not be able to accurately locate the delivery vehicle. Therefore, delivery personnel still complete the final relay. Delivery personnel need to retrieve food or goods from the automated delivery vehicle and then hand them over to the end customer, causing some inconvenience. Correspondingly, if technology could help automated delivery vehicles and end customers better pinpoint their locations, customers could directly find the automated delivery vehicle to collect their food or goods.

[0004] In addition, for service vehicles such as autonomous delivery vehicles, it is necessary to verify who is the customer picking up food or goods, or who is the user who can access the service vehicle. Currently, there is no technical solution for unlocking in a secure passive entry manner. Therefore, when users want to access or unlock autonomous service vehicles, they generally need to use the network to unlock them and perform multi-user authentication operations using smartphones, etc. This process is relatively cumbersome and may also pose certain security risks.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the field for technologies that provide improved location and access services for vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology for locating and accessing a vehicle that provides services using a digital key, enabling the user to accurately locate the vehicle providing services and passively obtain authorization for the vehicle, thereby conveniently unlocking and accessing the vehicle without taking any further action on the user's smart terminal.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for providing services by a vehicle is provided, comprising: receiving a service instruction including a target address; receiving a digital key token generated based on the service instruction and used for accessing the vehicle; controlling the vehicle to drive toward the target address in response to the service instruction; detecting information from a user regarding the digital key token upon determining that the vehicle has arrived at the target address; and allowing the user access to the vehicle if the information is verified to correspond to the digital key token.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the method further includes: in response to a service instruction, controlling the vehicle to perform a service associated with the service instruction before driving to a target address.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the method further includes: sending the vehicle's location information while controlling the vehicle to drive toward the target address.

[0011] According to one embodiment, detecting information about the digital key token when determining that the vehicle has arrived at the target address further includes: detecting information about the digital key token using Bluetooth Low Energy technology and Ultra Wideband technology when determining that the distance between the vehicle and the user is less than or equal to a first threshold distance.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the method further includes: measuring the distance between the vehicle and the user using Bluetooth Low Energy technology and ultra-wideband technology, and controlling the vehicle to stop driving when it is determined that the distance between the vehicle and the user is equal to a parking threshold distance.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a delivery vehicle, and access to the vehicle further includes opening the door corresponding to the service instruction.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a taxi, and access to the vehicle further includes opening the taxi door and starting the taxi.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for execution by a server serving a vehicle, comprising: receiving a service order from a user, generating a service instruction in response to the received service order, and sending the service instruction to a vehicle associated with the service instruction; generating a digital key token for the vehicle based on the service instruction; and sending the digital key token to the user and the vehicle respectively.

[0016] According to one embodiment, generating a vehicle digital key token based on a service instruction further includes: generating the vehicle digital key token in response to receiving feedback information from the vehicle regarding the service instruction.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the method further includes: receiving the location information of the vehicle; and signaling the user when it is detected that the distance between the vehicle and the user is equal to a second threshold distance.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided having a location access device comprising: a memory; a communication interface; and at least one controller communicatively coupled to the memory and the communication interface, the at least one controller being configured to perform a method according to the invention for providing services by the vehicle.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a server for servicing a vehicle is provided, comprising: a memory; a communication interface; and at least one controller communicatively coupled to the memory and the communication interface, the at least one controller being configured to perform a method according to the invention for use by the server servicing the vehicle.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, an access system for servicing a vehicle is provided, comprising: a vehicle according to the present invention; and a server according to the present invention for servicing the vehicle, the server being communicatively connected to the vehicle.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one controller of a vehicle, cause the at least one controller to perform a method according to the invention for providing services by a vehicle.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one controller of a server, cause the at least one controller to perform a method according to the invention for execution by a server of a service vehicle.

[0023] By employing the technology of this invention, it is possible to use digital keys to locate the user and the vehicle providing the service via ultra-wideband technology, and to allow the user to access the corresponding vehicle.

[0024] These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To gain a more detailed understanding of the manner in which the features of the present invention are described above, reference can be made to various embodiments to provide a more specific description of the above-briefly summarized aspects, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope, as this description may allow for other equivalent and effective aspects.

[0026] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for providing services by a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0027] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method performed by a server serving a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0028] Figure 3 A block diagram of a vehicle location access device according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0029] Figure 4 A block diagram of a server for servicing vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0030] Figure 5 A block diagram of an access system for service vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the user access architecture to automated delivery vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0032] Figure 7 A block diagram of an exemplary computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other exemplary embodiments, well-known structures or processing steps have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method 100 for providing services by a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0035] At box 110, method 100 may include receiving a service instruction, which includes a target address.

[0036] At box 120, method 100 may include receiving a digital key token generated based on a service instruction and used to access the vehicle.

[0037] At box 130, method 100 may include controlling the vehicle to drive to the target address in response to the service instruction.

[0038] In one embodiment, method 100 may further include: in response to a service instruction, controlling the vehicle to perform a service associated with the service instruction before proceeding to the target address. For example, in addition to the target address, the service instruction received by the vehicle may also instruct the vehicle to first perform a service such as picking up food or goods before proceeding to the target address.

[0039] In another embodiment, method 100 may further include: sending the vehicle's location information while controlling the vehicle to drive toward the target address.

[0040] At box 140, method 100 may include detecting information from the user regarding a digital key token as the vehicle arrives at the target address.

[0041] In one embodiment, detecting information about the digital key token upon determining that the vehicle has arrived at the target address may further include: detecting information about the digital key token using Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra Wideband technologies when the distance between the vehicle and the user is determined to be less than or equal to a first threshold distance. The first threshold distance can be preset according to actual conditions.

[0042] In a further embodiment, method 100 may further include: measuring the distance between the vehicle and the user using Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra Wideband technologies, and controlling the vehicle to stop when it is determined that the distance between the vehicle and the user is equal to a parking threshold distance. Accordingly, the vehicle can be controlled to stop in front of the user, making it easier for the user to find the vehicle.

[0043] At box 150, method 100 may include allowing the user access to the vehicle if the information is verified to correspond to a digital key token.

[0044] In one embodiment, the vehicle may be a delivery vehicle, and access to the vehicle may further include opening the door corresponding to the service instruction. For example, it may be configured to open the entire door storing the goods, or it may be configured to open only the container door corresponding to the user's goods or food, so that the user can retrieve them.

[0045] In another embodiment, the vehicle may be a taxi, and access to the vehicle may further include opening the taxi door and starting the taxi. In a non-limiting embodiment, the access may be further broken down, such as opening the door to allow the user to enter only when the information from the user corresponds to the vehicle's digital key token, while continuing to detect the information from the user (i.e., the digital key). Only after determining that the digital key from the user is inside the vehicle is the user allowed to perform further operations on the vehicle, such as starting it. This setup can prevent accidental operation of the vehicle when the user is still outside the vehicle.

[0046] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method 200 performed by a server serving a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0047] At box 210, method 200 may include receiving a service order from a user, generating a service instruction in response to the received service order, and sending the service instruction to a vehicle associated with the service instruction. For example, the server may assign the service instruction to a vehicle near the location based on location information associated with the service.

[0048] At box 220, method 200 may include generating a digital key token for the vehicle based on the service instruction. Specifically, the server may generate a digital key token for the vehicle to which the service instruction is to be executed.

[0049] In one embodiment, generating a vehicle's digital key token based on a service instruction may further include: generating the vehicle's digital key token in response to receiving feedback information from the vehicle regarding the service instruction. That is, the server generates its digital key token only after determining that the vehicle it has assigned is capable of performing the service. Accordingly, if the server does not receive feedback information from the vehicle, the server may repeatedly send the service instruction to the vehicle. Furthermore, the number of resends can be set according to actual circumstances. If no feedback information is received from the vehicle after the maximum number of resends, the server may send the service instruction to another vehicle nearby. If feedback information is received from that other vehicle, a digital key token for that other vehicle is generated.

[0050] At box 230, method 200 can send the digital key token to the user and the vehicle respectively.

[0051] In one embodiment, method 200 may further include: receiving vehicle location information; and signaling the user when the distance between the vehicle and the user is detected to be equal to a second threshold distance. Similarly, the size of the second threshold distance can be preset according to actual conditions. Specifically, after determining the user and the vehicle serving the user, the server can continuously detect the distance between the user and the vehicle, and when the distance between them is detected to be equal to the second threshold distance, it can signal the user to pick up the goods. For example, in the case of a pickup service instruction, the server can notify the user to go and pick up the goods.

[0052] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating a location access device 300 in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention has been provided. It should be noted that the location access device 300 is illustrative only and not limiting. The location access device 300 of the present invention may include, but is not limited to, [other components]. Figure 3 The positioning access device 300 shown may have more or fewer components.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the location access device 300 may include a memory 310, a communication interface 330, and at least one controller 320 communicatively coupled to the memory 310 and the communication interface 330.

[0054] The communication interface 330 can be configured to communicate with various parties in the vehicle (e.g., servers, user terminals, etc.). In one example, the communication interface 330 can communicate with these parties wirelessly. This wireless connection can include any wireless connection known in the art and / or developed in the future. Examples of wireless connections may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth connections, Zigbee connections, etc. Accordingly, the location access device 300 can send information to and receive information from these parties through the communication interface 330. Additionally, the information or data can be stored in the memory 310.

[0055] One or more controllers 320 can be configured to execute various applications, such as those described above. Figure 1 The various operations described above. Specifically, the one or more controllers 320 may be configured to: receive a service instruction via a communication interface 330, the service instruction including a target address; receive a digital key token via the communication interface 330, the digital key token being generated based on the service instruction and used to access the vehicle; control the vehicle to drive towards the target address in response to the service instruction; detect information from the user regarding the digital key token upon determining that the vehicle has arrived at the target address; and allow the user access to the vehicle if the information is verified to correspond to the digital key token.

[0056] It can be understood that the positioning access device 300 can also achieve the combination of the above. Figure 1 Other operations in the method 100 for providing services by vehicles have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0057] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating a server 400 for servicing vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention has been provided. It should be noted that the server 400 is illustrative only and not limiting. The server 400 of the present invention may include, but is not limited to, [other components]. Figure 4 The server shown has 400 more or fewer components.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, server 400 may include memory 410, communication interface 430, and at least one controller 420 communicatively coupled to memory 410 and communication interface 430.

[0059] Communication interface 430 can be configured to communicate with various parties in the vehicle (e.g., user terminals). In one example, communication interface 430 can communicate with various parties in the vehicle via a wireless connection. This wireless connection can include any wireless connection known in the art and / or developed in the future. Examples of wireless connections may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth connections, Zigbee connections, etc. Accordingly, server 400 can send information to and receive information from various parties in the vehicle via communication interface 430. Additionally, the information or data can be stored in memory 410.

[0060] One or more controllers 420 can be configured to execute various applications, such as those described above. Figure 2 The various operations described above. Specifically, the one or more controllers 420 may be configured to: receive service orders from users via communication interface 430, generate service instructions in response to the received service orders, and send the service instructions to the vehicle associated with the service instructions; generate a digital key token for the vehicle based on the service instructions; and send the digital key token to the user and the vehicle respectively.

[0061] It's understandable; the 400 server can also achieve the combination of the above. Figure 2 The other operations in method 200, which are performed by the server of the service vehicle, have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0062] Figure 5 A block diagram of an access system 500 for serving vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0063] like Figure 5As shown, the access system 500 may include systems configured with the above-mentioned features. Figure 3 The vehicle 510 of the location access device 300, and the above-mentioned combination Figure 4 The server 400 used to serve vehicles. Correspondingly, the access system 500 can achieve the above-described combination. Figure 1 The method 100 for providing services by vehicles, and the above in combination Figure 2 The method 200 is executed by a server serving the vehicle. Thus, a user can locate and access the vehicle 510 via a user terminal 550.

[0064] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a user access architecture 600 for an automated delivery vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. The following will use food ordering as an example. Figure 6 Let me explain in detail the process of a user locating and accessing the vehicle that provides the service.

[0065] At point 602, user 650 (also referred to as customer) can order takeout via mobile phone (or other user terminal such as tablet, computer, etc.) in application 660 (e.g., a third-party application).

[0066] At position 604, application 660 creates the corresponding service order (e.g., a food delivery order) and sends it to the backend server 670 (i.e., Figure 4 Server 400 in the middle, such as a third-party backend server or other digital key server).

[0067] At point 606, the backend server 670 sends a confirmation message to the application 660 regarding the receipt of the service order, thereby enabling the user 650 to receive a notification on their mobile phone, indicating that the order has been successfully created.

[0068] At point 608, in response to the received service order, the backend server 670 generates a corresponding service instruction and sends the service instruction to the appropriate automated delivery vehicle 680. In this embodiment, the service instruction may, for example, instruct the automated delivery vehicle 680 to pick up food from a restaurant, and accordingly, the backend server 670 can send the service instruction to an automated delivery vehicle near that restaurant.

[0069] At point 610, the automated delivery vehicle 680 completes the pickup and then sends a successful pickup notification to the backend server 670.

[0070] In response to the received feedback, the backend server 670 generates a digital key token for the automated delivery vehicle 680. Then, at points 612 and 614, the backend server 670 sends the generated digital key token to the application 660 at the automated delivery vehicle 680 and the user 650, respectively. This digital key token can be securely installed in the secure element of the user 650's mobile phone and will be further used for access to the automated delivery vehicle 680. The digital key can be a Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) based digital key.

[0071] Accordingly, at point 616, the automated delivery vehicle 680 sends a confirmation of receipt of the digital key token to the backend server 670, while at point 618, the application 660 sends a confirmation of receipt of the digital key token to the backend server 670.

[0072] At position 620, the automated delivery vehicle 680 continuously synchronizes its location information to the backend server 670.

[0073] When the backend server 670 detects that the distance between the automated delivery vehicle 680 and the user 650 equals the notification threshold distance (i.e., the second threshold distance mentioned above), at point 622, the backend server 670 sends a message to the application 660 to notify the user 650 to go to the pick-up point. This notification threshold distance can be set according to actual conditions, for example, it can be set to 1km. Accordingly, when the backend server 670 detects that the distance between the automated delivery vehicle 680 and the user 650 is within the last 1km, the backend server 670 sends a message to the application 660 to notify the user 650 to go to the pick-up point, and the user 650 can then go to pick up the food according to the notification.

[0074] At position 624, the automated delivery vehicle 680 keeps synchronizing its location information with the backend server 670.

[0075] When the backend server 670 detects that the distance between the automated delivery vehicle 680 and the user 650 is less than or equal to the positioning threshold distance (i.e., the first threshold distance mentioned above), for example, when the automated delivery vehicle 680 and the user 650 arrive near the pick-up location, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technologies can be enabled between the user 650 and the automated delivery vehicle 680. This positioning threshold distance can be set according to actual conditions, for example, it can be set to 100m.

[0076] At point 626, using BLE and UWB technologies, user 650 can locate the autonomous delivery vehicle 680 in application 660. That is, when within the last 100 meters, user 650 can begin locating the dedicated autonomous delivery vehicle 680 in application 660. Consequently, user 650 can pinpoint the autonomous delivery vehicle 680 more accurately.

[0077] Similarly, when the distance between the automated delivery vehicle 680 and the user 650 is determined to be less than or equal to a positioning threshold distance, at point 628, the automated delivery vehicle 680 can locate the user 650 using BLE and UWB technologies, thereby achieving precise parking upon arrival at the user 650. Specifically, when the distance between the automated delivery vehicle 680 and the user 650 is determined to be equal to the parking threshold distance, the automated delivery vehicle 680 can be controlled to stop moving. The parking threshold distance can be preset according to actual conditions.

[0078] After the automated delivery vehicle 680 stops, at point 630, the automated delivery vehicle 680 detects and verifies the information about the digital key token from user 650.

[0079] At point 632, the verification was successful, confirming that the information from user 650 corresponds to the digital key token of the automated delivery vehicle 680.

[0080] Correspondingly, at location 634, the automated delivery vehicle 680 automatically opens the door corresponding to the service instruction.

[0081] At location 636, user 650 was able to successfully pick up their meal.

[0082] In this embodiment, the UWB digital key is used as a means of locating the automated delivery vehicle 680 and the user 650, and also as a token allowing the user 650 to access the automated delivery vehicle 680. When the automated delivery vehicle 680 arrives at the pick-up location (or delivery location), it will automatically open the corresponding door once it detects the user 650's digital key token. Therefore, since access to the service vehicle is based on BLE / UWB technology, the vehicle will passively unlock when the holder of the vehicle's digital key or the user approaches it, thus requiring no further action from the user's mobile phone.

[0083] It can be understood, such as Figure 6 The implementation flowchart shown is merely an example. Steps can be adjusted, modified, added, and / or deleted according to actual needs, as long as they achieve the desired effect. Figure 1 The method for providing services by vehicles, and reference Figure 2 The method described herein can be executed by the server serving the vehicle.

[0084] Additionally, for the sake of clarity, Figure 6 The flowchart shown is illustrated in the context of a food ordering service, but it should be understood that the method for locating and accessing service vehicles according to this invention can also be applied to other scenarios. In a non-limiting example, when the service vehicle is a taxi, the user can similarly locate the taxi using a digital key, and the taxi, after verifying the user's digital key token, allows the user access, such as automatically opening the door to allow easy entry and starting the taxi. In another non-limiting example, after verifying the user's digital key token, the taxi can simply automatically open the door to allow the user to enter, while simultaneously locating the user's digital key. Only after confirming that the user's digital key is inside the taxi will the taxi execute driving commands from the user, such as starting the taxi. This example avoids accidental operation by the user when outside the taxi.

[0085] Figure 7 A block diagram of an exemplary computing device 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. The computing device 700 is an example of a hardware device applicable to various aspects of the present invention.

[0086] refer to Figure 7 A computing device 700 will now be described, which is an example of a hardware device (e.g., a location access device, a user terminal, a server, etc.) applicable to various aspects of the present invention. The computing device 700 can be any machine that can be configured to perform processing and / or computation, and can be, but is not limited to, a workstation, server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal digital processor, smartphone, in-vehicle computer, or any combination thereof. The various methods / apparatus / server / user equipment (or user terminal) described above can be implemented wholly or at least partially by the computing device 700 or similar devices or systems.

[0087] The computing device 700 may include components that can be connected or communicated via one or more interfaces and a bus 702. For example, the computing device 700 may include a bus 702, one or more processors 704 (or controllers), one or more input devices 706, and one or more output devices 708. The one or more processors 704 may be any type of processor and may include, but are not limited to, one or more general-purpose processors and / or one or more dedicated processors (e.g., specialized processing chips). The input device 706 may be any type of device capable of inputting information to the computing device and may include, but is not limited to, a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, microphone, and / or remote controller. The output device 708 may be any type of device capable of presenting information and may include, but is not limited to, a monitor, speaker, video / audio output terminal, vibrator, and / or printer. The computing device 700 may also include or be connected to a non-transient storage device 710. The non-transient storage device can be any storage device that is non-transient and capable of data storage, and may include, but is not limited to, disk drives, optical storage devices, solid-state storage, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes or any other magnetic media, optical discs or any other optical media, ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), cache memory, and / or any memory chip or cassette tape, and / or any other medium from which a computer can read data, instructions, and / or code. The non-transient storage device 710 may be detachable from an interface. The non-transient storage device 710 may have data / instructions / code for implementing the methods and steps described above. The computing device 700 may also include a communication device 712. The communication device 712 can be any type of device or system capable of communicating with internal devices and / or with a network, and may include, but is not limited to, modems, network cards, infrared communication devices, wireless communication devices and / or chipsets, such as Bluetooth devices, IEEE 1302.11 devices, WiFi devices, WiMax devices, cellular communication devices and / or similar devices.

[0088] When the computing device 700 is used as an in-vehicle device, it can also be connected to external devices (e.g., a GPS receiver, sensors for sensing different environmental data such as accelerometers, wheel speed sensors, gyroscopes, etc.). In this way, the computing device 700 can, for example, receive positioning data and sensor data indicating the vehicle's driving status. When the computing device 700 is used as an in-vehicle device, it can also be connected to other devices used to control the vehicle's driving and operation (e.g., engine system, windshield wipers, anti-lock braking system, headlight control system, etc.).

[0089] Furthermore, the non-transient storage device 710 may include map information and software components, enabling the processor 704 to perform route guidance processing. Additionally, the output device 708 may include a display for showing a map, displaying vehicle location markers, and displaying images indicating the vehicle's driving status. The output device 708 may also include a speaker or headphone jack for audio guidance.

[0090] Bus 702 may include, but is not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PCI bus. In particular, for automotive devices, bus 702 may also include Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or other architectures designed for automotive applications.

[0091] The computing device 700 may also include a working memory 714, which may be any type of working memory capable of storing instructions and / or data that are conducive to the operation of the processor 704, and may include, but is not limited to, random access memory and / or read-only memory devices.

[0092] Software components may reside in working memory 714, including but not limited to operating system 716, one or more application programs 718, drivers, and / or other data and code. Instructions for implementing the above methods and steps may be included in the one or more application programs 718, and the modules / units / components of the aforementioned various devices / servers / user equipment may be implemented by processor 704 reading and executing the instructions of the one or more application programs 718.

[0093] It should also be recognized that variations can be made to suit specific needs. For example, custom hardware and / or specific components may be used, and implementation may take place in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, connectivity with other computing devices, such as network input / output devices, may be employed. For example, some or all of the disclosed methods and apparatus may be implemented using the logic and algorithms according to the invention via programmable hardware (e.g., programmable logic circuits including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and / or programmable logic arrays (PLAs)) that uses assembly language or hardware programming languages ​​(e.g., Verilog, VHDL, C++).

[0094] Although various aspects of the invention have been described so far with reference to the accompanying drawings, the methods, systems, and apparatus described above are merely examples, and the scope of the invention is not limited to these aspects but is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various components may be omitted or replaced by equivalent components. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in a different order than that described in the invention. Moreover, various components can be combined in various ways. Importantly, as technology advances, many of the components described may be replaced by equivalent components that appear later.

[0095] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0096] 100 Methods for providing services by vehicles

[0097] 110 received a service instruction, which included the target address.

[0098] 120 receives a digital key token, which is generated based on service instructions and is used to access the vehicle.

[0099] 130 responded to the service command and controlled the vehicle to drive to the target address.

[0100] 140 checks information from the user regarding the digital key token when it determines that the vehicle has arrived at the destination address.

[0101] 150 allows the user access to the vehicle after verifying that the information corresponds to a digital key token.

[0102] 200 is a method executed by the server of the service vehicle.

[0103] 210 receives a service order from a user, generates a service instruction in response to the received service order, and sends the service instruction to the vehicle associated with the service instruction.

[0104] 220 generates a digital key token for the vehicle based on the service instruction.

[0105] 230 sends the digital key token to both the user and the vehicle.

[0106] Location access device in 300 vehicles

[0107] 310 Memory

[0108] 320 controller

[0109] 330 Communication Interface

[0110] 400 Servers used to service vehicles

[0111] 410 Memory

[0112] 420 controller

[0113] 430 Communication Interface

[0114] 500 Access system for service vehicles

[0115] Vehicle 510

[0116] 550 User Terminal

[0117] 600 Access Schema

[0118] 650 users

[0119] 660 Application

[0120] 670 Third-party server

[0121] 680 Automated Delivery Vehicle

[0122] 700 computing devices

[0123] 702 bus

[0124] 704 processor

[0125] 706 Input Device

[0126] 708 Output Device

[0127] 710 Storage Device

[0128] 712 Communication Equipment

[0129] 714 Working Memory

[0130] 716 operating system

[0131] 718 Application

Claims

1. A method for providing services by a vehicle, comprising: Receive a service instruction, the service instruction including a target address; Receive a digital key token, which is generated based on the service instruction and is used to access the vehicle; In response to the service instruction, control the vehicle to drive towards the target address; Upon determining that the vehicle has arrived at the target address, information from the user regarding the digital key token is detected. as well as If the information is verified to correspond to the digital key token, the user is granted access to the vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: In response to the service instruction, the vehicle is controlled to perform the service associated with the service instruction before heading to the target address.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: While controlling the vehicle to drive towards the target address, the vehicle's location information is sent.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting information about the digital key token upon determining that the vehicle has arrived at the target address, including: When the distance between the vehicle and the user is determined to be less than or equal to a first threshold distance, information about the digital key token is detected using Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra Wideband technologies.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: The distance between the vehicle and the user is measured using the Bluetooth Low Energy technology and the Ultra Wideband technology. When the distance between the vehicle and the user is determined to be equal to the parking threshold distance, the vehicle is controlled to stop moving.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a delivery vehicle, and allowing access to the vehicle further includes opening the door corresponding to the service instruction.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a taxi, and allowing access to the vehicle further includes opening the door of the taxi and starting the taxi.

8. A method for execution by a server serving a vehicle, comprising: Receive service orders from users, generate service instructions in response to the received service orders, and send the service instructions to the vehicle associated with the service instructions; Generate a digital key token for the vehicle based on the service instruction; as well as The digital key token is sent to both the user and the vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein generating the digital key token for the vehicle based on the service instruction further comprises: A digital key token for the vehicle is generated in response to receiving feedback information from the vehicle regarding the service instruction.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Receive the location information of the vehicle; as well as When the distance between the vehicle and the user is detected to be equal to a second threshold distance, a signal is sent to notify the user.

11. A vehicle equipped with a positioning access device, the positioning access device comprising: Memory; Communication interface; as well as At least one controller communicatively coupled to the memory and the communication interface, the at least one controller being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

12. A server for servicing vehicles, comprising: Memory; Communication interface; as well as At least one controller communicatively coupled to the memory and the communication interface, the at least one controller being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 8-10.

13. An access system for service vehicles, comprising: The vehicle as described in claim 11; as well as The server as described in claim 12 is communicatively connected to the vehicle.

14. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one controller of the vehicle, cause the at least one controller to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

15. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one controller of the server, cause the at least one controller to perform the method as described in any one of claims 8-10.

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