Method for delivering a shipment to a passenger during a journey, logistics system and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method by which a delivery (3) is made to a traveling person (2) who is undertaking a journey by means of an autonomously driving motor vehicle (1) during the journey, wherein - the condition of the traveling person (2) is detected by means of a sensor (6), and - based on the recorded condition of the traveling person (2) a delivery method for the delivery to be delivered (3) is selected using a logistics system.

Description

[0001] According to claim 1, the invention relates to a method by which a delivery is made to a person traveling by means of an autonomously driving vehicle during that journey.

[0002] One of the four "megatrends" of the automotive industry right now—alongside electromobility, the sharing economy, and connectivity—is the autonomization or automation of driving operations, aiming to make driving increasingly safer and more convenient for the user. The different levels of autonomy or automation are categorized into five levels, for example, in SAE J3016. If a vehicle is equipped with a control unit that provides a highly automated operating mode (Level 3), the driver is permitted, at least temporarily and / or in certain predefined or specific use cases, to disengage from driving tasks. This means that the vehicle then drives itself.The driving task is performed independently by operating the vehicle in highly automated operating mode using the control unit.

[0003] If this control unit provides a fully automated operating mode (Level 4) for the vehicle, the driver is permitted to completely relinquish the driving tasks to the vehicle, at least temporarily, for example, for the entire duration of a specific use case. The driver is then – as long as the vehicle is operated in the fully automated operating mode by the control unit – merely a passive passenger of the vehicle.

[0004] Of particular interest for the present invention is the control unit when it provides an autonomous operating mode (Level 5) for the motor vehicle. In this mode, no human driver is required at all – the motor vehicle is operated by the control unit in this autonomous mode. Accordingly, in the autonomous Level 5 operating mode, only passengers (and possibly cargo) are transported by the motor vehicle, and these passengers never control or supervise / monitor any driving task of the motor vehicle.The motor vehicle and / or the control unit takes over / takes over all measures for driving, in particular steering, accelerating to increase speed ("accelerating"), accelerating to decrease speed ("braking") and reacting appropriately to a traffic situation in the vicinity of the motor vehicle and to the other road users in this vicinity.

[0005] Accordingly, scenarios are conceivable in which mobility customers could be transported comfortably from a starting point (e.g., the customer's residence) to a destination (e.g., a vacation spot) in an autonomous vehicle, for example, overnight. Such a scenario is currently particularly relevant for medium distances (up to approximately 300 kilometers), as it could offer especially fast and / or efficient travel – even with the option of sleeping. This avoids the disadvantages associated with air travel, such as the actual flight in a noisy and cramped commercial aircraft, separate travel to and from the departure and / or arrival airports, baggage check-in, security checks, etc. Instead, a particularly efficient, flexible, and versatile form of individual transport is guaranteed, essentially enabling a "door-to-door" service.The present invention addresses the question of how a person traveling in an autonomous vehicle or motor vehicle can be supplied with necessary items, for example consumer goods, during the journey or while traveling.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2018 201 671 A1 discloses a method for providing usable space by means of at least one autonomous vehicle, which can be booked for a type of use other than a ride service, in order to reduce uneconomical downtime of the autonomous vehicle. Examples given include using the autonomous vehicle as a sleeping space, using it as a delivery point for a food delivery service, using it for a scenic drive, etc. However, these uses of the autonomous vehicle, which differ from the ride service, are—if they involve driving at all—follow the use of the autonomous vehicle as a ride service; the provision of deliveries to a passenger during such a drive or journey with this autonomous vehicle is not mentioned.

[0007] DE 10 2017 216 746 A1 relates to a method and a system for carrying out an ordering process for a motor vehicle connected to a charging station.

[0008] DE 10 2017 211 885 A1 concerns a procedure for requesting a commodity from a communication device of a motor vehicle-external data server facility.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a traveling person with deliveries in a particularly efficient manner during their journey.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method with the features specified in claim 1.

[0011] According to the invention, a method is provided by which a delivery is made to a person undertaking a journey, for example, a trip, in an autonomously driving vehicle. The vehicle, which is specifically designed as a passenger car, is therefore designed to be autonomously operated or moveable according to SAE standard J3016 Level 5. It is also conceivable that the vehicle could be a truck, a bus, etc.

[0012] For the purposes of this text, a journey encompasses all activities and measures undertaken by the traveler to travel from a starting point to a destination. This includes, in particular, taking a detour (even spontaneously), adding intermediate destinations (even spontaneously), taking a break, refueling the vehicle with operating supplies and / or consumables, etc.

[0013] The delivery to be made to the traveler during their journey includes items such as food, for example, food ingredients, ready-to-eat hot and / or cold dishes, complete meals (main meals or snacks), beverages, luxury goods, etc. Furthermore, "item" here refers to everyday necessities such as hygiene products (for example, a toothbrush), clothing, printed materials (for example, a newspaper, magazine, book), etc. It is also conceivable that the item or delivery to the traveler could be medical supplies, such as medication. Generally, the term "item" or "delivery" here encompasses any goods or merchandise, for example, in the form of a package, that can be delivered to a recipient by a shipping service provider, provided that the external dimensions and weight of the goods or merchandise do not exceed the limits set by the standard shipping method.The package must not exceed the specified dimensional or weight limits. In other words, the package to be delivered according to this procedure must be suitable for delivery to / into a motor vehicle. Specifically, the delivery to the traveling person is a consumer good.

[0014] Delivery to a traveler includes, for example, the direct delivery or handover of the shipment directly to the recipient – ​​i.e., the traveler – for instance, in person. Furthermore, delivery to a traveler can be indirect, for example, by making the shipment available within the traveler's reach. This means that delivery involves bringing the shipment into the reach, particularly without personal contact between a delivery person and the recipient – ​​i.e., the traveler.

[0015] In order to supply the traveler with deliveries, for example with consumer goods, in a particularly efficient manner, the invention provides that the traveler's condition is detected by means of sensors and, based on the detected condition of the traveler, a delivery method for the delivery to be delivered is selected by a logistics system, wherein the delivery is either directly delivered to the traveler by a delivery person during the journey according to the selected delivery method, or the delivery is indirectly delivered to the traveler by the delivery person in an access area of ​​the vehicle during the journey according to the selected delivery method, wherein the delivery is made available to the traveler during the journey within the access area.For example, a first condition of the traveler is characterized by the fact that they are currently unable or unwilling to accept the delivery, especially in person. Conversely, a second condition of the traveler is characterized by the fact that they are ready or prepared to accept the delivery (in person). This condition specifically includes whether the traveler is currently in the vehicle or in its immediate vicinity. During the process, the traveler's condition is recorded or determined, and based on this recording or determination, the more suitable delivery method is selected. The delivery is then either delivered directly to the traveler or simply made available within their reach, according to the selected delivery method.The access area may, in particular, be a compartment of the motor vehicle designed to be opened, at least for the indirect provision of the delivery into the access area by a delivery person, for example, a (human) courier. The access area includes, in particular, means to block unauthorized access.

[0016] Since delivery can be arranged before the journey begins, during travel time, or towards or at the end of the journey, the traveler can be supplied with deliveries particularly efficiently and appropriately. Furthermore, disadvantages associated with deliveries without a scheduled time or deliveries within a particularly large time window are at least mitigated by monitoring the traveler's condition and delivering the goods directly or indirectly accordingly. Thus, the traveler experiences no loss of comfort, especially during a journey in an autonomous vehicle, particularly if they are resting, working, etc.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that the activity level of the traveler to whom the delivery is to be made is detected by means of sensors in order to deliver the delivery directly or to the delivery area depending on the detected activity level of the traveler. In particular, the sensors are connected to a control unit of the logistics system to provide the control unit with the correspondingly detected activity level of the traveler. The sensors include at least one sensor located in the interior of the vehicle and directed towards the traveler. The sensor determines the activity level, in particular based on the traveler's bio-vital functions. The detected activity level provides information about the traveler's current state of fatigue, sleep, and / or productivity.Accordingly, for example, the delivery process takes into account whether the traveler is currently tired or about to become tired, or is about to take a rest or sleep break. Furthermore, it can be considered whether the traveler is asleep, and in particular, which sleep stage they are in. A state of productivity is understood to mean that the traveler is awake and consciously performing an activity, such as making a phone call, working, playing a game, having a conversation, etc.

[0018] Depending on the traveler's activity level, the system selects either a direct or indirect delivery method. For example, direct delivery is avoided if the traveler is asleep; instead, the delivery is placed within the designated delivery area. Another example is that the traveler is not interrupted during a phone call or conversation to accept the delivery (in person or directly). If the system detects that the traveler is currently on a call or in a conversation, the delivery is made within the designated delivery area.

[0019] In connection with the activity level, it is particularly advantageous if this is detected by means of sensors, especially in the interior of the vehicle. For this purpose, the sensor system comprises at least one sensor located in the interior of the vehicle and assigned to or directed towards the passenger in order to determine the activity level, for example, based on the passenger's bio-vital functions. It is particularly preferred if the sensor system used to detect the passenger's activity level includes at least one sensor already installed in the vehicle, especially if the vehicle is designed to provide a driving mode different from a Level 5 driving mode, such as at least a semi-manual driving mode.It is known that such a sensor can be installed in the interior of a vehicle to monitor the driver for signs of fatigue, even when the vehicle is being driven manually. Accordingly, the method can be implemented particularly efficiently by utilizing the vehicle's existing sensors.

[0020] Sensors are preferably used to determine the sleep stage of a traveler during sleep. These sensors can include various types, such as camera-based motion detection, brainwave activity sensors, electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, motion sensors (e.g., in the form of a wristband), sensors for recording respiratory rate, heart rate, and / or body and / or skin temperature, as well as other vital functions of the (human) body. The current sleep stage can be estimated based on the vital functions recorded by the sensors. For example, movement patterns provide information about the depth of sleep. Furthermore, body temperature and / or respiratory rate provide clues about the depth of sleep.Furthermore, the current sleep phase can be determined via the traveler's brain activity. Brain activity can be assessed by measuring arousal levels, neck muscle tension, etc., as these correlate with brain activity. It is also conceivable to use virtual or augmented reality glasses equipped with skin contact sensors to record the traveler's brain activity.

[0021] Healthy sleep includes, in particular, the sleep phases designated as REM (Rapid Eye Movement), I, II (light sleep phases), and III, IV (deep sleep phases). The most valuable, because most restorative, sleep phase is deep sleep, i.e., sleep phases III and / or IV.

[0022] Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous if the procedure determines that the traveler is currently in one of the deep sleep phases III or IV, in which case delivery of the shipment can only be carried out indirectly. It can even be stipulated—as is generally provided for in the procedure—that the delivery process or the delivery of the shipment is aborted or interrupted if the traveler's condition so requires and this condition has been recorded. For example, in order not to wake the traveler during their deep sleep phase, it can be stipulated that the delivery of the shipment be postponed at least to the extent that it takes place during a state of activity of the traveler that allows for personal delivery of the shipment or at least for the shipment to be made available within the reachable area.

[0023] Another advantageous embodiment of the method provides that, for the purpose of delivering the shipment—that is, for directly delivering the shipment and / or making the shipment available to the recipient—an outer skin element of the motor vehicle is automatically unlocked while the vehicle is in motion. This occurs when the vehicle detects that a designated or predeterminable delivery person, such as a human courier, is about to deliver the shipment. The unlocked outer skin element of the motor vehicle is then opened by means of an actuator on the vehicle or a corresponding actuator on the delivery person while the vehicle is in motion. The outer skin element could, for example, be a flap element of the motor vehicle, such as a door, a trunk lid, etc. The delivery person is specifically designated as a (human) courier; however, it is possible that the delivery or...Delivery is carried out using an automated device, such as a service robot or a drone. This means that the delivery entity can be, for example, a human courier, a service robot, a drone (which is specifically designed as an aircraft), etc.

[0024] If, during the course of the process, it is determined that the delivery agent used to deliver the shipment is authorized, the vehicle's outer body panel is unlocked, allowing it to be opened. Opening the outer body panel can be automatic, for example, by means of an actuator on the vehicle, and / or manual, for example, by the delivery agent or a corresponding actuator on the delivery agent. This ensures, in a particularly efficient manner, that the vehicle, and especially its outer body panel, is opened only by the authorized delivery agent for the purpose of handing over, delivering, or making available the shipment.This makes the delivery process particularly secure and also offers the traveler maximum security, as unauthorized opening of the outer shell element and consequently unauthorized access to the delivered goods as well as any other intrusion into the interior of the vehicle via the outer shell element are prevented.

[0025] It is particularly preferred in this method that the delivery of the goods occurs simultaneously with a service stop of the vehicle, i.e., a service-related downtime of the vehicle, or that the delivery is scheduled in such a way that it takes place upon the vehicle reaching a destination or in an area outside the vehicle, in particular if the current travel route is changed depending on the delivery to be made. Such a service stop or service-related downtime occurs during the journey of the traveler, in particular, when the vehicle is stopped, for example, for (re)charging the vehicle, checking and / or (re)filling operating fluids and / or consumables, carrying out (especially unplanned) repairs on the vehicle, etc.In particular, the delivery or provision of the shipment takes place at the beginning of the service stop, so that the traveler can advantageously use the shipment immediately and without delay during any potentially enforced waiting time. For example, the vehicle's downtime during the traveler's journey can be combined particularly efficiently with a break by delivering a meal to the traveler at the beginning of the stop. This allows any time lost due to (especially enforced) waiting times caused by service work on the vehicle to be used efficiently, for example, by the traveler using the time to eat and / or rest.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the delivery is scheduled or planned in such a way that it is made upon the vehicle reaching a destination. This destination can be, in particular, the final destination of the journey, for example, the endpoint of a route where the journey is considered definitively completed. Alternatively, the destination can be an intermediate destination reached before the final destination, for example, to take a break, have the vehicle serviced, or to run personal errands, etc.

[0027] Since the procedure generally understands that the supplies provided to the traveler during their journey also include all supplies or items necessary for operating the vehicle, it is further stipulated, in connection with the particularly efficient scheduling or planning of the delivery of the respective supply, that the delivery, especially when the destination and / or arrival time is known, will be provided to the traveler and / or the vehicle in such a way that the respective supply(s) are appropriate to the current travel status. For example, it may be stipulated that a fresh cup of coffee be provided or delivered to the traveler at a destination to be consumed at the end of the journey or at the beginning of a break during the journey.This means that delivery, particularly depending on the type of delivery or item to be delivered, is planned and scheduled according to the above description in order to provide the traveler with the appropriate deliveries at the appropriate time in a particularly efficient manner.

[0028] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous in this procedure if the delivery takes place in an area outside the vehicle. In other words, the delivery can be made to the traveler using this method even if the traveler is not in the vehicle. Accordingly, the area where the delivery is made available for indirect delivery can be an area independent of the vehicle, such as a restaurant table used by the traveler for breaks. For particularly reliable and accurate delivery, a further implementation may involve the delivery person locating the traveler, for example, using GPS tracking (GPS: Global Positioning System), such as via a smart device (smartwatch, smartphone, smart clothing, etc.).This advantageously eliminates the requirement for the traveler to be in close proximity to the vehicle or at least maintain visual contact with it in order to intercept the delivery person, such as a human courier, and thus facilitate direct delivery. Instead, the delivery person can locate the traveler even if they are further away from the vehicle. This makes delivery particularly convenient for the traveler, and the risk of the delivery person and the traveler missing each other is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the procedure is particularly versatile and flexible, as delivery to the traveler is not tied to the vehicle itself.

[0029] For at least one specific type of goods or delivery, the procedure can be used to determine whether the goods or delivery should be delivered or made available at the earliest possible opportunity, or whether delivery can be delayed until the next (scheduled) stop for the vehicle, at which point the delivery or delivery can be made available. Furthermore, depending on the type of goods or delivery, the procedure can determine whether a change in the route is necessary for the most efficient delivery. For example, an urgency value can be assigned to the delivery, indicating whether it should be delivered as quickly as possible or whether delivery can be delayed.Delivery to the traveler can be delayed, for example, if the traveler would not immediately benefit from the delivery. If, for instance, the traveler orders a hygiene product, such as a toothbrush, at the beginning of their journey in the autonomous vehicle, an interim stop for delivery can be temporarily omitted if it is known that the traveler will only need the toothbrush after reaching their destination. Delivery of the toothbrush would then be more efficient at the next scheduled stop of the vehicle.

[0030] However, if the delivery to the traveler is tied to a specific delivery date, particularly a delivery time, the current travel route may be adjusted depending on the delivery. For example, a previously unplanned stop could be scheduled to ensure the time-sensitive delivery is completed with maximum efficiency. This is especially relevant for medications that the traveler needs to take by a specific time.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the procedure, delivery is carried out taking into account a user profile created or adapted by the traveler, in which the traveler's delivery preferences are stored, in particular the delivery taking into account environmental conditions in the area surrounding the vehicle. For example, the traveler can configure or store in the user profile that they prefer to ignore their physical condition and deliver the shipment indirectly, that is, simply making it available within the reachable area.

[0032] When an autonomous vehicle undertakes a night journey, the passenger can have previously adjusted their user profile to schedule as many stops as possible during the trip. This might be useful, for example, if the passenger knows they frequently need a toilet and / or washroom at night. In addition to the ability to personalize the route and journey, this offers the advantage of efficiently organizing delivery times and opportunities to supply the vehicle and / or passenger with everyday items. For instance, if it is detected that the passenger intends to make a stop, the system can then check which deliveries, perhaps organized using an order list, can be delivered to the vehicle or passenger at that stop.In this process, the planned stops along the route can be adapted, in particular variably and / or automatically, to the current state of the traveler, especially to the activity level of the traveler, in order to disturb the traveler as little as possible in their process of falling asleep and / or sleeping by manipulating the vehicle, either by unlocking or opening the outer shell element.

[0033] The procedure generally provides that the passenger is informed about which deliveries, particularly ordered items, are already available in the vehicle, meaning, for example, which items have already been made accessible to the passenger. Furthermore, the procedure specifically provides that the passenger is informed about which other deliveries, for example, from the order list, will be delivered in the future, particularly in connection with an expected delivery time. For this purpose, the vehicle may be equipped with an information display unit, such as a screen, from which the passenger can view the relevant information.

[0034] The process can be further adjusted via the user profile created or modified by the traveler so that planned extended breaks coincide with delivery times and / or service downtimes. This allows the process to be particularly advantageous in that a long service downtime overlaps with a planned extended break, enabling the traveler to use the break as intended, for example, to eat a main meal, while the necessary service work is carried out on the vehicle. It is especially beneficial if, for example, the main meal is delivered at the beginning of the service downtime; therefore, the process is designed so that the service downtime, the delivery time, and the planned extended break overlap with each other.

[0035] Furthermore, the user could modify or create a user profile so that stops during their journey in the autonomous vehicle correspond to the locations of restaurants preferred by the traveler. The system then provides for deliveries to be made to the corresponding restaurants according to the user profile during these stops.

[0036] It is also conceivable that the traveler could specify times in their user profile when they prefer to eat their main meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – so that deliveries and / or stops or service periods are then scheduled to coincide with these preferred times. This means that the preferred times are taken into account when planning and scheduling deliveries and service periods. In this way, the traveler loses very little time, as downtime, service periods, or breaks during which the vehicle is not in motion are used particularly efficiently, for example, for deliveries and / or taking a break. In this context, it may also be possible for the traveler to use the vehicle to travel to a nearby rest stop or similar location.The passenger is chauffeured to a rest stop, particularly a restaurant, and then enters and uses the rest area. The autonomously equipped vehicle then drives driverless to a service station, where the necessary service measures can be carried out. After the service measures are completed, the vehicle autonomously returns to the rest area to pick up the passenger, allowing the journey to continue without delay.Alternatively or in addition to the preferred restaurant list that the traveler has stored in their user profile, it may be provided that a suitable restaurant is automatically selected during the process and, if necessary, a table is even automatically reserved at a specific time, in particular at the traveler's preferred time.

[0037] In connection with the user profile, it is also conceivable that the user profile is valid for a specific trip. Furthermore, it can be intended that the user profile is valid for more than one trip, particularly for future trips. For example, the traveler can use the user profile to specify that certain deliveries should already be in the vehicle at the start of the trip, so that the traveler has immediate access to these deliveries after the trip begins. Additionally, the traveler can use the user profile to specify that the delivery or provision of the deliveries—depending on the type of deliveries—should take place before the trip begins, at the start of the trip, during a trip, during stops or idle periods of the vehicle, at the end of the trip, etc.

[0038] An input device may be provided, particularly in the vehicle, for creating and / or customizing the user profile. Furthermore, an online service may be provided for customizing or creating the user profile, which the traveler has access to, especially before the start of the trip, in order to create or customize the user profile accordingly.

[0039] Finally, the procedure also provides for the alternative or additional option of delivery taking into account environmental conditions in the area surrounding the vehicle. This includes, for example, weather conditions present or expected at the time of delivery. Furthermore, air pollution levels and noise levels in the vicinity of the vehicle can be considered. For instance, if a weather forecast predicts precipitation, such as rain or snow, at the time of delivery, direct delivery can be avoided, which would require the passenger to leave the vehicle. Instead, in the event of rain or snow, the delivery can be made by other means.In case of snowfall, indirect delivery may be chosen, so that the delivery is made available in the access area, allowing the traveler to access the delivery without having to leave the vehicle.

[0040] Furthermore, it may be stipulated that direct or personal delivery of the goods will be waived if the pollutant content in the air in the vicinity of the motor vehicle has exceeded or is exceeding a certain limit, for example a predetermined or predeterminable limit, which could be the case, for example, if the delivery had to take place on a busy road, such as at a motorway service area.

[0041] This advantageously exposes only the delivery element – ​​preferably a delivery robot and / or drone – to environmental influences, i.e., rain, snow, and / or air pollutants surrounding the vehicle. This allows the passenger to receive deliveries in a particularly convenient manner, without having to fear any discomfort or health risks. The method is designed so that, to the extent that the outer shell element needs to be opened for delivery, the access area, which can be opened or closed by means of the outer shell element, is separated or sealed from the passenger compartment of the vehicle to such an extent that environmental influences present in the area around the vehicle do not affect the passenger compartment.

[0042] Although this text focuses on the delivery or provision of goods during a standstill or stop of the vehicle, it is conceivable, particularly if the delivery device is a drone, that the delivery or provision of goods could take place while the vehicle is in operation, i.e., while the vehicle is driving.

[0043] The invention further comprises (in a second aspect) a logistics system designed for delivering goods according to the method described above. Accordingly, the logistics system includes means designed for carrying out the process steps of the method described above for delivering the goods to a traveling person. The logistics system according to the invention also includes features, advantages, and advantageous embodiments that have already been described in connection with the method according to the invention and are therefore not repeated here.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention (in a third aspect) comprises a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle capable of autonomous operation or driving autonomously according to Level 5 of the SAE standard J3016 (SAE: Society of Automotive Engineers), which is designed to at least enable the delivery of a shipment to a person traveling by means of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, it is specifically provided that the motor vehicle incorporates at least some of the logistics system described above. For example, the motor vehicle has a flap element that can be opened, at least for the purpose of delivering the shipment. In particular, a transport compartment can be opened or closed by means of the flap element, so that the shipment can be delivered into this transport compartment.

[0045] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0046] Furthermore, the invention relates (in a fourth aspect) to a transport box by means of which a delivery can be made to a traveler during their journey, wherein the delivery – particularly while it is arranged in the transport box – is delivered by means of the method described above. This means that the delivery which is made to the traveler by means of the method can be the transport box itself, wherein the goods to be delivered to the traveler are arranged in the transport box. In other words, the delivery or goods are made to the traveler by delivering the transport box to the traveler.

[0047] For example, the transport box can be part of the logistics system designed according to the above description. It is further preferred if the transport box corresponds to the delivery or goods to be delivered, has means to regulate the temperature of the delivery arranged in the transport box, i.e., to cool and / or heat it, or to maintain the temperature of the delivery to be delivered at a predetermined or predeterminable temperature value. Accordingly, the transport box may be provided with a power supply unit, such as an electric battery and / or an electrical connection device for connection to the electrical or electronic network of the vehicle, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the transport box has at least two separate compartments, which are separated from each other, for example, by a partition within the transport box. Different temperature levels can be set and maintained in each compartment. This makes it possible, for instance, to transport a hot meal and a cold beverage in a single transport box and deliver them to the passenger.

[0049] Furthermore, the transport box features an ordering unit that allows the traveler to automatically order deliveries. This is particularly advantageous when the delivery consists of consumables that the traveler gradually removes from the transport box. If the ordering unit detects a critically low remaining quantity of the consumables, it automatically triggers an order to arrange for a replenishment or redelivery. Especially when the consumables are medications, the ordering unit offers the beneficial opportunity to efficiently order the medication before it is completely used up by the traveler.In a particularly advantageous configuration, the transport box is coupled or can be coupled with a diagnostic unit, such as a wearable device and / or a medical sensor, which records the traveler's bio-vital data. The medical sensor can be attached to and / or inside the traveler, for example, on a pacemaker or on the traveler's body surface, such as a wristband. Even without any active input from the traveler, appropriate medication can then be ordered via the ordering unit if the diagnostic unit records the bio-vital data of the traveler that necessitates the medication, such as an illness.

[0050] The invention also includes further developments of the transport box according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the logistics system, the motor vehicle, and / or the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the transport box according to the invention are not described again here.

[0051] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0052] An embodiment of the invention is described below. The single figure shows, in schematic and perspective view, an autonomously operable or drivable motor vehicle by means of which a traveling person undertakes a journey, the traveling person being supplied with at least one delivery by means of a delivery method.

[0053] The embodiment described below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0054] In the single figure, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0055] The single figure depicts, in schematic and perspective view, an autonomously operated or drivable motor vehicle 1, in which a passenger 2 undertakes a journey, with the passenger 2 being supplied or delivered with at least one shipment 3 via a delivery procedure. In the present example—and as can be seen from the single figure—the autonomously operated or drivable motor vehicle 1 is designed to provide an autonomous driving mode according to Level 5 of SAE J3016, whereby the passenger, who is an occupant of the motor vehicle 1, does not need to monitor the driving operation of the motor vehicle 1, at least as long as the motor vehicle 1 is operating in the Level 5 driving mode. Accordingly, the passenger 2 is a purely passive passenger, at least during the Level 5 driving mode.

[0056] To ensure the most efficient delivery of goods 3 to passenger 2 during their journey, the delivery procedure includes recording passenger 2's condition. Depending on this condition, the goods 3 are either delivered directly to passenger 2 or made available to passenger 2 in an accessible area 4. Recording or determining passenger 2's condition specifically involves recording or determining whether passenger 2 is in the vehicle 1, particularly in the passenger compartment 5. This means that the condition recorded for delivery purposes within the delivery procedure includes whether or not passenger 2 is in the passenger compartment 5 of the vehicle 1.

[0057] Furthermore, the activity state of the traveler 2 is part of the state that is recorded for the purpose of delivering the delivery(ies). For example, the procedure records or examines whether the traveler is currently, i.e., at the (scheduled) delivery time, asleep, about to rest or sleep, on the phone, working, etc. It may be provided, for example, that the traveler 2 enters their current activity state using an input device, which is located, in particular, in the passenger compartment 5 of the vehicle 1, so that the delivery procedure can select between direct and indirect delivery of the delivery. For this purpose, a control unit is provided that can be coupled to or is coupled with the input device to provide the activity state.

[0058] This control unit can, in particular, be part of a logistics system designed to execute steps of the delivery process, especially the delivery procedure itself. This means that the logistics system is capable of, or is being operated for, delivering goods according to the delivery procedure.

[0059] Furthermore, a sensor system 6 is provided, particularly in the interior or passenger compartment 5, which is directed towards the passenger 2 in order to detect, monitor, or sensing the passenger's state or activity level. Specifically, the sensor system 6 is connected to the control unit to provide the control unit with the correspondingly detected activity level or general state of the passenger 2, in order to adapt or execute the delivery procedure accordingly.

[0060] The vehicle 1, which can be considered part of the logistics system, has an outer shell element 7 that can be unlocked, at least for the purpose of delivering or making available the shipment 3. Specifically, the outer shell element 7 of the vehicle 1 can be unlocked, at least when it is detected on the vehicle 1, for example, by the logistics system, by the sensors 6, etc., that a designated or designable delivery person is about to deliver the shipment 3. The delivery person could be, for example, a (human) courier, a delivery or service robot, a drone, etc.

[0061] Once the outer shell element 7 of the motor vehicle 1 is unlocked, it must be opened to deliver or make available the shipment 3 in the access area 4, for example by means of an actuator on the motor vehicle and / or by means of an actuator on the delivery device. For access control, which prevents the outer shell element 7 from being unlocked and / or opened without authorization, the designated or designable delivery device may be provided with a key element that corresponds to the motor vehicle 1, in particular to the outer shell element 7, so that the outer shell element 7 can only be unlocked by using or approaching the key element.

[0062] The journey undertaken by passenger 2 using the autonomously operated vehicle 1 includes – depending on the planned length or duration of the journey – a downtime for the vehicle 1, which may, for example, be a service downtime. During such a service downtime, the vehicle 1, which is in particular a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered or mobile, is supplied with electrical drive energy. In other words, the vehicle 1 is charged or recharged during the service downtime. Furthermore, it is also planned that during this service downtime, operating fluids and / or consumables necessary for the operation of the vehicle 1, such as fuel, are replenished or topped up.Furthermore, a service downtime may prove necessary, for example, if the vehicle 1 is damaged during the journey, such as if a tire of the vehicle 1 has a leak and consequently suffers a loss of pressure.

[0063] In this procedure, it is particularly advantageous that delivery or provision of shipment 3 takes place when vehicle 1 is stationary anyway, for example, during its service downtime. While this may force passenger 2 to accept a waiting period until vehicle 1 is roadworthy again, this waiting time can be used by passenger 2, for example, to take a break. Accordingly, a meal can be delivered to passenger 2 using this procedure, especially at the beginning of the service downtime, so that passenger 2 can at least use the waiting time efficiently.

[0064] It is further advantageous if this service downtime is taken into account during travel planning, and the delivery or provision of shipment 3 takes place at the start of the planned service downtime of vehicle 1. In other words, the procedure provides for the delivery of shipment 3 to be scheduled in such a way that it coincides with a service downtime of vehicle 1.

[0065] During the journey undertaken by the traveler 2 using motor vehicle 1, the delivery of the shipment 3 can be scheduled such that it is made upon the vehicle 1 reaching a destination. This destination could be, for example, the final destination of the journey or route, at which the journey is considered (finally) completed. Alternatively, the destination could be an intermediate stop, where, for instance, a break could be taken, maintenance could be performed on the vehicle 1, a personal or professional matter could be handled, etc.

[0066] However, the delivery or provision of the shipment 3 to the traveler 2 does not necessarily require the traveler 2 to be in the passenger compartment 5 of the vehicle 1. Instead, in an advantageous embodiment of the method, the delivery of the shipment 3 takes place independently of the vehicle 1. For example, it is provided that the delivery of the shipment 3 takes place in an area outside the vehicle 1, such as at a restaurant table used by the traveler 2 for breaks. In this respect, the area outside the vehicle 1 can be the access area where the shipment 3 is made available to the traveler 2. Furthermore, the area outside the vehicle 1 can be a handover point or transfer location where the shipment 3 is made available to the traveler 2.in which the delivery 3 is handed directly to the traveling person 2, for example in person.

[0067] If it is necessary for delivery 3 to be made available to traveler 2 on time, this is also made possible by the procedure or delivery method. This is because the procedure specifically provides for the current travel route to be modified depending on the delivery 3 to be delivered. In other words, an intermediate destination can be added to the travel route, particularly automatically, to efficiently deliver the time-critical delivery 3 to traveler 2. This is especially advantageous if delivery 3 consists of medication that traveler 2 needs to take at a specific time of day and / or by a specific time of day.

[0068] As part of the process, traveler 2 has the option to create and / or customize a user profile to specify preferences related to the delivery of shipment 3. The process is then carried out based on traveler 2's preferences. For example, traveler 2 can specify in their user profile that shipments 3 should not be delivered during sleep and / or should only be delivered indirectly. Accordingly, sensor 6 can be configured to detect when traveler 2 is asleep.

[0069] Furthermore, environmental conditions in the area surrounding the vehicle 1 can be taken into account when choosing the delivery method for the delivery 3. For example, if precipitation is present at the time of delivery or if precipitation is forecast for this (scheduled) delivery time, the delivery 3 will not be handed directly or personally to the traveler 2; instead, the delivery 3 will merely be delivered to or arranged within the reach of the traveler 2.

[0070] Overall, the invention presents a particularly simple and / or efficient way in which, during a journey or transport in the autonomous vehicle 1, the supply of goods to vehicle occupants can be carried out depending on the detected state of the vehicle occupants and their instructions. In particular, it is provided that the vehicle occupant initiates an order, for example, by creating an order list, so that the ordered goods or deliveries 3 are then delivered appropriately to the situation and taking into account the preferences and the state, especially the activity level, of the traveler. In particular, the state of fatigue, sleep, and / or activity of the traveler 2 is to be taken into account. In this way, a particularly convenient supply of goods to the traveler 2 is achieved.

[0071] Although the single figure depicts only shoes as delivery 3, it is to be understood that delivery 3, which is to be delivered to the traveler 2 during their journey, can be any shipment suitable for delivery to access area 4 and / or personal delivery to the traveler 2. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 traveling persons 3rd delivery 4 Access area 5 passenger compartment 6 Sensors 7 Outer skin element

Claims

[1] Method by which a delivery (3) is delivered to a traveling person (2) who is undertaking a journey by means of an autonomously driving motor vehicle (1) during the journey, wherein - the condition of the traveling person (2) is detected by means of a sensor (6), and - based on the recorded condition of the traveling person (2) a delivery method for the delivery to be delivered (3) is selected using a logistics system. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein - the delivery (3) is made directly to the traveling person (2) by a delivery agent during the journey, in accordance with the delivery method selected accordingly, or - the delivery (3) is made indirectly available to the traveling person (2) in an access area (4) of the motor vehicle (1) by the delivery agent during the journey, in accordance with the delivery method selected accordingly, whereby the access area (4) provides the delivery (3) to the traveling person (2) during the journey. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the activity state of the traveling person (2), to whom the delivery (3) is to be delivered, is detected by means of the sensor (6) in order to deliver the delivery (3) directly or to the access area (4) depending on the detected activity state of the traveling person (2), in particular the sensor (6) is connected to a control unit of the logistics system in order to provide the correspondingly detected activity state of the traveling person (2) to the control unit. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the sensor (6) comprises at least one sensor arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle (1) and directed towards the passenger (2), wherein the activity state is determined by means of the sensor, in particular on the basis of bio-vital functions of the passenger (2). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, for the purpose of delivering the delivery (3), an outer skin element (7) of the motor vehicle (1) is automatically unlocked during the journey when it is detected on the motor vehicle (1) that a predetermined or predetermined delivery device is about to deliver the delivery (3) during the journey, wherein the unlocked outer skin element (7) of the motor vehicle (1) is opened during the journey by means of an actuator of the motor vehicle (1) or by means of a corresponding actuator of the delivery device. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery of the shipment (3) is scheduled simultaneously with a service stop of the motor vehicle (1) or the delivery of the shipment (3) is scheduled such that delivery takes place upon reaching a destination of the motor vehicle (1) or delivery of the shipment (3) takes place in an area outside the motor vehicle (1), in particular a current travel route is changed depending on the shipment (3) to be delivered. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery of the shipment (3) is carried out taking into account a user profile created or adapted by the traveling person (2) in which preferences of the traveling person (2) for delivery are stored, in particular the delivery of the shipment (3) taking into account environmental conditions that exist in an area around the motor vehicle (1). [8] Logistics system, wherein the logistics system comprises means configured to carry out a method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7 for delivering supplies (3) to a traveling person (2). [9] Logistics system according to claim 8, wherein an input device is configured to allow the traveling person (2) to input their current activity state by means of the input device, so that the delivery method can be selected by the logistics system, wherein a control unit of the logistics system for providing the activity state can be coupled or coupled to the input device. [10] Motor vehicle (1), in particular an autonomously driving motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle (1) has at least partially the logistics system according to claim 8, wherein the motor vehicle (1) is designed to enable the delivery of a shipment to a person (2) traveling by means of the motor vehicle (1) during a journey of the motor vehicle, in particular the motor vehicle (1) has a folding element which can be opened at least for the purpose of delivering the shipment (3).

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