DELIVERY LIGHTING

Abstract

Control system (102), comprising: one or more processors (702) and a memory (704) comprising instructions executable by the processors (702), the processors (704) being capable of executing the instructions to perform operations which include: detecting (502) a signal (104) to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern; and activating (506, 108) the vehicle lights (202, 204, 206, 208, 302, 304) in the delivery lighting pattern, wherein a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs from a flashing frequency of a warning lighting pattern, wherein recognizing the signal (104) to activate vehicle lights (202, 204, 206, 208, 302, 304) in a delivery lighting pattern comprises: determining that the vehicle (200, 300, 600) slows down and approaches a curb;and in response to the determination that the vehicle (200, 300, 600) is slowing down and approaching a curb, sending the signal (104) to activate the vehicle lights (202, 204, 206, 208, 302, 304) in the delivery lighting pattern.;

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] Hazard lighting increases a vehicle's visibility to nearby drivers and pedestrians. A vehicle operator can choose to activate a hazard lighting pattern to warn oncoming drivers and pedestrians that the vehicle is in an emergency situation, that the vehicle poses a hazard to other drivers (such as an unusually parked position while delivering a package), or that the vehicle has a fault (such as a broken wire preventing a light from operating). SUMMARY

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to vehicle control systems, methods, and computer-readable media for activating vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. The delivery lighting pattern may advantageously attract additional attention to oncoming drivers and pedestrians. In some embodiments, the delivery lighting pattern differs from a warning lighting pattern. For example, a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs from a flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern (for example, a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs from the flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern by at least 1 Hz). In some examples, the control system activates an auxiliary light in the delivery lighting pattern that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern.

[0003] In some embodiments, a control system includes one or more processors and a memory, wherein the memory includes instructions executable by the processors. The processors may be operable to execute the instructions to perform operations including detecting a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. The processors may also be operable to execute the instructions to perform operations including activating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.

[0004] As noted, in some examples, the delivery lighting pattern differs from the warning lighting pattern by changing a flashing frequency or by activating auxiliary lights. The auxiliary lights are exterior lights, interior lights, or both. In some embodiments, the auxiliary lights are positioned at the rear of a vehicle (e.g., taillights).

[0005] In some aspects, the processors are operable to execute the instructions to perform operations to determine the occurrence of a delivery event, and in response to determining the occurrence of the delivery event, send the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. Additionally or alternatively, some aspects include processors operable to execute the instructions to perform operations to determine that the vehicle is in a parking mode, and in response to determining that the vehicle is in a parking mode, send the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.Additionally or alternatively, processors are operable to execute the instructions to perform operations to determine that the vehicle's parking brake is engaged, and in response to determining that the vehicle's parking brake is engaged, send the signal to activate the vehicle's lights in the delivery lighting pattern. Additionally or alternatively, processors are operable to execute the instructions to perform operations to determine that the vehicle is slowing down and approaching a curb, and in response to determining that the vehicle is slowing down and approaching a curb, send the signal to activate the vehicle's lights in the delivery lighting pattern.In some examples, upon executing instructions, processors are operable to perform operations to determine that the vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking, and in response to determining that the vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking, send the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. In another example, upon executing instructions, the processors are operable to perform operations to determine that a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address, and in response to determining that a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address, send the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.

[0006] In some embodiments, the processors, upon executing instructions, are operable to perform operations to detect a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. In some of the embodiments that include a step of detecting a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern includes determining that the vehicle is in a parking mode, and in response to determining that the vehicle is in a parking mode, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.In still further embodiments, in which the processors, upon executing the instructions, are operable to perform operations to detect a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern includes determining the occurrence of at least one event and, in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.For example, determining the occurrence of at least one event may include at least one event selected from the following: a vehicle parking brake is engaged, a vehicle is slowing down and approaching a curb, a vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking, and a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the processors of the control system are further operable, upon executing the instructions, to perform operations to: determine the occurrence of a collision event, determine that a vehicle lamp activated in the warning lighting pattern is inoperative, and activate the vehicle lights in a special lighting pattern that is different from the warning lighting pattern. In some such embodiments, the special lighting pattern is the same as a delivery lighting pattern. In some embodiments with a special lighting pattern activated, an auxiliary lamp is activated, wherein the auxiliary lamp is not activated in the warning lighting pattern.

[0008] In some implementations of the control system, the processors, upon executing the instructions, are operable to perform operations to detect a signal to deactivate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern and, in response, deactivate the vehicle lights. In some implementations, deactivating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting condition includes activating the warning lighting pattern or deactivating some or all of the activated vehicle lights. The deactivation signal may include a signal indicating a change in parking mode, a signal indicating a released parking brake, a signal indicating a vehicle in motion, a signal indicating a vehicle backing away from a curb, and a signal indicating that the warning lighting pattern for the vehicle lights is deactivated.

[0009] The processors may also be operable to determine that the vehicle lights are activated in a warning lighting pattern, and in response to determining that the vehicle lights are activated in the warning lighting pattern and detecting a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern, activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. In some aspects, upon executing the instructions, the processors are operable to perform operations to determine the occurrence of at least one event and, in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, activate a warning lighting pattern. The event may include a collision event, a critical stop event, or a thermal event.

[0010] In some implementations, the processors, upon executing the instructions, are operable to perform operations to determine the occurrence of a component failure, and in response to determining the occurrence of the component failure, to activate the vehicle lights at a flashing frequency that is different from the flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern and the flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern.

[0011] In some aspects, one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media containing software may include instructions operable, when executed, to perform operations to: detect, by a control system, a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern; and activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. The delivery lighting pattern, in some aspects, may include a flashing frequency that differs from a flashing frequency of a warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs from the flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern by at least 1 Hz.

[0012] In further embodiments, the one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media are operable, when executed, to perform operations including: activating, in the delivery lighting pattern, an auxiliary light that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern.In some embodiments of the one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media, the instructions are further operable, when executed, to perform operations including: detecting, by the control system, a signal to deactivate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, wherein the deactivation signal includes at least one signal selected from the group consisting of a signal indicating a change in parking mode, a signal indicating that the vehicle is moving away from a curb, a signal indicating a vehicle in motion, and a signal indicating the deactivated warning lights; and deactivating the delivery lighting pattern.

[0013] In some embodiments, a vehicle includes a plurality of lights and a control system. The control system may include one or more processors and memory including instructions executable by the processors, the processors operable to execute the instructions to perform operations including: detecting, by the control system, a signal from a sensor of the plurality of sensors to activate vehicle lights of the plurality of lights in a delivery lighting pattern and activating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. A flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern, in some embodiments, differs from a flashing frequency of a warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs from the flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern by at least 1 Hz.In some embodiments, the processors are further operable to activate an auxiliary light in the delivery lighting pattern that is not activated in the hazard lighting pattern. Detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern, in some embodiments, further includes: determining the occurrence of at least one event selected from the group consisting of a vehicle being in a park mode, a vehicle parking brake being engaged, a vehicle decelerating and approaching a curb, a vehicle being stopped by regenerative braking, and a current location of the vehicle being within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address; and in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.

[0014] The embodiments disclosed above are only examples, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Particular embodiments may include all, some, or none of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps of the embodiments disclosed above. Embodiments of the invention are particularly disclosed in the appended claims, which are directed to a control system, a computer-readable medium, and a vehicle, wherein any feature mentioned in one claim category, e.g., apparatus, may also be claimed in another claim category, e.g., control system, computer-readable medium, vehicle, and method. The dependencies or backreferences in the appended claims are chosen for formal reasons only.However, any subject-matter resulting from a deliberate reference to previous claims (in particular multiple dependencies) may also be claimed, so that any combination of claims and their features is disclosed and may be claimed independently of the dependencies chosen in the appended claims. The claimable subject-matter includes not only the combinations of features set out in the appended claims, but also any other combination of features in the claims, where any feature recited in the claims may be combined with any other feature or combination of other features in the claims. Furthermore, each of the embodiments and features described or illustrated herein may be recited in a separate claim or in any combination with any other feature or combination of other features in the claims.any embodiment or feature described or illustrated herein or with any of the features of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates an overview of an example control system environment for activating vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Fig. 2A illustrates an exemplary system for activating rear vehicle lights in a warning lighting pattern. Fig. 2B illustrates an example system for activating rear vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Fig. 3A illustrates an example system for activating front vehicle lights in a warning lighting pattern. Fig. 3B illustrates an example system for activating front vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary human-machine interface adapted to receive a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method for controlling a vehicle to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Fig. 6 illustrates an example vehicle. Fig. Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of an example computer system. Fig. Figure 7B illustrates example firmware for a vehicle ECU. DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to vehicle control systems, computer-readable media, and vehicles that activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the delivery lighting pattern differs from a warning lighting pattern. For example, a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern may differ from a flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern. In some examples, the flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs from the flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern by at least 1 Hz. In some examples, the control system activates an auxiliary light in the delivery lighting pattern that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern.

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates an overview of an exemplary control system environment 100 for activating vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. The delivery lighting pattern may advantageously warn oncoming drivers and pedestrians that the vehicle is in a delivery situation. Further, the vehicle may activate a delivery lighting pattern in response to detecting a signal, including signals indicating a delivery event.

[0017] The control system 102 may be installed in a vehicle (e.g., vehicles operating in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. 6) that includes a plurality of vehicle lights and a plurality of sensors. The vehicle may include any passenger vehicle (e.g., a car, a truck, a pickup truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a minivan, a crossover utility vehicle (CUV), a truck, a tow truck) that may be used for transportation and may travel in one or more of rural environments, urban environments, and / or off-road or mountainous environments. In one embodiment, the vehicle may include a gasoline-powered vehicle, which may be powered, for example, by an internal combustion engine (ICE) or other fuel-injected engine.In certain embodiments, the vehicle may include, for example, an electric vehicle (EV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or another vehicle that may be partially or entirely powered by one or more electric motors (e.g., synchronous electric motors, permanent magnet synchronous electric motors (PMSMs)) that utilize energy stored in one or more batteries included in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, capable of, for example, operating according to autonomous driving level 3, autonomous driving level 4, autonomous driving level 5, or switching between different levels of autonomous driving functionality.

[0018] In some embodiments, a control system includes one or more processors and memory including instructions executable by the processors. The processors may be operable to execute the instructions to perform operations including sending / receiving / detecting signals, determining the state(s) of the vehicle, and controlling (e.g., enabling and disabling) components of the vehicle. The vehicle may include one control system for the vehicle or multiple control systems, each assigned a subset of the vehicle's controls. In some embodiments, vehicle control systems include one or more of an autonomous control system (e.g.,to control vehicle safety in autonomous driving mode, integrate sensors during autonomous driving mode, monitor driver attention, provide parking assistance), a battery control system (e.g., to determine battery health, to determine state of charge, to determine battery voltage, to determine temperature, to determine current, to control charging, to isolate battery packs, to balance between battery cells), a body control system (e.g., to control seat positions, to control seat heating and ventilation, to control steering column positions, to control doors, to control windows, to control mirrors, to determine ambient temperature), a telematics control system (e.g., to control the vehicle's radio communications, to provide the navigation function), a thermal management control system (e.g.,to control heating and cooling of a battery, to control cooling of power units, to control heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and vents, to sense passenger compartment temperature, to sense temperature and control cooling of the powertrain, the vehicle's interior and exterior lights, to control the horn, to control windshield wipers), and a vehicle dynamics control system (e.g., to control the drivetrain, to control the active damper, to control the vehicle's air suspension, to control vehicle acceleration, to control regeneration, to determine torque distribution, to control traction, to control drive modes, to determine the odometer, to control damping, to control an emergency parking brake, to receive signals from proximity sensors, to receive signals from a PRND stalk).

[0019] The control system 102 may be any vehicle control system capable of activating vehicle lights. A vehicle control system may activate a vehicle light directly (for example, by sending a signal directly to the respective vehicle light) or indirectly (for example, by sending a signal to another control system, which forwards the signal to other components in the vehicle, such as the vehicle light). In some embodiments, the control system 102 detects a signal 104 to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. In Fig. 1, an exemplary source of the signal is the gearshift 104a (or an associated PRND stalk or an associated vehicle dynamics control system).

[0020] In Fig. 1, the gearshift 104a is in park mode, which causes a signal 104 to be sent to the control system 102. As in Fig. 1, the gearshift 104a is a standard PRND (Park-Reverse-Neutral-Drive) gearshift. Other gearshifts could be used, such as a gearshift interface on a human-machine interface (HMI). In further embodiments, the state (PRND) of the gearshift 104a is stored in a memory of the vehicle, including a memory of the control system 102. When a user shifts the gearshift 104a, the memory is updated to reflect the PRND state of the vehicle. In such embodiments, the control system 102 can then determine that the vehicle is in a park mode by accessing the memory and determining whether the state of the vehicle is P, R, N, or D, or by determining the "P" state of the vehicle (e.g., whether "P" is labeled "yes" or "no").In other embodiments, when a user shifts the gearshift 104a, the vehicle's "P" state (e.g., "P" is "yes" / "no") is communicated to the control system 102 and recognized as a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Further, the gearshift 104a is an exemplary source of a vehicle's park mode; other vehicle components may provide a park mode status in addition to, or instead of, the gearshift 104a.

[0021] Parking mode is an example signal that activates vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Other embodiments may use other signals in addition to or alternatively to the parking mode signal. For example, a parking mode may also include a stopped mode in which the vehicle is stopped and regenerative braking maintains the vehicle in a stationary position, even if the vehicle is parked on a hill, mountain, and / or ramp. In some embodiments, a control system determines the occurrence of a delivery event, and in response to determining the occurrence of the delivery event, a signal is sent to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the control system that determines the occurrence of the delivery event and sends the signal is different from the control system (e.g., control system 102) that activates the vehicle lights.In other embodiments, the control system is the same, with the signal sent to activate vehicle lights and the signal detected to activate vehicle lights residing within the control system, such as signals sent between different modules or subsystems of the control system. In some embodiments, a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern is sent in response to determining the "P" state of a vehicle (as described above with respect to signal 104 and gearshift 104a). In some embodiments, a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern is sent in response to determining the status of a vehicle parking brake (e.g., using a vehicle dynamics control system).In such embodiments, control system 102 determines the status by accessing memory (including memory of control system 102) and determining whether the parking brake is engaged (e.g., "parking brake engaged" is labeled "yes" or "no"). In other embodiments, when a user engages / releases the parking brake, the state of the parking brake (e.g., "parking brake engaged / released") is communicated to control system 102. Regenerative braking of the vehicle may also be used as a source of a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. With regenerative braking systems, a vehicle may actively slow its motion to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into stored energy (e.g., battery charge) for later use. In some vehicles, a regenerative braking system may bring a vehicle to a complete stop.In such vehicles, a control system (such as a vehicle dynamics control system) may determine that the regenerative braking system has brought the vehicle to a complete stop and, in response, send a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Furthermore, for vehicles with regenerative braking, a control system (such as a vehicle dynamics control system) may determine that the regenerative braking system has decelerated the vehicle below a threshold speed and, in response, send a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. In some implementations, a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern is sent in response to determining a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address. For example, a telematics control system (e.g.,A system (e.g., a global positioning system or other geolocation system) may identify the current location of the vehicle, and another system may determine an area surrounding a delivery address (e.g., a property associated with the delivery address). The control system 102 may send a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern in response to determining the difference between the current location of the vehicle and the area surrounding a delivery address to be less than a threshold, for example, less than 500 m. In some embodiments, a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern is sent in response to determining that a vehicle is slowing down and approaching a curb.In such embodiments, the control system 102 determines a vehicle speed by accessing a speedometer of the vehicle and determines through a vehicle proximity sensor that a vehicle is approaching a curb. In some other embodiments, vehicle occupant actions within the vehicle interior trigger a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. For example, if a control system determines that a vehicle occupant (e.g., a driver or non-driver) has unbuckled a seat belt (e.g., by detecting that the seat belt state has changed from "buckled" to "unbuckled"), risen from a chair (e.g., by detecting that the seat belt state has changed from "occupied" to "unoccupied"), and / or opened a door of the vehicle (e.g., byIf the state of a vehicle door is detected to have changed from "closed" to "open"), the signal may be sent. In some embodiments, the control system that determines the occurrence of an event (such as a delivery event, parking mode change, parking brake engaged / released, vehicle slowing down and approaching a curb, etc.) and sends the signal is different from the control system (e.g., control system 102) that activates the vehicle lights. In other embodiments, the control system is the same, with the signal sent to activate vehicle lights and the signal detected to activate vehicle lights residing within the control system, such as signals sent between different modules or subsystems within a control system.

[0022] In some implementations, control system 102 optionally determines that vehicle lights are activated in a warning lighting pattern. In environment 100, vehicle control system 102 determines activation of the vehicle lights in the warning pattern by sending and detecting signals 106 at hazard warning button 106a. Signal 106 is exemplary. Control system 102 may use other approaches to determine activation of vehicle lights in a warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, control system 102 determines that the vehicle lights are activated in a warning lighting pattern in response to a user pressing a physical hazard warning button 106a and the vehicle sending a signal to control system 102 that the vehicle lights are activated in the warning lighting pattern.In further embodiments, the state (on / off) of the hazard warning button 106a is stored in a memory of the vehicle, including a memory of the control system 102. In such embodiments, the control system 102 determines the activation of the vehicle lights in a hazard lighting pattern by accessing the memory (e.g., a memory of the control system 102) and determining the state of the hazard warning button. Further, the hazard warning button 106a is an exemplary source for activating a hazard lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the hazard lighting pattern is activated by determining the occurrence of an event.

[0023] The event could be a collision event. In such embodiments, the source of the signal could be, for example, a restraint module. Another example event includes a critical stall event, the source of which could be, for example, a powertrain module. In such embodiments, a powertrain module detects a vehicle failure and sends a signal to control system 102 (or another system) to activate the warning lighting pattern. Yet another example event is a thermal event. For example, control system 102 may detect a signal that a vehicle fire (e.g., engine overheating, exceeding a line current threshold) is imminent. Other fault events could also be used to activate the warning lighting pattern.In all such embodiments, determining the occurrence of the at least one event (such as a collision event, a critical stall event, a thermal event, another fault, etc.) results in activating the warning lighting pattern and generating a signal 106 that the control system 102 detects to determine the activation of the warning lighting pattern.

[0024] In some embodiments where control system 102 optionally determines that vehicle lights are activated in a warning lighting pattern, when control system 102 detects a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern and determines that the vehicle is in a warning lighting pattern, control system 102 activates the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. In some embodiments, control system 102 detects the signal and makes the determinations simultaneously. In others, control system 102 does not perform the detecting and determining simultaneously. In some embodiments, control system 102 detects the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern and determines that the vehicle is not activated in a warning lighting pattern.In response to a later determination that the vehicle is activated in a warning lighting pattern (and the signal has not been reversed), the vehicle activates the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. Using . Fig. 1 To illustrate this example, a user may first press the hazard warning button 106a while the vehicle is moving (i.e., the gearshift 104a is not in the "Park" position), then later adjust the gearshift 104a, causing the control system 102 to detect a signal to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. Similarly, the control system 102 may detect the signal to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, then later determine that the vehicle lights are activated in the hazard lighting pattern. Again, to illustrate Fig. 1, a user may stop the vehicle and place the gearshift 104a in the "Park" position, which will detect a signal at the control system 102 to activate the lights in a delivery lighting pattern. When a user later presses the hazard warning button 106a, the control system 102 will activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.

[0025] As noted, the delivery lighting pattern differs from the warning lighting pattern. This difference may include, for example, changing a flashing frequency of vehicle lights between the delivery lighting pattern and the warning lighting pattern, activating auxiliary lights in the delivery lighting pattern, changing a pulse length or intensity of activated lights in the delivery lighting pattern to differ from the pulse length or intensity of the warning lighting pattern, and changing a flashing color of vehicle lights. In some embodiments, the delivery lighting pattern could be an augmented and coordinated lighting pattern with audio feedback, could include projections onto a surface (e.g., the vehicle, the road), etc. In some embodiments, the difference between the delivery lighting pattern and the warning lighting pattern is user-adjustable.In some embodiments, the flashing frequency of the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern includes a frequency difference of at least 1 Hz compared to the warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the flashing frequency difference is at least 4 Hz. For example, if the vehicle lights are activated at 2 Hz in the warning lighting pattern, this frequency is increased to at least 6 Hz for the delivery lighting pattern. Some embodiments may include a third flashing frequency that is different from the frequency of the warning lighting pattern and the frequency of the delivery lighting pattern. For example, in addition to a warning lighting frequency at a first frequency and a delivery lighting pattern (or a special lighting pattern, as discussed further below) at a second frequency, some embodiments include a third frequency, for example, to indicate a component failure in the vehicle lighting system (e.g.,a wiring fault). In some such embodiments, the control system 102 may determine an occurrence of a component fault, and in response to determining the occurrence of the component fault, activate the vehicle lights at the third flashing frequency. In certain implementations, the warning lighting pattern activates vehicle lights at 2 Hz, the delivery lighting pattern activates vehicle lights at 6 Hz, and the third pattern (e.g., a wiring fault) activates vehicle lights at 4 Hz. The activated vehicle lights may be located outside the vehicle (as shown in FIG. Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. 4), inside the vehicle, or both.

[0026] In some embodiments, the control system 102 activates additional lights in the delivery lighting pattern relative to those activated in the warning lighting pattern. The additional lights may be activated with or without changing the flashing frequency between the delivery lighting pattern and the warning lighting pattern. Fig. 2A illustrates an exemplary system for activating rear vehicle lights in a warning lighting pattern. The vehicle 200 includes left and right rear taillights 202L and 202R, left and right rear turn signal lights 204L and 204R, left and right rear auxiliary taillights 206L and 206R, left and right rear clearance lights 208L and 208R, and the center clearance light 210. In the warning lighting pattern, the left and right rear taillights 202L and 202R and the left and right turn signal lights 204L and 204R flash at a first frequency. In the example of Fig. 2A, the left and right turn signals 204L and 204R are the only rear lights that flash in the warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the flashing frequency of the left and right turn signals in a warning lighting pattern is 2 Hz. As discussed above, the warning lighting pattern may be activated, for example, via a user pressing an emergency warning flasher button and by determining the occurrence of certain events (as described herein).

[0027] Fig. Figure 2B illustrates an example system for activating rear vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. Fig. 2B, the left and right direction indicators 204L and 204R on the vehicle 200 are activated, as shown in the warning lighting pattern in Fig. 2A, and additionally activates the auxiliary tail lamps 206L and 206R located on the left and right rear of the vehicle above the auxiliary tail lamps 202L and 202R. Thus, the vehicle 200 activates vehicle lamps in the delivery lighting pattern differently than in the warning lighting pattern by activating additional vehicle lamps (in this case, the auxiliary tail lamps 206L and 206R located on the left and right rear of the vehicle). Additionally or alternatively, the activated lamps in the delivery lighting pattern may flash at a second frequency that is different from the first frequency in the warning lighting pattern, such as at a frequency of at least 1 Hz that is different from that of the warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the flashing of additional vehicle lamps (in the delivery lighting pattern) is synchronized with the other lamps (activated in both the delivery lighting pattern and the warning lighting pattern).In other embodiments, the flashing of auxiliary lights is not synchronized. In some embodiments, the delivery lighting pattern differs from the warning lighting pattern by a flash type, such as pulse length or pulse intensity. In some embodiments, the delivery lighting pattern includes audible and visual feedback within the vehicle to alert the driver that the vehicle lights are activated in the delivery lighting pattern. For example, interior lights (e.g., lights on an HMI) or tones may be activated at the same frequency as the flashing frequency of the exterior lights in the delivery lighting pattern. Some embodiments include audible warnings outside the vehicle.

[0028] Fig. 3A illustrates an exemplary system for activating front vehicle lights in a warning lighting pattern and Fig. 3B illustrates an exemplary system for activating front vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. The vehicle 300 includes the left and right front turn signal lights 302L and 304R and the roof marker lights 304A, 304B, 304C, 304D, and 304E. In the warning lighting pattern, the left and right front turn signal lights 302L and 302R flash at a first frequency. In the example of Fig. 3A, the left and right front turn signal lamps 302L and 302R are the only front lamps that flash in the warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the flashing frequency of the left and right turn signal lamps in a warning lighting pattern is 2 Hz. As explained above, the warning lighting pattern may be activated, for example, by a user pressing an emergency warning flasher button and by determining the occurrence of certain events (as explained herein). Fig. 3B, on vehicle 300, the left and right front turn signal lights 302L and 302R are activated as in the warning lighting pattern, and additionally, the roof marker lights 304A, 304B, 304C, 304D, and 304E located on top of the vehicle are activated. Thus, the vehicle 300 actuates vehicle lights differently in the delivery lighting pattern than in the warning lighting pattern by activating additional vehicle lights (in this case, the roof marker lights 304A, 304B, 304C, 304D, and 304E). Additionally or alternatively, the activated lights in the delivery lighting pattern may flash at a second frequency different from the first frequency in the warning lighting pattern, such as at a frequency of at least 1 Hz different from that of the warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the flashing of the additional vehicle lights is synchronized with other lights.In other embodiments, the flashing of the auxiliary lights is not synchronized. In some embodiments, the delivery lighting pattern differs from the warning lighting pattern by a flashing type, such as pulse length or pulse intensity. In some embodiments, a delivery lighting pattern may differ from the warning lighting pattern by the colors of the lights.

[0029] In some embodiments, the illumination patterns of the front vehicle lights are Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B with the illumination patterns of the rear vehicle lights of Fig. 2A or Fig. 2B combined. Auxiliary lamps (e.g., side indicators (not shown)) may also be activated in the lighting pattern, the delivery lighting pattern, or a special lighting pattern (discussed below).

[0030] In some embodiments, the control system 102 may detect a collision event signal (e.g., a signal that an airbag has deployed) and determine that one or more of the vehicle lights of the warning lighting pattern are inoperative. This scenario may occur, for example, when the front of a vehicle collides with another vehicle and damages one or more turn signals (e.g., left and right turn signal lights 302L and 302R). In this situation, activating the warning lighting pattern may not attract the attention of other drivers and pedestrians because the warning lighting pattern includes inoperative front turn signals. In response to the control system 102 detecting a collision event signal (e.g., a signal that an airbag has deployed) and determining (e.g.,If a condition (e.g., due to loss of communication with a lighting module, due to communication with a body control system, a rear zone control system, or a vehicle dynamics control system) causes one or more of the vehicle lights of the warning lighting pattern to be inoperative, the control system 102 may activate a special lighting pattern to compensate. Detecting a collision event signal may include the control system 102 determining that a collision event has occurred. Returning to . Fig. 3A and vehicle 300, if a collision renders the left and / or right front turn signal lamps 302L and 302R inoperative, the control system 102 may activate one or more of the box roof marker lamps 304A, 304B, 304C, 304D, and 304E. The special lighting may be different from the warning lighting. In Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the special lighting pattern differs from the warning lighting pattern in that an additional vehicle light is activated in the special lighting pattern that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern. Other differences could be implemented. For example, the special lighting pattern may differ from the warning lighting pattern in the flashing frequency, such as the differences between delivery lighting patterns and warning lighting patterns discussed herein. If a vehicle has both a special lighting pattern and a delivery lighting pattern, the special lighting pattern may be different from or the same as a delivery lighting pattern. Other embodiments may also activate vehicle lights in a special lighting pattern.For example, in response to determining a flat tire event, an open tailgate event, a detached equipment event (e.g., equipment on a roof rack), a covered taillight event (e.g., by using sensors in the taillights to monitor ambient light), based on a vehicle's location (e.g., location in a factory or construction site, etc.), based on the connection of a charger, a variation in vehicle load, specific vehicle events (e.g., speed exceeding threshold, rapid deceleration), or an alarm trigger. Furthermore, special lighting patterns can be used to signal a vehicle's condition. For example, other drivers and pedestrians can benefit from a "robot driver" lighting pattern to alert them to an autonomous vehicle and / or autonomous delivery driver.Other special lighting patterns could include a “charging mode” or a “listening mode” of the vehicle to attract the attention of a user of the vehicle.

[0031] Some embodiments include automatic deactivation of a delivery lighting pattern or a special lighting pattern. For example, the control system 102 may detect a signal to deactivate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern (e.g., by detecting that a gearshift has been moved from a "Park" state to a "Drive" state, detecting that a hazard button pattern signal has changed from "On" to "Off," etc.) and, in response, deactivate the vehicle lights. In some embodiments, deactivating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting condition includes activating vehicle lights in the hazard lighting pattern or deactivating some or all of the activated vehicle lights. The deactivation signal may include a user instruction (e.g., via an HMI or intelligent assistant) to interrupt a delivery lighting pattern, a change in parking mode (e.g.,a change to a gearshift from a "Park" state), a released parking brake, a vehicle backing away from a curb, or a deactivated hazard light pattern signal (for example, a hazard warning button, such as button 106a in . Fig. 1, enabled). The user instruction can be received by the control system.

[0032] Fig. 4 illustrates an example human-machine interface adapted for activating vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. The HMI 400 includes an example user control 402 for selecting the hazard warning lights. The HMI 400 also includes other vehicle controls, such as a cargo light brightness control 404, a mirror control 406, a door control 408, an interior light control 410, a cargo light control 412, and a work light control 414. The controls depicted in the HMI 400 are example. The user control 402 may be the source of the signal 104 to activate a delivery lighting pattern. In some embodiments, a control system (such as control system 102) detects a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.In some of these embodiments, detecting a user command may be a request to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern (or special lighting pattern), in addition to or alternatively to detecting a signal to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern (or special lighting pattern). As described above, the signal to activate includes, among other things, determining a delivery event, determining that a vehicle is in a parking mode, determining that a vehicle parking brake is engaged, determining that a vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking, determining that a vehicle is decelerating and approaching a curb, determining that a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address.In some embodiments, the area is a geofened area of ​​the delivery address. The proximity threshold may be 100 to 500 meters in some embodiments.

[0033] The user control 402 can also be the source of a signal to deactivate the delivery lighting pattern. A user can toggle the delivery lighting pattern by changing the position of the radio button associated with the hazard warning light control 402. It should be understood that the HMI 400 is provided only as a source of user instruction for illustrative purposes. In some implementations, the source of user instruction is a virtual assistant (e.g., a voice-activated intelligent assistant).

[0034] Fig. 5 illustrates an example flowchart of a method 500 for controlling a vehicle to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of Fig. 5 by a vehicle control system. The method may begin in step 502, where a signal from a control system is detected, and the signal indicates that vehicle lights should be activated in a delivery lighting pattern. In step 504, the method 500 optionally includes determining, by the control system, that the vehicle lights are activated in a warning lighting pattern. Some embodiments of the method 500 do not include step 504. In step 506, the method 500 may include activating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, wherein a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs from a flashing frequency of a warning lighting pattern. In some embodiments, the flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs from the flashing frequency of the lighting pattern by at least 1 Hz.In some embodiments, in addition to or alternatively to a different flashing frequency, step 506 may include activating (in the delivery lighting pattern) an auxiliary lamp that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern.

[0035] The method 500 may further include determining the occurrence of at least one event and, in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.In some further aspects, determining the occurrence of the at least one event includes determining the occurrence of a delivery event, determining that the vehicle is in a parking mode, determining that the parking brake of the vehicle is engaged, determining that the vehicle is decelerating and approaching a curb, determining that the vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking, determining that a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address (in some embodiments, the area is a geofened area of ​​the delivery address; the proximity threshold may be 100 to 500 meters in some embodiments), determining that a vehicle occupant has unfastened a seatbelt (e.g., bydetecting that the state of a seat belt has changed from "buckled" to "unbuckled"), determining that a vehicle occupant has risen from a chair (e.g., by detecting that the state of a seat has changed from "occupied" to "unoccupied"), and / or determining that a vehicle occupant has opened a door of the vehicle (e.g., by detecting that the state of a vehicle door has changed from "closed" to "open").

[0036] Some embodiments of method 500 detect a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. In some of the embodiments that include a step of detecting a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern includes determining that the vehicle is in a park mode, and in response to determining that the vehicle is in a park mode, transmitting the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.In yet further embodiments including a step of detecting a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern includes determining the occurrence of at least one event, and in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. For example, determining the occurrence of the at least one event may include at least one event selected from a delivery event, a vehicle parking brake being engaged, a vehicle decelerating and approaching a curb, a vehicle being stopped by regenerative braking, and a current location of the vehicle being within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address.In some embodiments, the area is a geofened area of ​​the delivery address. The proximity threshold may be 100 to 500 meters in some embodiments.

[0037] Method 500, in some implementations, includes determining an occurrence of a collision event, determining that a vehicle lamp activated in the warning lighting pattern is inoperative, and activating the vehicle lamps in a special lighting pattern that differs from the warning lighting pattern. In some such embodiments, the special lighting pattern is the same as a delivery lighting pattern. In some embodiments with a special lighting pattern activated, an auxiliary lamp is activated, with the auxiliary lamp not activated in the warning lighting pattern.

[0038] Method 500 may include detecting a signal to deactivate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern and, in response, deactivating the vehicle lights. In some implementations, deactivating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting condition includes activating the warning lighting pattern or deactivating some or all of the activated vehicle lights. The deactivation signal may include a signal indicating a change in parking mode, a signal indicating a released parking brake, a signal indicating a vehicle backing away from a curb, a signal indicating a vehicle in motion, and a signal indicating that the warning lighting pattern for the vehicle lights is deactivated.

[0039] In some aspects of method 500, the method includes determining the occurrence of at least one event and, in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, activating the warning lighting pattern. The event may include a collision event, a critical stall event, or a thermal event.

[0040] In some embodiments, method 500 determines the occurrence of a component failure and, in response to determining the occurrence of the component failure, activating the vehicle lights at a flashing frequency that is different from the flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern and the flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern.

[0041] Certain embodiments may optionally include one or more steps of the method of Fig. 5. Although this disclosure describes certain steps of the method of Fig. 5 as occurring in a particular order, this disclosure includes all appropriate steps of the method of Fig. 5, which occur in any suitable order. Although this disclosure further describes and illustrates an example of a method for controlling a vehicle that incorporates the particular steps of the method of Fig. 5, this disclosure contemplates any suitable method of controlling a vehicle that includes all, some, or none of the steps of the method of Fig. 5. In addition, this disclosure, although describing and illustrating particular components, devices, or systems that perform particular steps of the method of Fig. 5, any suitable combination of suitable components, devices or systems may be considered, which may include any suitable steps of the method of Fig. 5 execute.

[0042] In one aspect, one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media containing software may include instructions operable, when executed, to perform operations to: detect, by a control system, a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern; and activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.

[0043] In some embodiments, the one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media may further include instructions operable, when executed, to perform operations to determine the occurrence of at least one event and, in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, to send the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.In some further aspects, determining the occurrence of at least one event includes determining the occurrence of a delivery event, determining that the vehicle is in a parking mode, determining that the parking brake of the vehicle is engaged, determining that the vehicle is decelerating and approaching a curb, determining that the vehicle is being stopped by regenerative braking, determining that a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address (in some embodiments, the area is a geofened area of ​​the delivery address; the proximity threshold may be 100 to 500 meters in some embodiments), determining that a vehicle occupant has unfastened a seatbelt (e.g., bydetecting that the state of a seat belt has changed from "buckled" to "unbuckled"), determining that a vehicle occupant has risen from a chair (e.g., by detecting that the state of a seat has changed from "occupied" to "unoccupied"), and / or determining that a vehicle occupant has opened a door of the vehicle (e.g., by detecting that the state of a vehicle door has changed from "closed" to "open").

[0044] In some embodiments, the one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media include instructions to perform operations to detect a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. In some of the embodiments that include a step of detecting a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern includes determining that the vehicle is in a park mode, and in response to determining that the vehicle is in a park mode, transmitting the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.In still further embodiments where the media includes instructions to perform operations to detect a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern includes determining the occurrence of at least one event and, in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, transmitting the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.For example, determining the occurrence of at least one event may include at least one event selected from the following: a delivery event, a vehicle parking brake is engaged, a vehicle is decelerating and approaching a curb, a vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking, and a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address (in some embodiments, the area is a geofened area of ​​the delivery address; the proximity threshold may be 100 to 500 meters in some embodiments).

[0045] The one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media may further include instructions to perform operations for determining the occurrence of a collision event; for determining that a vehicle lamp activated in the warning lighting pattern is inoperative; and for activating the vehicle lamps in a special lighting pattern that is different from the warning lighting pattern. In some such embodiments, the special lighting pattern is the same as a delivery lighting pattern. In some embodiments with an activated special lighting pattern, an auxiliary lamp is activated in the special lighting pattern that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern.

[0046] In some aspects, the one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media may further include instructions to perform operations to detect a signal to deactivate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern and, in response, deactivate the vehicle lights. In some implementations, deactivating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting condition includes activating the warning lighting pattern or deactivating some or all of the activated vehicle lights. The deactivation signal may include a signal indicating a change in parking mode, a signal indicating a released parking brake, a signal indicating a vehicle in motion, a signal indicating a vehicle backing away from a curb, and a signal indicating that the warning lighting pattern for the vehicle lights is deactivated.

[0047] In some implementations, the media includes instructions to perform operations to determine the occurrence of at least one event and, in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, to activate the warning lighting pattern. The event may include a collision event, a critical stall event, or a thermal event.

[0048] In some embodiments, the one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media may further include instructions to perform operations to determine the occurrence of a component failure, and in response to determining the occurrence of the component failure, to activate the vehicle lights at a flashing frequency that is different from the flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern and the flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern.

[0049] Fig. 6 illustrates an example method 600. The vehicle 600 may include a plurality of sensors 610, a plurality of cameras 620, and a control system 630. In some embodiments, the vehicle 600 may be capable of pairing with a computing device 650 (e.g., smartphone 650a, tablet computing device 650b, or a smart vehicle accessory). As an example, and without limitation, a sensor 610 may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a global positioning satellite (GPS) signal sensor, a vibration sensor (e.g., piezoelectric accelerometer), a light detection and ranging sensor (LiDAR) sensor, a radio wave detection and ranging sensor (RADAR) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a chemical sensor, an electromagnetic proximity sensor, a current sensor, another suitable sensor, or a combination thereof.By way of example and without limitation, a camera 620 may be a still camera, a video camera, a 3D scanning system (e.g., based on modulated light, laser triangulation, laser pulse, structured light, light detection and ranging (LiDAR)), an infrared camera, another suitable camera, or a combination thereof. The vehicle 600 may include various controllable components (e.g., doors, seats, windows, lights, HVAC, entertainment system, security system), instrument and information displays and / or interactive interfaces, functionality for coupling a computing device 650 to the vehicle (which may enable control of certain vehicle functions using the computing device 650), and functionality for coupling accessories to the vehicle, which may then be controllable through an interactive interface in the vehicle or by a paired computing device 650.

[0050] The control system 630 may enable the control of various systems on board the vehicle. As in Fig. 6, the control system 630 may include one or more electronic control units (ECUs), each associated with a specific set of functions. Each ECU may be a computer system (as further described in Fig. 7), and each ECU may include the functionality provided by one or more of the example ECUs described below.

[0051] Features of the embodiments described herein may be controlled by one or more ECUs that provide functionality related to the vehicle's battery pack. The battery management system (BMS) ECU may control and monitor a number of different aspects related to the electric vehicle battery system. Functions that may be controlled by the BMS may include, by way of example and not limitation, controlling the battery pack contactors and pre-charge relay, monitoring the high-voltage connector, measuring the breakdown sensor resistance and the battery pack water sensor resistance, controlling the battery pack fans, measuring the busbar temperature, communicating with the battery power isolation ECU (BPI ECU) and the equalization voltage temperature ECU (BVT ECU), and calculating the state-of-charge (SoC) and battery health (SoH).A BPI ECU can provide high-voltage sensing, measure battery pack current, and facilitate pack insulation determination. A BVT ECU can monitor battery module cell voltages, monitor temperature, and perform cell balancing.

[0052] Features of the embodiments described herein may be controlled by a thermal management module (TMM) ECU. The TMM ECU may provide electronic controls for HVAC components that control the temperature within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, including, by way of example and not limitation, sensing the passenger compartment temperature, heating and cooling the passenger compartment, and controlling the HVAC mode (foot mode, defrost / dehumidify), the electronic air compressor, the HVAC blower, the vents, and the passenger compartment heater.The TMM ECU may also or alternatively control heating and cooling of the battery pack and cooling of drive units (inverters), including, by way of example and not limitation, controlling the speed of the radiator fan, heating and cooling of the energy storage system (ESS), monitoring ESS coolant temperature sensors, cooling the powertrain, and monitoring powertrain coolant temperature sensors.

[0053] Features of the embodiments described herein may be controlled by a vehicle dynamics module (VDM) ECU. The VDM ECU may control a number of different functions related to aspects of the vehicle's powertrain, regenerative braking, suspension, steering, traction control, mass distribution, aerodynamics, and drive modes. In some embodiments, the VDM ECU may, by way of example and not limitation, control vehicle acceleration, control vehicle energy regeneration, calculate torque distribution, provide traction control, control drive modes, control odometer functions, control driveline disconnect, adjust damping, adjust roll stiffness, adjust ride height, automatically level a vehicle when on a bank, and control the emergency parking brake driver.

[0054] Features of the embodiments described herein may be controlled by the telematics control module (TCM) ECU. The TCM ECU may provide a wireless vehicle communication gateway to support functionality such as, but not limited to, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, communication between the vehicle and the internet, communication between the vehicle and a computing device 650, in vehicle navigation, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, communication between the vehicle and landscape features (e.g., automated sensors for toll roads, automated toll plazas, power delivery devices at charging stations), or automated calling functionality.

[0055] A restraint control module (RCM) ECU may provide functionality to control components of a passive safety system of the vehicle (e.g., automatic pretensioning of seat belts, airbags, car seat or booster seat for a baby, child or animal), such as, but not limited to, sensing a roll / pitch / yaw motion of the vehicle or sensing whether components of the passive safety system are applied to one or more vehicle occupants.

[0056] Features of the embodiments described herein may be controlled by a Rear Zone Control ECU (RZC-ECU). The RZC-ECU may provide functionality to control different body components, such as, but not limited to, a license plate light, based on the vehicle body type. For vehicles with a truck bed, the RZC-ECU may provide functionality to control a tonneau cover, a side pod latch, a tailgate latch, side pod lights, or cargo area lights. For a sport utility vehicle with a rear door, the RZC-ECU may provide functionality to control tailgate latches, a tailgate actuator, exit lights, or a rear window wiper. For vehicles with a trailer hitch, the RZC-ECU may provide functionality to control trailer braking or a trailer brake light.For vehicles with a third row of seats, the RZC ECU can provide functionality to control the movement of interior components to facilitate easy entry to the rear seats. In a delivery vehicle, the RZC ECU can provide functionality to control the movement of a bulkhead door motor and latches, roller door latches, various lights, rear brake lights, and turn signals.

[0057] Features of the embodiments described herein may be controlled by an onboard power system control unit (BSG-ECU). The BSG-ECU may provide electronic controls for various components of the vehicle body, including, by way of example and not limitation: interior lighting (e.g., cabin lights, seatbelt lights), exterior lighting (e.g., headlights, sidelights, taillights, camper lights), power outlets, frunk switches, windshield wiper movement and washer fluid dispensing, the overhead center console, the horn, power ports, and wireless charging and docking accessories.

[0058] Features of the embodiments described herein may be controlled by a central gateway module (CGM) ECU. The CGM ECU may serve as the vehicle's communications hub, connecting and transmitting data to and from the various ECUs, sensors, cameras, motors, and other vehicle components. The CGM ECU may include a network switch that provides connectivity via control area network (CAN) ports, local area network (LIN) ports, and Ethernet ports. The CGM ECU may also serve as the master controller over the various vehicle modes (e.g., highway mode, park mode, off-road mode, tow mode, camp mode), thereby controlling certain vehicle components related to placing the vehicle in one of the vehicle modes. In some embodiments, the CGM ECU for electric vehicles may also control the vehicle's charging port door and related light(s) and sensor(s).

[0059] Features of embodiments as described herein may be controlled by one or more ECUs that may provide functions of an automated driving system (ADS) and / or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which may be activated by a driver of the vehicle to provide one or more functions to support driver assistance and / or automation. The autonomy control module ECU (ACM-ECU) may process data captured by cameras 620 and / or sensors 610. In some embodiments, the ACM-ECU may provide artificial intelligence functionality to provide and / or refine driving and / or automation support functions. An autonomy control module ECU (ACM-ECU) may provide functions that support driving safety by monitoring sensors that support self-driving functions.A driver monitoring system (DMS-ECU) may provide functions to monitor and inform the control system about the driver's level of attention (e.g., while relying on driver assistance and / or automation features). The DMS may process data captured by a camera positioned to monitor the driver's gaze. A parking assist module (PAM) ECU may provide functions to assist a driver during manual and / or automated parking operations. The PAM-ECU may process data captured by cameras 620 and / or sensors 610 to determine appropriate control commands.

[0060] Features of the embodiments described herein may be controlled by the Experience Management Module (XMM) ECU, which may generate a user interface displayed on a vehicle dashboard. The user interface may display information and provide audio output for an infotainment system, including various views around and inside the vehicle. The XMM may provide interactive controls for a number of different vehicle functions that may be controlled in conjunction with activating the designated mode, such as, by way of example and not limitation: controlling interior and exterior lighting, vehicle displays (e.g., instrument cluster, central information display, and rear console display), audio output (e.g.,Audio processing, echo cancellation, beam focusing), music playback, heating, HVAC controls, power settings, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and vehicle leveling, and displaying information in the user interface (e.g., surround view camera feeds, distance to the nearest charger, and minimum range). In some embodiments, interactive controls provided by the XMM may enable interaction with other modules of the control system 630. In some embodiments, functions of the ACM and the XMM may be combined together into an autonomous eXperience module ECU (AXM-ECU).

[0061] The vehicle 600 may include one or more additional ECUs, such as, by way of example and without limitation: a vehicle access system ECU (VAS-ECU), a near field communication ECU (NFC-ECU), a seat control module ECU (SCM-ECU), a door control module ECU (DCM-ECU), and / or a winch control module ECU (WCM-ECU).

[0062] Fig. 7A illustrates an example computer system 700. The computer system 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, storage 706, an input / output (I / O) interface 708, a communications interface 710, and a bus 712. Although this disclosure describes an example computer system that includes certain components in a particular arrangement, this disclosure contemplates any suitable computer system having any suitable number of suitable components in any suitable arrangement.By way of example and without limitation, the computer system 700 may be an ECU, an embedded computer system, a system-on-chip, a single-board computer system, a desktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, a mainframe computer, a network of computer systems, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a server computing system, a tablet computer system, or a combination of two or more of these systems. Optionally, the computer system 700 may include one or more computer systems 700; be unified or distributed, spanning multiple locations, machines, or data centers; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks.Optionally, the computer system(s) 700 may perform one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein at different times or locations in real time or in batch mode.

[0063] Processor 702 (e.g., arithmetic units &22 and &32) may include hardware for executing instructions, such as those that make up a computer program. By way of example and without limitation, to execute instructions, processor 702 may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, internal cache, memory 704, or storage 706; decode and execute them; and then write one or more results to an internal register, internal cache, memory 704, or storage 706 (e.g., storage units &24 and &34). Processor 702 may include one or more internal caches for data, instructions, or addresses.

[0064] In certain embodiments, memory 704 includes main memory for storing instructions to be executed by processor 702 or data to be manipulated by processor 702. In certain embodiments, one or more memory management units (MMUs) are located between processor 702 and memory 704 and facilitate accesses to memory 704 requested by processor 702. In certain embodiments, memory 704 includes random access memory (RAM). This disclosure contemplates any suitable RAM.

[0065] In certain embodiments, memory 706 includes mass storage for data or instructions. By way of example and without limitation, memory 706 may include a removable disk drive, flash memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or two or more thereof. Memory 706 may include a removable or fixed medium and may be internal to or external to computer system 700. Memory 706 may include any suitable form of non-volatile memory, solid-state memory, or read-only memory (ROM).

[0066] In certain embodiments, the I / O interface 708 includes hardware, software, or both, thereby providing one or more interfaces for communication between the computer system 700 and one or more input and / or output devices (I / O devices). The computer system 700 may be communicatively connected to one or more of these I / O devices that are integrated, plugged into, coupled with, or otherwise communicatively connected to the vehicle 600 (e.g., through the TCM ECU). An input device may include any suitable device for converting voluntary user input into digital signals that can be processed by the computer system 700, such as, by way of example and not limitation, a steering wheel, a touchscreen, a microphone, a joystick, a scroll wheel, a button, a toggle switch, a switch, a dial, or a pedal.An input device may include one or more sensors for receiving various types of information, such as, by way of example and not limitation, the sensors 610 described above. An output device may include devices configured to receive digital signals from the computer system 700 and convert them into an output format, such as, by way of example and not limitation, speakers, headphones, a display screen, a head-up display, a light, a smart vehicle accessory, another suitable output device, or a combination thereof. This disclosure contemplates any suitable I / O devices and any suitable I / O interfaces 708 therefor. The I / O interface 708 may optionally include one or more I / O interfaces 708.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the communication interface 710 includes hardware, software, or both, thereby providing one or more interfaces for data communication between the computer system 700 and one or more other computer systems 700 or one or more networks. The communication interface 710 may include one or more interfaces to a control area network (CAN) or a local area network (LIN). The communication interface 710 may include one or more of the serial peripheral interfaces (SPI) or an isolated serial peripheral interface (isoSPI).In some embodiments, the communication interface 710 may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wired network, or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network.

[0068] In certain embodiments, bus 712 includes hardware, software, or both that couple components of computer system 700 together. Bus 712 may include any suitable bus, as well as one or more buses 712, as appropriate. Although this disclosure describes a particular bus, any suitable bus or connection is contemplated.

[0069] As used herein, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium or medium may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays or application-specific ICs), hard disk drives, hybrid hard disk drives, optical disks, optical disk drives, magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, solid-state drives, RAM drives, any other suitable computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, or any suitable combination. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may, where appropriate, be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile.

[0070] Fig.7B illustrates example firmware 750 for a vehicle ECU 700, as described with respect to the control system 630. The firmware 750 may include functions 752 for analyzing sensor data based on signals received from sensors 610 or cameras 620 received through the communication interface 710. The firmware 750 may include functions 754 for processing user input (e.g., provided directly by a driver or passenger in the vehicle 600 or provided by a computing device 650) received through the I / O interface 708. The firmware 750 may include functions 756 for logging detected events (which may be stored in the memory 706 or uploaded to the cloud) as well as functions for reporting detected events (e.g.,to a driver or passenger of the vehicle through an instrument display or interactive interface of the vehicle, or to a vehicle manufacturer, a service provider, or a third party through the communication interface 710). The firmware 750 may include functions 758 for evaluating safety parameters (e.g., monitoring the temperature of a vehicle battery or the distance between the vehicle 600 and nearby vehicles). The firmware 750 may include functions 760 for communicating control signals to components of the vehicle 600, including other vehicle ECUs 700.

[0071] Herein, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context otherwise dictates. Therefore, "A or B" herein means "A, B, or both" unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context otherwise dictates. Furthermore, "and" means both together and individually, unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context otherwise dictates. Therefore, "A and B" herein means "A and B, together or individually" unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context otherwise dictates. It is also to be understood that, as used in the description herein and in the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0072] The scope of this disclosure includes all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications of the embodiments described or illustrated herein that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, although this disclosure describes and illustrates the respective embodiments herein as including particular components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, each of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated herein that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to a device or system, or a component of a device or system, adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or ready to perform a particular function includes that device, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that device, system, or component is adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or ready to perform it. In addition, while this disclosure describes or illustrates particular embodiments as providing particular advantages, certain embodiments may provide none, some, or all of those advantages.

Claims

[1] Tax system comprising: one or more processors and a memory comprising instructions executable by the processors, the processors operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: Detecting a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern, and Activating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, where a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern is different from a flashing frequency of a warning lighting pattern. [2] The control system of claim 1, wherein detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern comprises: Determining the occurrence of a delivery event; and in response to determining the occurrence of the delivery event, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. [3] The control system of claim 1, wherein detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern comprises: Determining that the vehicle is in a parking mode; and in response to determining that the vehicle is in a parking mode, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. [4] The control system of claim 1, wherein detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern comprises: Determine that the vehicle is slowing down and approaching a curb; and in response to determining that the vehicle is slowing down and approaching a curb, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. [5] The control system of claim 1, wherein detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern comprises: Determining that the vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking; and in response to determining that the vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. [6] The control system of claim 1, wherein detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern comprises: Determining that a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address; and in response to determining that a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area associated with a delivery address, transmitting the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. [7] The control system of claim 1, wherein the processors are further operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: Receiving a user instruction to activate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern. [8] The control system of claim 1, wherein a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs by at least 1 Hz from a flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern. [9] The control system of claim 1, wherein the processors are further operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: Activate, in the delivery lighting pattern, an auxiliary light that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern. [10] The control system of claim 1, wherein the processors are further operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: Determining the occurrence of a collision event; Determining that a vehicle lamp activated in the warning lighting pattern is inoperative; and Activating the vehicle lights in a special lighting pattern. [11] The control system of claim 1, wherein the processors are further operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: Detecting, by the control system, a signal to deactivate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, wherein the deactivation signal comprises at least one signal selected from the group consisting of a signal indicating a change in parking mode, a signal indicating that the vehicle is moving away from a kerb, a signal indicating a vehicle in motion, and a signal indicating deactivated warning lights; and Disabling the delivery lighting pattern. [12] The control system of claim 1, wherein the processors are further operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: Receiving a signal to activate the vehicle lights in the warning lighting pattern; and in response to receiving the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the warning lighting pattern and detecting the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, activating. [13] The control system of claim 1, wherein the flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern is 2 Hz, wherein the flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern is 6 Hz, and wherein the processors are further operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: Determining the occurrence of a component failure; and in response to determining the occurrence of the component failure, Activating the vehicle lights with a flashing frequency of 4 Hz. [14] One or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media containing software comprising instructions that, when executed, are operable to perform operations that include: Detecting, by a control system, a signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern; and Activating, by the control system, the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, wherein a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern is different from a flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern. [15] One or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media according to claim 14, wherein a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern differs by at least 1 Hz from a flashing frequency of the warning lighting pattern. [16] One or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media according to claim 14, wherein the instructions are further operable, when executed, to perform operations comprising: Activate, in the delivery lighting pattern, an auxiliary light that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern. [17] One or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media according to claim 14, wherein the instructions are further operable, when executed, to perform operations comprising: Detecting, by the control system, a signal to deactivate vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, wherein the deactivation signal comprises at least one signal selected from the group consisting of a signal indicating a change in parking mode, a signal indicating that the vehicle is moving away from a kerb, a signal indicating a vehicle in motion, and a signal indicating deactivated warning lights; and Disabling the delivery lighting pattern. [18] Vehicle comprising: a variety of lights; and a control system comprising one or more processors and a memory comprising instructions executable by the processors, the processors being operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: detecting a signal to activate vehicle lights of the plurality of lights in a delivery lighting pattern; and Activating the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern, where a flashing frequency of the delivery lighting pattern is different from a flashing frequency of a warning lighting pattern. [19] The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the processors are further operable to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: Activate, in the delivery lighting pattern, an auxiliary light that is not activated in the warning lighting pattern. [20] The vehicle of claim 18, wherein detecting the signal to activate vehicle lights in a delivery lighting pattern further comprises: Determining the occurrence of at least one event selected from the group consisting of a vehicle being in a parking mode, where the vehicle is slowing down and approaching a curb, a vehicle is stopped by regenerative braking, and a current location of the vehicle is within a threshold proximity of an area, which is assigned to a delivery address; and in response to determining the occurrence of the at least one event, sending the signal to activate the vehicle lights in the delivery lighting pattern.

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