USER-CONFIGURED DYNAMIC SHUTTLE

Abstract

A method for reserving a vehicle, the method comprising: Receiving a request to reserve a vehicle from a user device, the request specifying a desired vehicle feature; Identifying an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature; Determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle property; Reserving the vehicle; Providing notification of the change and reservation to the vehicle or an operator; and Modifying the vehicle so that the vehicle property is met when the user device and the vehicle are within a threshold distance of each other, wherein the vehicle characteristic indicates at least one of a seating configuration, a seating orientation, a seating characteristic, a workstation configuration, or a storage configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for reserving a vehicle having a desired vehicle characteristic, and more particularly, for implementing a change to a vehicle configuration to satisfy the desired vehicle characteristic. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Ridesharing services allow users to request or reserve a vehicle for a ride. Ridesharing can allow users to meet their transportation needs without purchasing or owning their own vehicle.

[0003] US 2015 / 0 370 253 A1 relates to a system for automatically adjusting a vehicle characteristic of a vehicle, the system comprising a first sensor, an on-board computer, a camera, a mirror, a controller, an actuator, and an algorithm. The algorithm instructs the on-board computer to gradually adjust one or more vehicle functions. The first sensor and the controller are in electronic communication with the on-board computer, and the controller is in electronic communication with one or more actuators associated with and adjusting the various vehicle functions. The on-board computer contains or accesses a database that correlates users, functions, and vehicle function settings. These vehicle characteristics include seating position and camera viewing angle.

[0004] WO 2017 / 123597 A1 describes the use of shared vehicles that are structurally and reversibly reconfigurable to meet requirements for specific vehicle configurations. For multiple vehicles shared by multiple users, vehicle usage is monitored. In response to a first request for a first specific configuration of a vehicle, a first vehicle in the first specific configuration with a predetermined first set of features is selected / provisioned, wherein the first set of features is automatically determined based on the placement of the first vehicle in the first specific configuration.In response to a second usage request for a second particular configuration of a vehicle that is different from the first particular configuration, selecting / provisioning the first vehicle in the second particular configuration with a predetermined second feature set, wherein the second feature set is automatically set on the first vehicle based on placing the first vehicle in the second particular configuration, wherein the first feature set is different from the second feature set.

[0005] US 2015 / 0 339 928 A1 describes a technology for operating a fleet of autonomous vehicles. A request for a taxi service may be received from a mobile device. The request may include the current location of the mobile device. The request may specify that the taxi service should be provided at a current time. An autonomous vehicle may be selected from the fleet of autonomous vehicles to perform the taxi service, based in part on the availability of the autonomous vehicle and the proximity between the autonomous vehicle and the current location of the mobile device. The autonomous vehicle may be given instructions to perform the taxi service according to the request. The autonomous vehicle may be configured to provide commands to drive the autonomous vehicle to the current location of the mobile device and perform the taxi service there. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive implementations of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views unless otherwise indicated. The advantages of the present disclosure may be better understood by considering the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dynamic vehicle reservation system according to one implementation; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile device communicating with a controller in a dynamic vehicle reservation system, according to one implementation; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a controller having a user interface according to one implementation; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle identification component according to one implementation; Fig. 5 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for reserving a vehicle according to one implementation; Fig. 6 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for reserving a vehicle according to one implementation; Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic vehicle grid system according to one implementation; Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic vehicle grid system in another configuration according to one implementation; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication system in a dynamic vehicle reservation system according to one implementation; and Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example computing device according to one implementation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Reserving a vehicle for transportation has become a popular transportation method because, among other things, passengers receive convenient and private transportation and can share transportation costs. Embodiments disclosed herein may allow a user to reserve a vehicle that may be driven by an operator, an autonomous vehicle that can drive itself, or a vehicle that the user personally drives. Users may request different vehicle features depending on the purpose of transportation, the number of passengers in the transportation, and the location where the user needs transportation.Different vehicles may have different features that may be desirable for passengers, such as specific seating orientations or configurations, workstation configurations, storage configurations, or special options such as electronic charging ports, televisions, monitors, and the like. It may be advantageous to allow a passenger to reserve a specific vehicle with a specific feature before a trip.

[0008] Applicants have developed systems, methods, and apparatus for reserving a vehicle with a desired vehicle feature. According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request to reserve a vehicle, the request specifying a desired vehicle feature, identifying an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature, determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle feature, reserving the vehicle, and providing notification of the change and reservation to the vehicle or an operator.

[0009] For example, in one implementation, a passenger is provided with options for reserving a vehicle with a desired vehicle feature. A system may present the user with options for reserving a vehicle with a workstation that includes a table, an electronic charging port, a monitor, and / or a conference area where multiple passengers can view and talk to each other during the ride. The user may select options that specify a specific pick-up location, pick-up time, route, and drop-off location. The user may also be presented with options that indicate whether a passenger requires specialized medical care and / or additional space in the vehicle.To increase the adaptability and efficiency of a vehicle available for reservation, the vehicle may include an on-board dynamic grid system that allows the vehicle configuration to be changed with or without manual intervention. For example, the dynamic grid system could rearrange a selection of options to meet the user's requirements so that the vehicle configuration requested by the user is available for use at the time and location of pickup. In one implementation, a system receives the user's request, identifies an available vehicle capable of meeting the user's request, determines how the vehicle could be modified to meet the user's request, notifies the user that the vehicle has been reserved, and implements the change before the requested pickup time without manual intervention.

[0010] Further embodiments and examples are discussed below with reference to the figures.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic vehicle reservation system 100 according to one implementation. The system 100 includes a dynamic grid system 120 in a vehicle. The system 100 further includes a controller 110 electronically connected to or in electronic communication with the dynamic grid system 120. The controller 110 includes a receiver 114 for receiving data from a remote source. In one embodiment, the controller 110 determines and implements a change to an internal configuration of the vehicle using the dynamic grid system 120. The controller 110 may be in electronic communication with a network interface 132. The network interface 132 may provide the controller 110 with access to a network 130.The system 100 includes a dynamic reservation server 134 that provides a web-based user interface on a display on a computer 138 or a mobile device 140. The system 100 includes a database 136 that stores data such as occupancy data, vehicle reservation data, vehicle attribute data, location data, vehicle configuration data, scheduling data, operational history data, user data, occupancy status data, and other data that can be used in the dynamic reservation system 100.

[0012] System 100 further includes a vehicle identification component 112 that uses data from a variety of sources or databases to identify a vehicle or a modification to a vehicle that satisfies a reservation request from a user. The reservation request may include a set of specific parameters. It should be noted that network 130 may be a cloud computing network and / or the Internet and / or part of a closed or private network without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0013] The controller 110 may be located in a vehicle or elsewhere and may be electronically connected or in electronic communication with the dynamic grid system 120. The controller may determine a change to a vehicle configuration and implement it using the dynamic grid system 120. In one embodiment, the controller 110 is in electronic communication with a network interface 132 that connects the controller 110 to a network 130. In one embodiment, the controller 110 receives a vehicle configuration schema, including, for example, a requested change to a vehicle or a set of instructions for changing a property of a vehicle. The controller 110 may receive the vehicle configuration schema over a network 130 via the receiver 114 and subsequently implement the vehicle configuration schema using the dynamic grid system 120.In one implementation, the controller 110 is configured to determine, modify, or override the vehicle configuration scheme received over a network 130 based on user input, which may be received over a network 130 or input directly to the controller 110.

[0014] In one implementation, controller 110 includes a screen or user interface that allows a user to, for example, enter data, modify a vehicle configuration scheme, override a vehicle configuration scheme, or check a status of a vehicle configuration scheme. The controller may be located in the vehicle and may be electronically connected to a dynamic grid system 120 that automatically implements a vehicle configuration scheme.

[0015] In one implementation, receiver 114 receives a request to reserve a vehicle, and the request may include a desired vehicle feature. The desired vehicle feature may include, for example, a seating configuration, a seating orientation, a workstation configuration, a storage configuration, or a seating feature. In one implementation, receiver 114 may be configured to receive data from any data source, such as a database 136, a computer 138, a mobile device 140, a sensor, or user input. Receiver 114 may receive data, for example, from a network 130, direct electronic communication with a data source, or user input to controller 110.

[0016] In one implementation, a variety of data sources and user interfaces are connected to system 100 via network 130. A dynamic reservation server 134 may provide a web-based or locally installed user interface accessible, for example, from a computer 138 or a mobile device 140. The dynamic reservation server 134 may provide an interface that prompts a user, such as a driver or a passenger, to enter data that can be communicated to network 130. User-entered data may include, for example, vehicle route data, vehicle characteristic data, seat configuration data, seat orientation data, workstation configuration data, storage configuration data, seat characteristic data, reservation data, reservation preference data, and desired vehicle characteristic data.In one implementation, a passenger uses a mobile device 140 or a computer 138 to, among other things, reserve a vehicle, select a desired vehicle feature, a desired vehicle pickup time, and a desired vehicle route. The data may be communicated to the vehicle identification component 112 and the controller 110 to identify an available vehicle capable of providing the desired vehicle feature, identify a change to the vehicle to provide the desired vehicle feature, and implement the change so that the vehicle is ready for the user or passenger at the desired vehicle pickup time.

[0017] In one implementation, system 100 includes a database 136 in communication with network 130 and / or dynamic reservation server 134. Database 136 may include any data useful for the operation of system 100. In one embodiment, the data includes vehicle route data, passenger preference data, driver preference data, occupancy data, reservation status data, location data, seat configuration data, seat orientation data, workstation configuration data, storage configuration data, and any additional data. In one implementation, a user, such as a passenger or a driver, enters data to be stored in database 136 and retrieved at a later time.

[0018] In one implementation, a passenger reserves a vehicle and selects a desired vehicle feature, such as a particular seat orientation or configuration, a workstation configuration, a storage configuration, or a seating feature. The passenger may receive a notification that a vehicle with the desired vehicle feature has been reserved for the passenger and will be available at a specific pickup time and location. For example, the passenger may have a mobile device 140 that transmits the passenger's location to the controller 110 via the network 130.The controller 110 may receive an indication that the passenger's mobile device 140 is in close proximity to the vehicle, and the controller 110 may then activate the dynamic grid system 120 to change the vehicle configuration to satisfy the desired vehicle characteristic, and / or the controller 110 may activate an autonomous vehicle driving system to drive the vehicle to the passenger's location without manual intervention.

[0019] In one implementation, a characteristic of the vehicle is changed to satisfy the desired vehicle characteristic when a passenger is in close proximity to the vehicle. "Close proximity" may be defined, for example, as a physical distance or as time. For example, the dynamic grid system 120 may be activated to change a configuration of the vehicle's interior as the passenger's reserved pickup time approaches; for example, the dynamic grid system 120 may be activated one hour, thirty minutes, ten minutes, one minute, a few seconds, or any other time before the pickup time. For example, the dynamic grid system 120 may be activated as the vehicle approaches the reserved pickup location or as the vehicle approaches the passenger.

[0020] In one implementation, the passenger has a mobile device 140 that indicates a location of the passenger over a network 130, and the vehicle includes a GPS that indicates a location of the vehicle over a network 130. In such an implementation, the controller 110 may activate the dynamic grid system 120 to change a characteristic of the vehicle such that the passenger's desired vehicle characteristic is satisfied when the passenger and the vehicle are within a threshold distance of each other. In one implementation, an operator of the vehicle instructs the controller 110 to activate the dynamic grid system 120 when the vehicle approaches the pickup location or when the operator is within sight of the passenger.

[0021] In one implementation, the controller 110 determines a vehicle configuration scheme based on a passenger's health condition. For example, a user may indicate that a passenger will be entering the vehicle in a wheelchair or may be connected to a sensor or other health device. The controller 110 may determine a vehicle configuration scheme that provides sufficient and comfortable space for the passenger to enter the vehicle, has sufficient room available within the vehicle, and is comfortably accommodated within the vehicle during the ride.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a mobile device 240 communicating with a controller 210 via a wired or wireless communication link 212. The mobile device 240 displays a user interface 234, which may be provided, for example, via a website or a mobile phone application. The mobile device 240 may communicate with the controller 210 directly or indirectly (e.g., via a network and / or a server). A user, such as a passenger, a driver, or a vehicle rental agency, may enter data using the user interface 234, and the data may be communicated 212 to the controller 210, the dynamic reservation server 134, the database 136, and / or the vehicle identification component 112. In one implementation, the mobile device 240 automatically communicates location data to the controller 210, the dynamic reservation server 134, and / or the database 136.In one implementation, a user can enter data such as route data, reservation data, occupancy data, seat orientation data, seat configuration data, workstation configuration data, storage configuration data, and seat property data.

[0023] It should be noted that a device may communicate with controller 210 in a variety of different ways without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In one implementation, a mobile device 240 has access to a network, such as access to a cellular network or wireless access to the Internet, such as Wi-Fi or a hotspot, and the mobile device 240 may communicate with controller 240 via network 130. In one implementation, a device is in direct electronic communication with controller 240 using an available wireless communication scheme, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of a controller 310 having a graphical user interface 318 according to an embodiment of the invention. The controller 310 includes a graphical user interface 318 displayed on a screen, such as a touchscreen, or other user interface. The controller 310 may include ports that enable electronic communication with the controller 310. The ports may include, for example, USB ports 332, auxiliary ports 334, or any other port 336 known in the art. The controller 310 may be in electronic or wireless communication with, for example, a network interface 132, a sensor, a database 136, a computer 138, a mobile device 140, or any other device useful for the application and known in the art.Controller 310 may include options through which a user can enter parameters or data. For example, a user may enter vehicle feature preferences, such as preferences regarding seat orientations or configurations, preferences regarding workstation configurations, or preferences regarding storage configurations. A user may enter a variety of other data points, including, for example, seat orientation data 320, seat configuration data 322, workstation configuration data 324, storage configuration data 326, seat feature data 328, and reservation data 330.

[0025] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle identification component 400 according to one embodiment. The vehicle identification component 400 may be configured to identify an available vehicle capable of providing the desired vehicle feature based on a plurality of parameters 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, and 470.

[0026] In one embodiment, the data parameters include occupancy data 410 indicating an occupancy status of a vehicle or seat. Occupancy data 410 may indicate whether the vehicle or seat is currently occupied, who is occupying it, how long it will be occupied, and / or when it is expected to be occupied. Reservation data 420 may indicate a reservation status of a vehicle or seat, including whether a vehicle or seat is reserved, who is reserving it, and / or when it is reserved.

[0027] Vehicle feature data 430 includes any data indicating a user's desired vehicle feature(s) or the vehicle feature(s) of a vehicle in system 100. Vehicle feature data 430 may, for example, include a user's desired vehicle feature. A user's desired vehicle feature may indicate that the user wishes to reserve a vehicle that includes, for example, a seating arrangement in which a certain number of people can face each other and interact with each other during the ride, a table or other work station adjacent to one or more seats, an electronic charging port attached to a seat, a monitor or television mounted near a seat, a luggage storage unit near a seat, a bicycle storage unit on the vehicle, and / or a sleeping berth within the vehicle.The vehicle characteristic data 430 may include any data indicating the possible vehicle characteristics of a vehicle in the system 100. For example, the possible vehicle characteristics 430 may indicate that a vehicle can accommodate a certain number of people, that a vehicle can provide sleeping accommodations, that a vehicle can store luggage or bicycles, that a vehicle can provide a group workspace for a certain number of people, or that a vehicle is equipped with electronic charging stations, televisions, monitors, and the like. The vehicle characteristic data 430 may further indicate a make and model of a vehicle, a year of manufacture of a vehicle, a service record of a vehicle, a collision record of a vehicle, a color of a vehicle, or any other data regarding the vehicle that may be useful to the vehicle identification component 400.

[0028] The location data 440 may, for example, indicate a location of a vehicle, a location of the vehicle's route, or a location of a driver or passenger. The location data 440 may be received from a vehicle-mounted GPS unit or, for example, from a passenger's mobile device. The location data 440 may be used to indicate when a dynamic grid system 120 should be activated, for example, based on a passenger's proximity to a vehicle or a vehicle's proximity to a reserved pickup location.

[0029] Dynamic grid system data 450 may indicate any data associated with a dynamic grid system 120 in a vehicle. For example, dynamic grid system data 450 may indicate whether dynamic grid system 120 is currently functional, the current configuration of grid system 120, how grid system 120 can be changed, and how long it would take to change grid system 120 to a particular configuration. Dynamic grid system data 450 may further indicate whether grid system 120 is fully autonomous and can be activated while the vehicle is en route to a desired pickup location.The data 450 regarding the dynamic grid system 450 may further indicate all possible configuration options for the dynamic grid system 120, including, for example, the number of available seats and the possible orientations and configurations of the seats, the available workstation options and the possible orientations and configurations of the available workstation options, the available storage options and the specific available storage orientations and configurations, and the available vehicle features, such as electronic charging stations, televisions, monitors, sleeping berths, and the like.

[0030] The scheduling data 460 may include any data about a vehicle's schedule. For example, the scheduling data 460 may indicate that a vehicle is scheduled to pick up a passenger at a particular location with a particular vehicle configuration scheme, and that the vehicle will be available for reservation at a particular time. The scheduling data 460 may indicate where a vehicle is expected to be located at a particular time. The scheduling data 460 may indicate the vehicle's expected vehicle configuration scheme at a particular location and time. The scheduling data 460 may indicate the vehicle's current vehicle configuration scheme and may indicate whether the vehicle configuration scheme has been manually set by an operator, a passenger, or another user of the vehicle.The scheduling data 460 may indicate when the vehicle was reserved, when the vehicle is available, and whether the vehicle is in a suitable operating condition for a reservation.

[0031] Additional data 470 may include any other data that might be useful for identifying an available vehicle capable of providing a desired vehicle feature to a user. The vehicle identification component 400 may identify a suitable vehicle based on at least one of the data received from any source. In one implementation, the vehicle identification component 400 identifies an available vehicle capable of providing the desired vehicle feature, determines a vehicle configuration scheme that will provide the feature, determines a set of instructions for implementing the vehicle configuration scheme, and determines a pickup and drop-off time and location for the passenger.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for reserving a vehicle. The method 500 begins and a server receives a request to reserve a vehicle, where the request specifies a desired vehicle feature 510. A vehicle identification component of a server identifies an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature 520. A server determines a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle feature 530. A server reserves the vehicle 540. A server provides notification of the change and reservation to the vehicle or an operator 550.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method 600 for reserving a vehicle. The method 600 begins with a server presenting a variety of vehicle options to a user 610. A server receives a request to reserve a vehicle, where the request specifies a desired vehicle feature 620. A vehicle identification component of a server identifies an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature 630. A server determines a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle feature 640. A server reserves the vehicle 650. A server provides notification of the change and reservation to the vehicle or an operator 660. A server provides an instruction to implement the change 670.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic grid system 700 according to one implementation. The dynamic grid system 700 may include a plurality of grid units 710. A grid unit 710 may include a void 712, a seat 714, a table or other work station 716, a storage space 718, a dedicated storage space 720 such as bicycle storage, or the like. It should be understood that a grid unit 710 may include a variety of options or may include any other option not disclosed but useful in the application of the dynamic grid system 700. Each of the grid units 710 may be attached to a rail or other system.The dynamic grating system 700 may utilize a system including gears, chains, pulleys, or any other mechanical system known in the art to push, pull, or otherwise rearrange the grating unit 710. The orientation of a grating unit 710 or the options 712, 714, 716, 718, and 720 assigned to the grating unit can be rotated in any required direction or orientation.

[0035] The dynamic grid system 700 may be in electronic communication with a controller 110 located in the vehicle. The controller 110 may instruct the dynamic grid system 700 to change the arrangement of any of the grid units 710 to satisfy a desired vehicle characteristic received from a user. The dynamic grid system may be autonomous, such that it can automatically adjust the position or orientation of any of the grid units 710 or the options assigned to the grid units. In one implementation, a user manually overrides the dynamic grid system 700 and manually changes the position or orientation of any of the grid units 710 or the options assigned to the grid units.

[0036] Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic grid system 800 according to one implementation. The dynamic grid systems 700, 800 in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrate that a dynamic grid system 800 in which the grid units 810 are assigned the same options can be configured differently. The dynamic grid system 800 includes a plurality of grid units 810 assigned different options. A grid unit 810 can include a void 812, a seat 814, a table or other work station 816, a storage unit 818, or a special storage unit 820, such as a bicycle storage unit.

[0037] In one implementation, the controller 110 determines a set of instructions for implementing the desired vehicle configuration scheme. The controller 110 may receive the instructions over a network 130 via a hard-wired connection, or it may determine the instructions. The controller 110 may communicate or provide instructions to the dynamic grid system 800, which automatically implements the instructions to satisfy the user's desired vehicle configuration scheme. In one implementation, the dynamic grid system 800 changes the position or orientation of a plurality of grid units 810 until the user's desired vehicle configuration scheme is satisfied. In one implementation, an autonomous vehicle travels to a user's desired vehicle location at a particular time, and the dynamic grid system 800 is activated to modify the configuration en route.

[0038] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 900 in a vehicle reservation system configured by user input. The system 900 includes a device 910 having a user interface. The device 910 may include, for example, a mobile device 140, such as a mobile phone or tablet, a computer 138, or any other device. The device 910 communicates 912 with a server 920. The server 920 communicates 922 with any one of a plurality of vehicles 930. The server 920 may communicate with a controller 110 located in the vehicle 930.

[0039] Device 910 and server 920 may have bidirectional communication 912. For example, server 920 may provide a web interface or other information for display on device 910 that allows a user to specify options or features for a vehicle. In one implementation, device 910 communicates with server 920 to indicate that a user has requested a reservation of a vehicle having a desired vehicle feature. In one implementation, server 920 communicates with device 910 to indicate that a vehicle having the desired vehicle feature has been reserved for the user at a particular pickup time and location.

[0040] The server 920 and the plurality of vehicles 930 may have bidirectional communication 922. In one implementation, the server 920 indicates to a controller 110 in the vehicle 930 that the vehicle has been reserved for pickup at a specific time and location. The server 920 indicates any desired vehicle features requested by the user, a vehicle configuration scheme, an instruction for implementing the vehicle configuration scheme, or any other data that may be useful to the system 900.In one implementation, a controller 110 in a vehicle 930 may communicate 922 with the server 920 to indicate, for example, that the vehicle 930 has received the reservation request and / or the desired vehicle configuration scheme, that the dynamic grid system 120 onboard the vehicle 930 is operational and will be activated to implement the desired vehicle configuration scheme, or that the vehicle is currently at or near the pickup location and is available for reservation.

[0041] In one implementation, server 920 receives a reservation request from a user including a desired vehicle feature or vehicle configuration scheme. Vehicle identification component 112 determines whether an available vehicle is present. Server 920 further determines whether a vehicle is capable of providing the desired vehicle feature or vehicle configuration scheme, for example, based on data from database 136, data received from computer 138 or mobile device 140, or data received from controller 110 onboard the vehicle.The data indicates, for example, the current vehicle configuration, the vehicle options, such as the number of seats, the number of storage spaces, the number of workstations, and the possible vehicle configurations, such as a specific number of facing seats in a conference area, a specific workstation configuration, or a specific storage configuration. In one implementation, the server 920 determines whether a vehicle is capable of meeting a desired vehicle feature or configuration scheme by searching a database for vehicles that include the required vehicle options. The server 920 further checks whether there might be any problems changing the current configuration scheme of the vehicle to meet the desired vehicle configuration scheme.

[0042] In one implementation, the server 920, via the vehicle identification component 112, identifies a vehicle capable of providing the desired vehicle configuration scheme. The server 920 or an on-board controller 110 further determines how to activate the dynamic grid system 700, 800 to provide the desired vehicle configuration scheme. For example, the server 920 determines whether a grid unit needs to be moved or whether a particular option, such as a seat, table, or storage compartment, within the associated grid unit needs to be rotated. In one implementation, the server 920 determines instructions for activating the dynamic grid system 700, 800 by cycling through a plurality of instruction options and determining, based on the vehicle's current vehicle configuration scheme, whether an instruction option can successfully fulfill the desired vehicle feature.If the server 920 determines that one of the plurality of instruction options can successfully satisfy the desired vehicle characteristic, the server 920 provides the instructions 922 to a controller 110 onboard an identified vehicle 930. The controller 110 activates the dynamic grid system 700, 800 at the appropriate time or location to ensure that the desired vehicle configuration scheme is provided to the user at the desired time or location. The controller 110 provides an indication 922 to the server 920 when the dynamic grid system 700, 800 has successfully completed the instructions and provided the desired vehicle configuration scheme. The server 920 may further provide an indication 912 to a device 910 that the vehicle has been successfully modified to provide the desired vehicle configuration scheme.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an example computing device 1000. Computing device 1000 may be used to perform various operations, such as those discussed herein. Computing device 1000 may function as a dynamic vehicle reservation system 100, a vehicle identification component 112, a controller 110, a dynamic reservation server 134, a mobile device 140, or another user or system device. Computing device 1000 may perform various functions as discussed herein, such as receiving a request, determining a lighting scheme, processing a reservation, and processing the functionality described herein.Computing device 1000 may be any of a variety of computing devices, such as a desktop computer, an in-dash computer, a vehicle control system, a notebook computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, a tablet computer, and the like.

[0044] Computing device 1000 includes one or more processors 1002, one or more memory devices 1004, one or more interfaces 1006, one or more mass storage devices 1008, one or more input / output (I / O) devices 1010, and a display device 1030, all coupled to a bus 1012. Processor(s) 1002 include one or more processors or controllers that execute instructions stored in memory device(s) 1004 and / or mass storage device(s) 1008. Processor(s) 1002 may also include various types of computer-readable media, such as cache memory.

[0045] The storage device(s) 1004 include(s) various computer-readable media, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) 1014) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) 1016). The storage device(s) 1004 may also include rewritable ROM, such as flash memory.

[0046] The mass storage device(s) 1008 include / include various computer-readable media, such as magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks, semiconductor memories (e.g., flash memory), and so on. As in Fig.10, a specific mass storage device is a hard disk drive 1024. Furthermore, various drives may be included in the mass storage device(s) 1008 to enable reading from and / or writing to various computer-readable media. The mass storage device(s) 1008 include removable media 1026 and / or non-removable media.

[0047] The I / O device(s) 1010 include various devices that enable data and / or other information to be input to or retrieved from the computing device 1000. Example I / O device(s) 1010 include cursor control devices, keyboards, keypads, microphones, monitors or other display devices, speakers, printers, network interface cards, modems, and the like.

[0048] Display device 1030 includes any type of device capable of displaying information to one or more users of computing device 1000. Examples of display device 1030 include a monitor, a display terminal, a video projection device, and the like.

[0049] The interface(s) 1006 include(s) various interfaces that enable the computing device 1000 to interact with other systems, devices, or computing environments. Example interface(s) 1006 may include a variety of network interfaces 1020, such as interfaces to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and the Internet. Other interface(s) include(s) a user interface 1018 and a peripheral device interface 1022. The interface(s) 1006 may also include one or more user interface elements 1018.The interface(s) 1006 may also include one or more peripheral interfaces, such as interfaces for printers, pointing devices (mice, touchpad, or any suitable user interface now known or later discovered by those of ordinary skill in the art), keyboards, and the like.

[0050] Bus 1012 enables processor(s) 1002, memory device(s) 1004, interface(s) 1006, mass storage device(s) 1008, and I / O device(s) 1010 to communicate with each other and with other devices or computers coupled to bus 1012. Bus 1012 represents one or more of various types of bus structures, such as a system bus, PCI bus, IEEE bus, USB bus, and so on.

[0051] For illustrative purposes, programs and other executable program components are shown herein as discrete blocks, although it is understood that such programs and components may reside in different memory components of computing device 1000 at various times and may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and operations described herein. Examples

[0052] The following examples relate to further embodiments.

[0053] Example 1 is a method for reserving a vehicle. The method includes receiving a request to reserve a vehicle from a user device, the request specifying a desired vehicle feature. The method includes identifying an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature, determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle feature, reserving the vehicle, and providing notification of the change and reservation to the vehicle or an operator.

[0054] Example 2 is a method as in Example 1, wherein providing a notification to the vehicle includes providing the notification to an autonomous vehicle and the vehicle implementing the change without manual intervention.

[0055] Example 3 is a method as in any of Examples 1-2, wherein providing a notification to the vehicle includes providing the notification of the reservation to an autonomous vehicle, and the vehicle traveling to a pickup location of the reservation without manual intervention.

[0056] Example 4 is a method as in any of Examples 1-3, wherein determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle feature includes determining a vehicle configuration scheme including a vehicle configuration option associated with the vehicle.

[0057] Example 5 is a method as in any of Examples 1-4, further comprising presenting a plurality of vehicle options on the user device, wherein the request indicates the desired vehicle feature selected from the plurality of vehicle options.

[0058] Example 6 is a method as in any of Examples 1-5, further comprising providing a notification that the vehicle has been reserved for the user who requested the vehicle.

[0059] Example 7 is a method as in any of Examples 1-6, wherein the vehicle characteristic indicates at least one of a seat configuration, a seat orientation, a seat characteristic, a workstation configuration, or a storage configuration.

[0060] Example 8 is a system for reserving a vehicle. The system includes a receiver configured to receive a request to reserve a vehicle, the request specifying a desired vehicle characteristic. The system includes a controller configured to determine a change to the vehicle that satisfies the vehicle characteristic, and the system includes an implementation component configured to implement the change to the vehicle.

[0061] Example 9 is a system as in Example 8, wherein the implementation component is configured to implement at least one of a seating configuration, a seating orientation, a seating characteristic, a workstation configuration, or a storage configuration.

[0062] Example 10 is a system as in any of Examples 8-9, wherein the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle and the implementation component is configured to implement the change to the vehicle without manual intervention by a user.

[0063] Example 11 is a system as in Example 10, wherein the implementation component further includes a dynamic grid system, and wherein the implementation component is configured to implement the change by activating the dynamic grid system.

[0064] Example 12 is a system as in Example 11, wherein the dynamic grating system further includes a grating unit, and the dynamic grating system can change at least one of a position or an orientation of the grating unit.

[0065] Example 13 is a system as in Example 12, wherein the grid unit is assigned to at least one of a seat, a chair, a table, a luggage storage unit, or a bicycle storage unit.

[0066] Example 14 is a system as in any of Examples 8-13, wherein the desired vehicle characteristic indicates at least one of a seat orientation, a seat configuration, a storage configuration, a workstation configuration, or a seat characteristic.

[0067] Example 15 is a system as in any of Examples 8-14, further comprising a vehicle identification component configured to identify an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature.

[0068] Example 16 is a system as in any of Examples 8-15, further comprising a notification component configured to provide notification of at least one of a reservation status of the vehicle or a vehicle property status of the vehicle.

[0069] Example 17 is a system as in any of Examples 8-16, further comprising a user interface configured to present a plurality of vehicle options to a user, and wherein the request indicates the desired vehicle feature selected from the plurality of vehicle options.

[0070] Example 18 is a system as in any of Examples 8-17, wherein the implementation component is configured to provide notification of the change to an operator of the vehicle.

[0071] Example 19 is a system as in any of Examples 8-18, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a schedule for the vehicle based on a plurality of requests to reserve the vehicle at different times.

[0072] Example 20 is a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive a request to reserve a vehicle over a network, the request specifying a desired vehicle characteristic, identify a vehicle capable of providing the vehicle characteristic, determine a modification to the vehicle that satisfies the vehicle characteristic, and reserve the vehicle.

[0073] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.It should also be understood that where a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0074] Implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein may include or utilize a special-purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as one or more processors and one or more system memories, as discussed herein. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be any available media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that stores computer-executable instructions are computer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media.Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, implementations of the disclosure may include at least two distinctly different types of computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.

[0075] Computer storage media (devices) include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives (SSD) (e.g., based on RAM), flash memory, phase change memory ("PCM"), other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0076] An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein may communicate over a computer network. A "network" is defined as one or more data connections that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer over a network or other communication connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless), the computer correctly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media may include a network and / or data connections that may be used to transport desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.Combinations of the foregoing are also intended to be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0077] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed on a processor, cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing apparatus to perform a particular function or set of functions. The computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binary files, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments using many types of computer system configurations, including: a dashboard vehicle computer, PCs, desktop computers, laptops, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, cellular phones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed systems environments in which both local computer systems and remote computer systems connected by a network (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) perform tasks.In a distributed systems environment, program modules can be located in both local storage devices and remote storage devices.

[0079] Furthermore, the functions described herein may be implemented in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and operations described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to particular system components. The terms "modules" and "components" are used in the names of certain components to reflect their implementation independence in software, hardware, circuitry, sensors, and / or the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize that components may be referred to by different names.In this document, no distinction is made between components that differ in name but not in function.

[0080] At least some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to computer program products that include such logic (e.g., in the form of software) stored on any computer-usable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more computing devices, causes a device to operate as described herein.

[0081] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that these are merely examples and not limitations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. This is not intended to be exhaustive, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.It should further be noted that any or all of the foregoing alternative implementations may be used in any desired combination to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

[0082] Furthermore, although specific implementations of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and illustrated. The scope of the disclosure is intended to be defined by the claims appended to this specification, all future claims filed here or in other applications, and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] A method for reserving a vehicle, the method comprising: Receiving a request to reserve a vehicle from a user device, the request specifying a desired vehicle feature; Identifying an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature; Determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle property; Reserving the vehicle; Providing notification of the change and reservation to the vehicle or an operator; and Modifying the vehicle so that the vehicle property is met when the user device and the vehicle are within a threshold distance of each other, wherein the vehicle characteristic indicates at least one of a seating configuration, a seating orientation, a seating characteristic, a workstation configuration, or a storage configuration. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein providing a notification to the vehicle comprises providing the notification to an autonomous vehicle and the vehicle implements the change without manual intervention. [3] The method of claim 1, wherein providing a notification to the vehicle comprises providing the notification of the reservation to an autonomous vehicle and the vehicle traveling to a pickup location of the reservation without manual intervention. [4] The method of claim 1, wherein determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle feature comprises determining a vehicle configuration scheme that includes one vehicle configuration option from all possible vehicle configuration options associated with the vehicle, the possible vehicle configuration options associated with the vehicle being based on a combination of the number of available seats, available workstation options, and available vehicle features. [5] The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting a plurality of vehicle options on the user device, wherein the request indicates the desired vehicle feature selected from the plurality of vehicle options. [6] The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a notification that the vehicle has been reserved to the user who requested the vehicle. [7] A system for reserving a vehicle, the system comprising: a receiver configured to receive a request to reserve a vehicle, the request specifying a desired vehicle feature; a controller configured to determine a change to the vehicle that satisfies the vehicle characteristic; a dynamic grid system configured to implement the change to the vehicle; and a user interface configured to present a plurality of vehicle options to a user, and wherein the request indicates the desired vehicle feature selected from the plurality of vehicle options, wherein determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle feature comprises determining a vehicle configuration scheme including one vehicle configuration option from all possible vehicle configuration options associated with the vehicle, wherein the possible vehicle configuration options associated with the vehicle are based on a combination of the number of available seats, available workstation options, and available vehicle features. [8] The system of claim 7, wherein the dynamic grid system is configured to implement at least one of a seating configuration, a seating orientation, a seating characteristic, a workstation configuration, or a storage configuration by means of a rail attached to each grid unit of the dynamic grid system. [9] The system of claim 7, wherein the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle and the dynamic grid system is configured to implement the change to the vehicle without manual intervention by a user. [10] The system of claim 7, wherein the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle and the controller is further configured to drive the vehicle to a pickup location associated with the request to reserve the vehicle without manual intervention. [11] The system of claim 7, wherein the dynamic grid system can change at least one of a position or an orientation of a grid unit. [12] The system of claim 11, wherein the grid unit is assigned to at least one of a seat, a chair, a table, a luggage storage unit, or a bicycle storage unit. [13] The system of claim 7, wherein the desired vehicle characteristic indicates a seat orientation, a seat configuration, a storage configuration, a workstation configuration, and a seat characteristic. [14] The system of claim 7, further comprising a vehicle identification component configured to identify an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature. [15] The system of claim 7, further comprising a notification component configured to provide notification of at least one of a reservation status of the vehicle or a vehicle property status of the vehicle. [16] The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to provide notification of the change to an operator of the vehicle. [17] The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a schedule for the vehicle based on a plurality of requests to reserve the vehicle at different times. [18] A method for reserving a vehicle, the method comprising: Receiving a request to reserve a vehicle from a user device, the request specifying a desired vehicle feature; Identifying an available vehicle capable of providing the vehicle feature; Determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle property; Reserving the vehicle; Providing notification of the change and reservation to the vehicle or an operator; and Modifying the vehicle so that the vehicle property is met when the user device and the vehicle are within a threshold distance of each other, wherein determining a change to the vehicle to provide the vehicle feature comprises determining a vehicle configuration scheme including one vehicle configuration option from all possible vehicle configuration options associated with the vehicle, the possible vehicle configuration options associated with the vehicle being based on a combination of the number of available seats, available workstation options, and available vehicle features. [19] A system for reserving a vehicle, the system comprising: a receiver configured to receive a request to reserve a vehicle, the request specifying a desired vehicle feature; a controller configured to determine a change to the vehicle that satisfies the vehicle characteristic; a dynamic grid system configured to implement the change to the vehicle when a user device associated with the request and the vehicle are within a threshold distance of each other, where the desired vehicle feature specifies a seat orientation, a seat configuration, a storage configuration, a workstation configuration, and a seat feature.

Images