Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Dispatch for Real-Time Map Scouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for scouting map information using autonomous vehicles are inefficient and resource-intensive, particularly when these vehicles are also providing passenger and cargo transportation services, as they require significant time and resources to complete scouting tasks.
Innovation Solution
A fleet management system that includes a dispatching system and a scouting system to assign scouting objectives to autonomous vehicles based on their location, urgency, and vehicle capabilities, allowing vehicles to complete scouting tasks during transportation services or when idle, with real-time tracking and assignment of objectives to multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If autonomous vehicles perform scouting tasks by driving around service areas randomly or in specific patterns when not providing transportation services, then map information can be collected, but the process requires significant time and resources and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicles are designed to perform multiple functions: providing transportation services and collecting map information. The scouting system integrates with the transportation service operations, allowing vehicles to collect map data during both idle periods and active transportation service, maximizing resource utilization and eliminating dedicated scouting time
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines scouting objectives and geographic locations that need map information collection before vehicles are deployed. This allows vehicles to efficiently target specific areas needing updates rather than performing random or pattern-based driving, reducing the time and resources required for effective map information collection
2Loss of information
If dedicated scouting operations are performed to collect map information, then comprehensive map data can be obtained, but it requires significant resources and time away from transportation services
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicles simultaneously fulfill transportation service roles and map information collection roles. The system manages scouting objectives as part of the overall fleet operations, allowing vehicles to contribute to both transportation productivity and map information completeness without requiring separate dedicated scouting operations
Solution Approach 2:
Map information collection is performed continuously during vehicle operations rather than in separate dedicated scouting phases. Vehicles collect map data during idle periods, en route to transportation tasks, and during transportation service, ensuring continuous accumulation of map information while maintaining transportation productivity
3Productivity
If autonomous vehicles are assigned scouting objectives based on location and availability, then resource utilization is optimized, but the system complexity increases with real-time tracking and assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The fleet management system continuously receives location and status updates from autonomous vehicles and uses this feedback to dynamically assign scouting objectives. The system tracks vehicle positions, availability, and scouting progress in real-time, automatically reassigning objectives as vehicles complete tasks or become available, optimizing resource utilization through adaptive management
Solution Approach 2:
Autonomous vehicles independently report their location and availability status to the fleet management system, which then automatically assigns appropriate scouting objectives. The vehicles autonomously navigate to assigned locations and complete scouting tasks without human intervention, with the system managing the overall coordination and tracking
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for managing and tracking scouting tasks to obtain map information using a fleet of autonomous vehicles. For instance, the method includes defining a scouting quest to obtain the map information. The scouting quest includes a plurality of objectives. Each objective is associated with a geographic location from which sensor data is to be captured. The method also includes receiving a first update message from an autonomous vehicle of the fleet. The update message identifies a location of the autonomous vehicle. The method also includes assigning at least one of the objectives to the autonomous vehicle based on the location of the autonomous vehicle. The method also includes sending instructions to the autonomous vehicle in order to cause the autonomous vehicle to complete the at least one objective and after sending, tracking a status of the scouting quest.