Autonomous Vehicle Quest Assignment for Concurrent Map Scouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fleets of autonomous vehicles face inefficiencies in scouting for map information, as traditional methods require significant time and resources, and existing systems are not optimized to manage scouting tasks effectively while providing transportation services.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented using a fleet management system that defines scouting quests with objectives, assigns them to vehicles based on location and availability, and tracks status, allowing vehicles to complete objectives during transportation services or otherwise, using multi-destination search for efficient routing and resource allocation.
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, then map information can be collected, but significant time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments scouting tasks into discrete objectives with specific geographic locations and requirements. Each scouting objective is defined independently with associated metadata, allowing the fleet management system to assign specific portions of map information collection to individual vehicles rather than having vehicles perform exhaustive random scouting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining scouting objectives, quests, and requirements before deployment. The fleet management system pre-processes map information needs into structured scouting tasks with specific locations and criteria, so vehicles can directly execute targeted scouting rather than exploring randomly.
2Loss of information
If vehicles are assigned to complete scouting tasks, then map information can be obtained, but vehicles cannot provide transportation services simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling autonomous vehicles to perform both transportation services and scouting tasks. The fleet management system dynamically assigns scouting objectives to vehicles based on their availability, location, and current service status, allowing the same vehicle fleet to serve multiple purposes without requiring dedicated scouting vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scouting task assignment flexible and adaptive. The system can assign, modify, or cancel scouting objectives based on real-time vehicle status, service demands, and fleet availability. Vehicles can transition between transportation and scouting modes dynamically based on operational needs.
3Productivity
If multiple vehicles are used for scouting, then scouting efficiency improves, but coordination and task management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where vehicles report their status, location, and scouting progress to the fleet management system. The system processes this feedback and dynamically reassigns scouting objectives based on current fleet status, ensuring optimal utilization of multiple vehicles while maintaining centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The fleet management system acts as an intermediary between multiple vehicles and the scouting task requirements. It receives scouting objective definitions, processes vehicle availability and status information, and mediates the assignment of specific objectives to appropriate vehicles, simplifying the coordination complexity.
4Productivity
If scouting objectives are assigned based on vehicle location, then task completion efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by considering multiple vehicle parameters (location, status, availability, current task) to optimize scouting objective assignment. The fleet management system evaluates these parameters and assigns objectives to the most suitable vehicles based on real-time conditions, improving task completion efficiency while managing system complexity through structured parameter evaluation.
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.