Virtual Refueling Interface for Autonomous Vehicle Energy Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in refueling due to the lack of infrastructure designed to support their energy supply needs, as they cannot perform the same refueling process as human-controlled vehicles and may lose functionality and reduce travel range without appropriate refueling systems.
Innovation Solution
An energy supply station computer system that uses sensors to detect autonomous vehicles, transmit image or video data to a remote computer, and generate a virtual interface to control a mechanical arm for refueling, allowing for energy delivery to the vehicle without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles use traditional manual refueling processes, then human operators can control the refueling, but autonomous vehicles cannot perform refueling without human drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs refueling operations independently through automated systems. The vehicle's computer controls the refueling process by communicating with the energy supply station, positioning the vehicle, and managing the energy transfer without human intervention, allowing the vehicle to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical refueling operations with automated computer-controlled systems. The energy supply station uses automated mechanical arms or dispensing mechanisms controlled by computer vision and positioning systems to deliver energy, substituting the need for human physical operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If refueling infrastructure is designed for human-controlled vehicles, then existing gas stations can be used, but autonomous vehicles face difficulties in performing the refueling process
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply station is designed to accommodate both traditional human-controlled vehicles and autonomous vehicles. The system maintains compatibility with existing refueling infrastructure while adding automated detection and control capabilities, allowing it to serve multiple vehicle types and operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle and the refueling infrastructure. This computer acts as a mediator that translates the vehicle's refueling needs into commands for the energy supply station, enabling communication and coordination between the autonomous vehicle system and traditional refueling equipment
3Device complexity
If autonomous vehicles lack refueling infrastructure support, then infrastructure requirements are simplified, but autonomous vehicles experience loss of functionality and reduced travel range
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle system proactively manages energy supply by detecting energy levels and automatically navigating to refueling stations before energy depletion occurs. The system performs preliminary positioning and alignment with the energy supply station, ensuring seamless energy transfer and maintaining continuous operational capability without interrupting the travel mission
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include one or more processors. The processors can be configured to receive, from a vehicle via first one or more sensors of the vehicle, first images or video of a physical environment surrounding the vehicle; receive, from an energy supply station via second one or more sensors of the energy supply station, second images or video of the physical environment surrounding the vehicle; and responsive to receiving the first images or video and the second images or video, generate a virtual interface depicting the physical environment based on the first images or video and the second images or video, the virtual interface enabling a user to provide input to control a mechanical arm of the energy supply station to supply energy to the vehicle.