Vehicle beverage spill method and system

Methods and systems are provided for taking action when a beverage spill has occurred within a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes one or more sensors, an input device, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to detect that a beverage has spilled within a vehicle. The input device configured to receipt an in input from a passenger of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors and to the input device, and configured to at least facilitate: providing information to a passenger of the vehicle as to an option to obtain a replacement beverage; receiving input from the passenger via the input device, in response to the information provided to the passenger, as to whether a replacement beverage is desired; and taking an action to obtain the replacement beverage, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to the field of vehicles and, more specifically, to methods and systems for detecting and acting upon spills of beverages in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles include cup holders for a driver and other passengers to place beverages while in the vehicle. Certain of these vehicles are autonomous vehicles, in which the vehicle is driven completely or in part (in various amounts) by an autonomous system rather than by a human driver. However, in certain circumstances in vehicles, including autonomous vehicles and other vehicles, a passenger's beverage may spill in the vehicle.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved methods and systems for addressing beverage spills in vehicles. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting, via one or more sensors, that a beverage has spilled within a vehicle; providing information to a passenger of the vehicle, via instructions provided by a processor, as to an option to obtain a replacement beverage for the beverage that has spilled; receiving input from the passenger, in response to the information provided to the passenger, as to whether a replacement beverage is desired; and taking an action, via instructions executed by the processor, to obtain the replacement beverage, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Also in certain embodiments, the method includes ordering the replacement beverage from a location that is in proximity to the vehicle, via instructions provided by the processor, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Also in certain embodiments, the method includes automatically determining, via the processor, a modified route for the vehicle to take to first reach the location to obtain the replacement beverage, and then to reach a final destination for the vehicle.

Also in certain embodiments, the method includes automatically driving the vehicle along the modified route, via instructions provided by the processor.

Also in certain embodiments, the method includes providing a display of the modified route for a human driver to follow.

Also in certain embodiments, the method includes determining a type of the beverage that has spilled, via the processor, based on sensor data provided by the one or more sensors.

Also in certain embodiments, the method includes informing the passenger of the type of beverage that was spilled; and reordering the type of beverage that was spilled, via instructions provided by the processor, to obtain the replacement beverage of the same type that was spilled, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Also in certain embodiments, the method includes detecting, via a dampness sensor, that the beverage has spilled; and determining the type of beverage, via the processor, based at least in part on sensor data from one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of the following: a temperature sensor, an air quality sensor, and a camera.

Also in certain embodiments, the method includes detecting, via a dampness sensor, that the beverage has spilled; and determining the type of beverage, via the processor, based at least in part on a history of one or more beverage purchases of the passenger.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes one or more sensors and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to detect that a beverage has spilled within a vehicle. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors, and configured to at least facilitate: providing information to a passenger of the vehicle as to an option to obtain a replacement beverage; receiving input from the passenger, in response to the information provided to the passenger, as to whether a replacement beverage is desired; and taking an action to obtain the replacement beverage, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Also in certain embodiments, the processor is configured to at least facilitate ordering the replacement beverage from a location that is in proximity to the vehicle when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Also in certain embodiments, the processor is configured to at least facilitate automatically determining a modified route for the vehicle to take to first reach the location to obtain the replacement beverage, and then to reach a final destination for the vehicle.

Also in certain embodiments, the processor is configured to at least facilitate automatically driving the vehicle along the modified route.

Also in certain embodiments, the system also includes a display device, and the processor is configured to at least facilitate providing a display of the modified route on the display device for a human driver to follow.

Also in certain embodiments, the processor is configured to at least facilitate determining a type of the beverage that has spilled, based on sensor data provided by the one or more sensors.

Also in certain embodiments, the system also includes a display device, and the processor is configured to at least facilitate providing instructions for the display device to inform the passenger of the type of beverage that was spilled; and reordering the type of beverage that was spilled, to obtain the replacement beverage of the same type that was spilled, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Also in certain embodiments, the one or more sensors include a dampness sensor and one or more additional sensors. The dampness sensor is configured to detect that the beverage has spilled. The one or more additional sensors are selected from the group consisting of the following: a temperature sensor, an air quality sensor, and a camera, that are configured to provide sensor data for the processor for determining the type of beverage that has spilled.

Also in certain embodiments, the one or more sensors include a dampness sensor that is configured to detect that the beverage has spilled; the system further includes a memory configured to store a history of one or more beverage purchases of the passenger; and the processor is configured to at least facilitate determining the type of the beverage using the history of the one or more beverage purchases of the passenger.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes one or more sensors, an input device, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to detect that a beverage has spilled within a vehicle. The input device configured to receive an input from a passenger of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors and to the input device, and configured to at least facilitate: providing information to a passenger of the vehicle as to an option to obtain a replacement beverage; receiving input from the passenger via the input device, in response to the information provided to the passenger, as to whether a replacement beverage is desired; and taking an action to obtain the replacement beverage, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Also in certain embodiments, the processor is configured to at least facilitate ordering the replacement beverage from a location that is in proximity to the vehicle when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a vehicle100, according to an exemplary embodiment. As described in greater detail further below, the vehicle100includes a control system102for addressing beverage spills in the vehicle100, in accordance with the steps of the process200described further below in connection withFIGS. 2 and 3, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

The vehicle100preferably comprises an automobile. The vehicle100may be any one of a number of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a wagon, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and/or various other types of vehicles in certain embodiments. In various embodiments, the vehicle100is a land vehicle configured to operate on roadways. In certain embodiments, the vehicle100may also comprise a motorcycle or other vehicle.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle100comprises an autonomous vehicle. In certain embodiments, the vehicle100comprises a fully autonomous vehicle, in which all of the driving is performed via a computer system (such as the control system102, the drive system116, and/or one or more other systems that include a processor) rather than a human driver. In certain other embodiments, the vehicle100comprises a semi-autonomous vehicle, in some of the driving is performed via a computer system (such as the control system102, the drive system116, and/or one or more other systems that include a processor), and some of the driving is performed by a human driver. In yet other embodiments, the vehicle100comprises a standard, non-autonomous vehicle, in which the driving is performed by the human driver.

The vehicle100includes a body110that is arranged on a chassis112. The body110substantially encloses other components of the vehicle100. The body110and the chassis112may jointly form a frame. The vehicle100also includes a plurality of wheels114. The wheels114are each rotationally coupled to the chassis112near a respective corner of the body110to facilitate movement of the vehicle100. In one embodiment, the vehicle100includes four wheels114, although this may vary in other embodiments (for example for trucks and certain other vehicles).

A drive system116is mounted on the chassis112, and drives the wheels114. The drive system116preferably comprises a propulsion system. In certain exemplary embodiments, the drive system116comprises an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor/generator, coupled with a transmission thereof. In certain embodiments, the drive system116may vary, and/or two or more drive systems116may be used. By way of example, the vehicle100may also incorporate any one of, or combination of, a number of different types of propulsion systems, such as, for example, a gasoline or diesel fueled combustion engine, a “flex fuel vehicle” (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and/or natural gas) fueled engine, a fuel cell, a combustion/electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric motor.

The control system102addresses beverage spills in the vehicle100. In various embodiments, the control system102senses a beverage spill within the vehicle100, makes a determination as to the type of beverage that has been spilled, and takes appropriate action in view of the beverage spill, such as providing passengers with the opportunity to order a new beverage and for an adjusted route of the vehicle100to a location that offers the beverage. In certain embodiments, the control system102interacts with a portable electronic device104(e.g., a smart phone, a portable DVD or movie player, an MP3 player, and/or another type of portable electronic device) of one or more of the passengers and/or a remote server106in providing these functions. In addition, in various embodiments, the control system102provides these functions are other functionality in accordance with the steps of the process200described further below in connection withFIGS. 2 and 3.

As depicted inFIG. 1, the control system102includes a sensor array118, a transceiver120, an input device122, a navigation system124, a controller126, and a display128. It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments the control system102may include one or more other components, and/or that one or more components depicted inFIG. 1as being part of the control system102may be part of and/or coupled to the portable electronic device104and/or the drive system116and/or one or more other vehicle components, and/or the remote server106and/or one or more other devices and/or system.

In certain embodiments, the sensor array118includes various sensors that are utilized to detect an analyze a beverage spill within the vehicle100. In various embodiments, the sensor array118may include one or more temperature sensors130, dampness sensors132, air quality sensors134, cameras136, and/or other sensors138

In certain embodiments, the transceiver120receives transmissions from, and/or provides transmissions to, the portable electronic device104and/or the remote server106. In certain embodiments, the transmissions pertain to information as to a beverage of the passenger, a detection of a spill of the beverage, and options and instructions for reordering the beverage after a spill, among other possible information.

Also in certain embodiments, the input device122receives inputs from one or more passengers of the vehicle100. In various embodiments, the input device122may comprise any number of different types of devices such as, by way of example only, a touch screen, one or more buttons or knows, a joystick, a microphone, and so on, engaged by the passenger. Also in various embodiments, the input device122includes an associated sensor140for receiving passenger inputs. In various embodiments, the passenger inputs include selections pertaining to a beverage of the passenger, and the passenger's desire to reorder the beverage and/or for the vehicle100to take a modified route to obtain the beverage, among other possible information, such as a desired geographic destination for the current vehicle drive. In certain embodiments these inputs may be provided via a separate input device, such as of the navigation system124and/or the portable electronic device104.

The navigation system124obtains location information pertaining to the vehicle100. In various embodiments, the navigation system124includes and/or is coupled to one or more antennas of the vehicle100that receive location information from one or more satellite based systems, such as a global positioning system (GPS) system. Also in certain embodiments, the navigation system124may comprise the input device122and/or components thereof for receiving passenger inputs (e.g., as to a preferred destination for the current vehicle drive) and/or may have its own input device.

The controller126controls operation of the control system102, and takes control measures when a beverage spill occurs in the vehicle100. In various embodiments, the controller126helps to determine that a beverage spill has occurred, and to identify the type of beverage that has been spilled, based on the data provided by the sensor array118. In addition, also in various embodiments, the controller126provides the passenger with options to reorder the beverage and/or to adjust the route of the vehicle100to obtain the beverage (e.g., via information provided to the passenger via the display128, which may also include, in certain embodiments, a calculated incremental additional time to procure a replacement beverage via the modified route), among other functionality. In one embodiment, the controller126is coupled to the sensor array118, the transceiver120, the input device122, the navigation system124, and the display128. In certain embodiments, the controller126is also coupled to the portable electronic device104and/or the remote server106. Also in one embodiment, the controller126is disposed within the control system102, within the vehicle100. In addition, in certain embodiments, the controller126and/or certain components thereof can be placed in the portable electronic device104, and/or outside vehicle, such as in the remote server106, or in the cloud or on a remote smart device, and so on.

As depicted inFIG. 1, the controller126comprises a computer system. In certain embodiments, the controller126may also include the sensor array118, the transceiver120, the input device122, the navigation system124, the portable electronic device104, the remote server106, and/or other devices and/or components thereof. In addition, it will be appreciated that the controller126may otherwise differ from the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1. For example, the controller126may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and/or other control systems, for example as part of one or more of the above-identified vehicle100devices and systems.

In the depicted embodiment, the computer system of the controller126includes a processor142, a memory144, an interface146, a storage device148, and a bus150. The processor142performs the computation and control functions of the controller126, and may comprise any type of processor or multiple processors, single integrated circuits such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuit devices and/or circuit boards working in cooperation to accomplish the functions of a processing unit. During operation, the processor142executes one or more programs152contained within the memory144and, as such, controls the general operation of the controller126and the computer system of the controller126, generally in executing the processes described herein, such as the process200described further below in connection withFIGS. 2 and 3.

The memory144can be any type of suitable memory. For example, the memory144may include various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as SDRAM, the various types of static RAM (SRAM), and the various types of non-volatile memory (PROM, EPROM, and flash). In certain examples, the memory144is located on and/or co-located on the same computer chip as the processor142. In the depicted embodiment, the memory144stores the above-referenced program152along with one or more stored values154(e.g., map databases, locations that sell beverages, passenger preferences, a beverage purchasing history for the passengers, and so on).

The bus150serves to transmit programs, data, status and other information or signals between the various components of the computer system of the controller126. The interface146allows communication to the computer system of the controller126, for example from a system driver and/or another computer system, and can be implemented using any suitable method and apparatus. The interface146can include one or more network interfaces to communicate with other systems or components. The interface146may also include one or more network interfaces to communicate with technicians, and/or one or more storage interfaces to connect to storage apparatuses, such as the storage device148.

The storage device148can be any suitable type of storage apparatus, including direct access storage devices such as hard disk drives, flash systems, and optical disk drives. In one exemplary embodiment, the storage device148comprises a program product from which memory144can receive a program152that executes one or more embodiments of one or more processes of the present disclosure, such as the steps of the process200(and any sub-processes thereof) described further below in connection withFIGS. 2 and 3. In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be directly stored in and/or otherwise accessed by the memory144and/or a disk (e.g., disk156), such as that referenced below.

The bus150can be any suitable physical or logical means of connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct hard-wired connections, fiber optics, infrared and wireless bus technologies. During operation, the program152is stored in the memory144and executed by the processor142.

It will be appreciated that while this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functioning computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed as a program product with one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal bearing media used to store the program and the instructions thereof and carry out the distribution thereof, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium bearing the program and containing computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as the processor142) to perform and execute the program. Such a program product may take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer-readable signal bearing media used to carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include: recordable media such as disks, hard drives, memory cards and optical disks, and transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. It will be appreciated that cloud-based storage and/or other techniques may also be utilized in certain embodiments. It will similarly be appreciated that the computer system of the controller126may also otherwise differ from the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, for example in that the computer system of the controller126may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and/or other control systems.

In various embodiments, the display128provides information for the driver and/or other passengers in the vehicle100, such as a route of travel for the vehicle100, options to reorder beverages, an updated route for the vehicle100, a calculated incremental additional time to procure a replacement beverage via the modified route, and so on. In certain embodiments, the display128includes a built-in screen (e.g., a light emitting diode, or “LED” screen) within the vehicle100. In certain embodiments, the display128also includes speakers and/or other audio components. In addition, also in certain embodiments, the display128may also include an interface and/or input device for the passenger to provide content-related inputs (e.g., including the input device122and/or a separate input device and/or one or more components thereof). Also in certain embodiments, the display128may also include a display (e.g., a display screen and/or speakers) of the portable electronic device104.

In various embodiments, the portable electronic device104provides information and/or other assistance for the control system102for providing to and/or receiving information from the passengers, such as a desired destination of travel, beverage reorder options and requests, updated travel routes, a calculated incremental additional time to procure a replacement beverage via modified routes, and so on. In certain embodiments, the portable electronic device104comprises a smart phone and/or another type of portable electronic device of the passenger of the vehicle100. In certain embodiments, the passenger may bring the portable electronic device104into the vehicle100. In other embodiments, the portable electronic device104may be part of the vehicle100. In certain embodiments, the portable electronic device104comprises a smart phone, and the control system102(e.g., including the programs152thereof) comprise an application (or “app”) for the smart phone. However, this may vary in other embodiments.

In addition, in various embodiments the control system102communicates with the portable electronic device104via one or more communication links105. In one embodiment, the communication link105comprises a wired connection (e.g., in which the portable electronic device104may be plugged into the vehicle100, and the control system102thereof). In certain other embodiments, the communication link105comprises one or more wireless connections, such as one or more cellular and/or short range wireless connections.

In certain embodiments, the remote server106provides information and/or other assistance for providing appropriate actions when a beverage spills in the vehicle100, such as detecting the spill, identifying the spill, providing beverage reorder options, providing route adjustment options in view of the beverage spill, identifying passenger history (e.g., regarding beverage history), providing a calculated incremental additional time to procure a replacement beverage via the modified route, and obtaining passenger inputs (e.g., as to options to reorder a beverage, adjust the route of the vehicle100, and so on).

In the depicted embodiment, the remote server106includes a processor162, a transceiver164, and a memory166. In various embodiments, the processor162controls operation of the remote server106, including communicating with and providing content and/or content lists for the control system102of the vehicle100. Also in various embodiments, the transceiver communicates with the control system102with a wireless network107(e.g., a cellular, satellite, and/or other wireless network, for communicating with the transceiver120of the control system102). In addition, in various embodiments, the memory166includes stored information such as map information (e.g., pertaining to locations that sell beverages and passenger preferences, such as a beverage purchasing history for the passengers).

FIG. 2is a flowchart of a process200for taking actions when a beverage spill occurs inside a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, the process200can be implemented in connection with the vehicle100, the control system102, the portable electronic device104, and the remote server106ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

As depicted inFIG. 2, the process begins at step202. In various embodiments, step202occurs when a beverage spill occurs inside the vehicle, or when an event has occurred that may relate to a beverage spill (e.g., when a cup or other object falls, or a passenger takes an action to catch a cup or other object, or the like, in certain embodiments). In various embodiments, one or more beverages of a passenger of the vehicle100(e.g., a driver or one or more other passengers) spills.

A determination is made as to liquid has contacted one or more sensed areas of the vehicle (step204). In various embodiments, the processor142ofFIG. 1determines whether one or more sensors of the sensors of the sensor array118ofFIG. 1(e.g., the dampness sensor132) has sensed that liquid has contacted the one or more sensed areas of the vehicle100. In certain embodiments, the sensed areas comprise one or more areas in proximity to one or more sensors of the sensor array118(such as the dampness sensor132), for example that may be disposed proximate vehicle cup holders, vehicle passenger seats, instrument panels (near the top of instrument panels), flooring, footwells, and/or one or more other locations inside the vehicle100. In certain embodiments, the determinations may be provided by the sensor(s) themselves.

If it is determined that liquid has not contacted one or more sensed areas, then no automated response is provided (step206). In various embodiments, no corrective action is taken, and the vehicle100continues to be operated as normal.

Conversely, if it is determined that liquid has contacted one or more sensed areas, then the sensors are activated (step208). In various embodiments, various sensors of the sensor array118ofFIG. 1(e.g., the temperature sensor130, the air quality sensor134, the camera136, and/or one or more other sensors138) are active by the processor142ofFIG. 1for analysis of the type of liquid that has spilled.

A determination is made as to whether the liquid has been successfully identified (step210). In various embodiments, one or more sensors of the sensor array118ofFIG. 1(e.g., the temperature sensor130, the air quality sensor134, the camera136, and/or one or more other sensors138) provide sensed values pertaining to the liquid based on one or more characteristics such as temperature, odor, color, product packaging, product label, and/or other visual features and/or other sensed features), and the processor142determines whether a successful identification is made as to the type of liquid (and, if so, a determination as to the type of liquid itself). In certain embodiments, the determination of the type of liquid may also be identified using a history of the passengers, such as a beverage purchase history for the passengers, for example as stored in the memory144in the vehicle100as stored values154therein and/or as stored in the portable electronic device104of the passenger and/or the memory166of the remote server106. In certain histories, a most recent beverage as to a beverage most recently purchased (e.g., soon before the passenger enters the vehicle100) is utilized in determining the type of liquid. In other embodiments, an average or aggregate beverage history may be utilized (e.g., as to specific type(s) of beverages that the passenger typically purchases, or the like). In yet other embodiments, the process142may provide instructions for an inquiry to be provided to the passenger as to the type of beverage, with the passenger then responding (e.g., via the input device122ofFIG. 1).

If it is determined that the liquid has not been successfully identified, then a general spill alert is provided (step212). In certain embodiments, an audio and/or visual notification is provided for the passenger (e.g., via the display128and/or the portable electronic device104ofFIG. 1) via instructions provided by the processor142, that a beverage spill has occurred, without an identification of the type of beverage. Also in certain embodiments, a similar notification may be provided to the remote server106ofFIG. 1via the transceiver120ofFIG. 1.

Conversely, if it is determined that the liquid has been successfully identified, then information is provided to the passengers in the vehicle regarding beverage reorder options (step214). In various embodiments, the information includes the identification of the type of beverage that has spilled, along with a request as to whether the passenger wishes to order a replacement beverage of the same type. In certain embodiments, the information may also include an identification of a nearby location (e.g., restaurant, convenience store, gas station, truck stuck, rest stop, or the like) that sells that type of beverage (in some embodiments, including a geographic location of the location and/or placement on a map). In certain embodiments, this information is provided via an audio and/or visual manner for the passenger, for example on the display128and/or the portable electronic device104ofFIG. 1, via instructions provided by the processor142.

For example, in one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the identified liquid is water (step216). In one embodiment, this determination is made by the processor142ofFIG. 1based on information provided by the sensors of the sensor array118ofFIG. 1. If it is determined that the identified liquid is water, then an invitation is provided to the passenger with the option to order another water (step218). In various embodiments, the invitation is provided along with a specific image (e.g., photograph) of a replacement water product during step218on the display128and/or portable electronic device104ofFIG. 1in accordance with instructions provided by the processor. A determination is then made as to whether the passenger has decided to order the replacement water (step220). In various embodiments, the determination of step220is made by the processor142ofFIG. 1based on information obtained via the input device sensor140ofFIG. 1that monitors the passengers' engagement of the input device122ofFIG. 1in making the passengers' selection. The process then proceeds to step234, discussed further below.

By way of further example, if the liquid is not determined to be water, a determination is made as to whether the identified liquid is coffee (step222). In one embodiment, this determination is made by the processor142ofFIG. 1based on information provided by the sensors of the sensor array118ofFIG. 1. If it is determined that the identified liquid is coffee, then an invitation is provided to the passenger with the option to order another coffee (step224). In various embodiments, the invitation is provided along with a specific image (e.g., photograph) of a replacement coffee product during step224on the display128and/or portable electronic device104ofFIG. 1in accordance with instructions provided by the processor. A determination is then made as to whether the passenger has decided to order the replacement coffee (step226). In various embodiments, the determination of step226is made by the processor142ofFIG. 1based on information obtained via the input device sensor140ofFIG. 1that monitors the passengers' engagement of the input device122ofFIG. 1in making the passengers' selection. The process then proceeds to step234, discussed further below.

By way of an additional further example, if the liquid is not determined to be coffee, a determination is made as to whether the identified liquid is one or more other beverages (e.g., a soft drink) (step228). In one embodiment, this determination is made by the processor142ofFIG. 1based on information provided by the sensors of the sensor array118ofFIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the type of beverage may be identified further with respect to sub-categories of the identified beverage category (e.g., cherry soda, orange soda, root beer, diet soda, and the like), based on information obtained by the sensors of the sensor array118. If it is determined that the identified liquid is one or more other types of beverages (e.g., a soft drink, or type of soft drink), then an invitation is provided to the passenger with the option to order another beverage of the same type (e.g., another soft drink) (step230). In various embodiments, the invitation is provided along with a specific image (e.g., photograph) of a replacement product of the same type that has spilled (e.g., another soft drink) during step230on the display128and/or portable electronic device104ofFIG. 1in accordance with instructions provided by the processor. A determination is then made as to whether the passenger has decided to order the replacement beverage (e.g., soft drink) (step232). In various embodiments, the determination of step232is made by the processor142ofFIG. 1based on information obtained via the input device sensor140ofFIG. 1that monitors the passengers' engagement of the input device122ofFIG. 1in making the passengers' selection. The process then proceeds to step234, discussed below.

If the passenger has provided an input to order the replacement beverage in any of steps220,226, or232, then, during step234, a beverage reorder is made. In certain embodiments, the processor142ofFIG. 1provides instructions for reordering the specific type of beverage that has been spilled, in accordance with the passenger's request, in accordance with the determinations of steps208-232. In certain embodiments, the processor142provides instructions for ordering the replacement beverage online, and/or via the transceiver120ofFIG. 1, and/or via the portable electronic device104and/or the remote server106ofFIG. 1.

In addition, in certain embodiments, a modified route is determined (step236). In various embodiments, the processor142ofFIG. 1selects a modified route for the vehicle100to travel from its present location to the location from which the beverage replacement has been reordered, for example using map data stored in the stored values154of the memory144ofFIG. 1, and/or as stored in the navigation system124, the portable electronic device104, and/or the memory166of the remote server106ofFIG. 1. Also in certain embodiments, the modified route is displayed for the passengers of the vehicle100, for example on the display128, the navigation system124, and/or the portable electronic device104ofFIG. 1, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor142ofFIG. 1. In addition, in certain embodiments, a calculation is made (e.g., by the processor142) as to an incremental additional time to procure a replacement beverage via the modified route, and the calculated incremental additional time is provided for the passengers of the vehicle100, for example on the display128, the navigation system124, and/or the portable electronic device104ofFIG. 1, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor142ofFIG. 1, for example in order to assist the passenger in making a decision as to whether to order the replacement beverage.

In addition, in various embodiments, the modified route is implemented (step238). In certain embodiments, during step238, the modified route of step236is implemented, automatically, via the processor142ofFIG. 1(and/or via one or more other processors and/or control systems) for autonomous driving of the vehicle100to the location. In certain other embodiments, instructions are provided for the human driver (e.g., via the display128, the navigation system124, and/or the portable electronic device104) for the human driver to drive the vehicle100to the location to obtain the replacement beverage.

It will be appreciated that the processor-based action(s) may vary in certain embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, the route may be automatically modified in step236, and then implemented in step238either automatically by the vehicle100, or by a driver following the modified route, without the beverage being reordered in step234, in certain embodiments. For example, in one such embodiment, the passenger may then enter the location and then order the beverage himself or herself when the vehicle100reaches the location, and so on. By way of another example, in certain embodiments, the vehicle100may order the beverage in step234without modifying the route in steps236and238. For example, in various embodiments, the replacement beverage may be delivered to the destination of the current route when the vehicle100reaches the destination, and/or the replacement beverage may be available on a walking route between the vehicle and the passenger's final destination or next transmit mode, and so on, among other possible variations.

With reference back to steps220,226, and236, conversely, if the passenger has declined to reorder the beverage, then the process instead proceeds to step240. During step240, no automated response is provided. In various embodiments, no corrective action is taken, and the vehicle100continues to be operated as normal.

Turning now toFIG. 3, a diagram is provided that shows an exemplary implementation300of the process200ofFIG. 2, in connection with the vehicle100, the control system102, and the remote server106ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

As depicted inFIG. 3, in one embodiment, the vehicle100is travelling along an original route302to a destination304. A beverage is spilled inside the vehicle100, and liquid contacts a sensed area306within the vehicle100. The onboard processor142determines that a spill has occurred, and in various embodiments determines the type of liquid that has been spilled, based on data provided by the sensors of the sensor array118ofFIG. 1(and/or, in certain embodiments, also using data stored in memory, such as the memory144ofFIG. 1, such as a passenger beverage history, and/or via inputs made by the passenger via the input device122ofFIG. 1and sensed by the input device sensor140ofFIG. 1, and/or via a beverage order history and/or other information obtained via the remote server106via wireless network107).

Also in various embodiments, the processor142provides instructions for a display307to be provided (e.g., by the display128ofFIG. 1) for the passenger within the vehicle100. In the example ofFIG. 3, the display307includes a picture308(e.g., a photograph) of the type of beverage that was spilled (in certain embodiments, also including a flavor, brand, or the like), along with reordering options309,310. For example, in one embodiment, the passenger is provided with a first option309to “Order” the beverage, and a second option to decline the offer (e.g., “No Thanks”).

If the passenger has selected the “Order” option309, then the beverage is reordered. Specifically, in one embodiment, the processor142provides instructions to reorder the same type of beverage that was spilled, from a location312that sells that particular type of beverage. In one embodiment, the processor142provides instructions for the transceiver120of the vehicle100ofFIG. 1to order the beverage from the location312via the wireless network107.

Also in one embodiment, the processor142determines and implements a modified route314for the vehicle100to travel. The vehicle100then travels along the modified route314to the location312and then, ultimately, to the destination304. In certain embodiments, the processor142and/or one or more processors and/or automated systems may drive the vehicle100along the modified route314in an autonomous manner, with little or no driving or input required from a human driver. In certain other embodiments, the processor142provides instructions for the display of the modified route314within the vehicle100(e.g., via the display128and/or the navigation system124ofFIG. 1) for the human driver to follow. In either case, the passenger (e.g., a driver or other passenger) can obtain the replacement beverage at the location312(e.g. through a drive through window and/or by entering the location, and so on).

Accordingly, the systems, vehicles, and methods described herein provide for action upon a beverage a spill in a vehicle. In various embodiments, the systems, vehicles, and methods detect the beverage spill, identify the type of beverage that has been spilled, provide the passenger with options to reorder the beverage, receive passenger inputs to reorder the beverage, reorder the beverage from a nearby beverage location, and modify the route of the vehicle to obtain the replacement beverage from the location. It will be appreciated that the systems, vehicles, and methods described herein may be provided for autonomous vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles, and non-autonomous (e.g., human driven) vehicles, in various different embodiments.

It will be appreciated that the systems, vehicles, and methods may vary from those depicted in the Figures and described herein. For example, the vehicle100, the control system102, the portable electronic device104, the remote server106, and/or various components thereof may vary from that depicted inFIG. 1and described in connection therewith, in various embodiments. It will similarly be appreciated that the steps of the process200may differ from those depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, and/or that various steps of the process200may occur concurrently and/or in a different order than that depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, in various embodiments. It will similarly be appreciated that the implementation300ofFIG. 3may also differ in various embodiments.