Patent Publication Number: US-2019188635-A1

Title: Automated vehicle and method for servicing disabled vehicles

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/599,321 filed Dec. 15, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     These teachings relate generally to the servicing of disable vehicles and, more specifically, to servicing these vehicles based upon the economic value of the cargo that the vehicles are transporting. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles transport different types of merchandise between different shipping sources and destinations. In one example, trucks transport goods from warehouses to retail stores. In another example, delivery vehicles transport packages from warehouses to residences of customers (or to businesses). 
     Vehicles sometimes become disabled. For example, the engine of a vehicle may break down or otherwise become inoperative. In another example, the vehicle may be involved in an accident and may not be able to move either because of damage to the vehicle or due to legal restrictions that prevent the vehicle from leaving the scene of the accident. 
     In any case, when a vehicle is disabled undesirable outcomes can occur regarding the cargo that the vehicle is carrying. For example, if the vehicle is carrying a refrigerated cargo and the refrigeration system is disabled (or the vehicle is significantly delayed in transit), the cargo may spoil or become otherwise unusable. In another example, if the vehicle cannot move, the cargo may be susceptible to theft or the vehicle to vandalism. 
     Manually operated tow trucks have been used to service disabled vehicles. More specifically, once a vehicle has broken down a tow truck can be dispatched to service or tow the disabled vehicle. Unfortunately, manually operated tow trucks are expensive to operate. Additionally, manually operated tow trucks require that a driver is readily available. However, in some cases, a driver for the tow truck is not immediately available, thereby delaying the response time and jeopardizing the survival of the cargo. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above needs are at least partially met through provision of approaches that automatically servicing disable vehicles particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  comprises a diagram of a system as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings; 
         FIG. 2  comprises a flowchart of a system as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings; 
         FIG. 3  comprises a flowchart of a system as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings; 
         FIG. 4  comprises a flowchart of a system as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally speaking, many of these embodiments provide for an automated repair vehicle that obtains financial information of the cargo of a target vehicle that has become disabled. The information might include a dollar value of the cargo. The financial information is used to determine the priority of the cargo, e.g., whether the cargo a high-value item with a high delivery priority. The repair vehicle also obtains sensed information about the physical characteristics of the target vehicle. The sensed information may, in aspects, include images of the target vehicle. The sensed information is used to determine a condition of the vehicle, e.g., has the target vehicle been involved in an accident. 
     Next, potential actions are determined based upon the condition of the delivery vehicle, e.g., tow the vehicle to a repair center, leave the vehicle where it is, or attempt to repair the target vehicle where it sits. Then, one (or more) of the actions are selected based upon the economic priority of the cargo. For example, the condition of the vehicle may be such that two actions including towing the delivery vehicle or repairing the vehicle in place are possible. However, the cargo may be of such high value that the action that is selected is to immediately tow the vehicle to prevent loss of the cargo. 
     In many of these embodiments, an automated autonomous repair vehicle is configured to maneuver to a location of a disabled delivery vehicle that is delivering a cargo of merchandise. The automated repair vehicle includes an interface, a sensing device, and a control circuit. 
     The sensing device is configured to obtain information concerning physical characteristics of a disabled delivery vehicle that is experiencing operational problems. The disabled delivery vehicle carries a cargo. 
     The control circuit is coupled to the interface and the sensing device. The control circuit is automatically configured to receive the sensed information from the sensing device via the interface, obtain financial information and delivery restrictions concerning the cargo via the interface, and determine an economic priority of the cargo based upon the financial information and delivery restrictions. The control circuit is further configured to determine, based upon the sensed information and the condition of the disabled delivery vehicle, one or more proposed actions performable by the automated repair vehicle that would remedy the operational problems of the disabled delivery vehicle. 
     The control circuit is configured to then select one of the proposed actions based upon the economic priority of the cargo. The control circuit is further configured to subsequently cause the automated autonomous repair vehicle to perform the selected action. 
     In aspects, the automated autonomous repair vehicle further includes a towing apparatus. In examples, the control circuit is configured to maneuver the automated autonomous repair vehicle into a position to tow the disabled delivery vehicle. The control circuit transmits an electronic signal to actuate the towing apparatus when the automated autonomous repair vehicle is in position. 
     In other aspects, the automated autonomous repair vehicle further includes a repair apparatus. In examples, the control circuit is configured to maneuver the automated autonomous repair vehicle into a position to repair the disabled delivery vehicle. The control circuit transmits an electronic signal to actuate the repair apparatus when the automated autonomous repair vehicle is in position. In some examples, the repair apparatus comprises a robotic arm or micro drones. Other examples are possible. 
     In other examples, the economic priority of the cargo comprises a relative importance of delivery of the cargo based upon a financial value of the cargo, or a liability or risk of leaving cargo in place. Other examples of economic priority are possible. 
     In yet other examples, the condition of the disabled delivery vehicle comprises the physical position of the disabled delivery vehicle with respect to the automated autonomous repair vehicle, or an operational status of the disabled delivery vehicle. Other examples are possible. 
     In aspects, the financial information relates to the financial value of the cargo, the cold chain requirements concerning the cargo, or legal, regulatory, or administrative guidelines concerning delivery of the cargo. Other examples are possible. 
     In other aspects, the sensing device is a camera, or a code reading apparatus configured to obtain operating codes from the disabled delivery vehicle. Other examples of sensing devices are possible. 
     In still other examples, the disabled delivery vehicle is an aerial drone, a manned delivery truck, or an automated ground vehicle. Other examples of vehicles are possible. 
     In others of these embodiments, an automated repair vehicle is maneuvered to a location of a disabled delivery vehicle that is delivering a cargo. Information concerning physical characteristics of the disabled delivery vehicle is sensed. Financial information and delivery restrictions concerning the cargo is obtained. 
     An economic priority of the cargo based upon the financial information and delivery restrictions is determined. Based upon the sensed readings, the condition of the disabled delivery vehicle is determined and one or more proposed actions performable by the automated autonomous repair vehicle that would remedy the operational problems of the disabled delivery vehicle are identified. 
     One (or more) of the proposed actions is selected based upon the economic priority of the cargo. The automated autonomous repair vehicle is caused to perform the selected action. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one example of an automated autonomous repair vehicle  100  that is configured to maneuver to a location of a disabled delivery vehicle  140  is described. The automated repair vehicle  100  includes an interface  102 , a sensing device  104 , and a control circuit  106 . The vehicle  100  may include a propulsion system, wheels, a frame, and other components typically found in or included with vehicles. In aspects, the automated autonomous repair vehicle  100  further includes a towing apparatus  110 . In other aspects, the automated autonomous repair vehicle  100  further includes a repair apparatus  112 . 
     The towing apparatus  110  is any type of mechanism configured for the towing of the disabled vehicle  140 . The towing apparatus  110  may be a conventional towing device used on conventional tow trucks as known to those skilled in the art. In aspects, the towing apparatus  110  may include wheels, pulleys, gears that operate a cable (or cables), which attach to the disabled vehicle  140 . In still other examples, the towing apparatus  140  includes a magnetic coupler that couples to the disabled vehicle  140 . 
     The repair apparatus  112  is any type of device (or devices) that is configured to repair disabled vehicle. In examples, the repair apparatus  112  comprises a robotic arm or micro drones (which can perform repair activities). Other examples are possible. 
     The disabled vehicle  140  may be any type of vehicle that is inoperative in any respect, unable to move, or somehow restricted in movement. In examples, the disabled vehicle  140  is an aerial drone, a manned delivery truck, or an automated ground vehicle. In other examples, the disabled vehicle  140  is a delivery vehicle with cargo  142 . The cargo  142  may be any type of products such as retail merchandise, refrigerated products, or frozen products. Other examples are possible. The vehicle  140  may also include components that preserve or protect the cargo  142  (e.g., refrigeration units or a security system). 
     The sensing device  104  is any type of device that can measure physical parameters. In examples, the sensing device  104  may be a camera and obtain images. In other aspects, the sensing device  104  is a code reading apparatus configured to obtain operating (or status) codes from the disabled delivery vehicle. Other examples of sensing devices are possible. In another example, the sensing device  104  detects motion, speed, or acceleration of an object. 
     In still other examples, the sensing device  104  receives transmitted information (e.g., information from a control center). For instance, the sensing device  104  may receive transmitted electronic messages that include condition information or status. It will be appreciated that multiple sensing devices can also be used. 
     In aspects, the sensing device  104  is configured to obtain information concerning physical characteristics of a disabled delivery vehicle that is experiencing operational problems. For example, the sensing device  104  may obtain visual images (or images measured at any other wavelength) of the disabled vehicle. 
     The interface  102  is an electronic device that includes any combination of computer hardware or software. In some aspects, the interface  102  is configured to transmit electronic information, electronic messages, or electronic control signals to operate different components of the vehicle  100  or to entities outside of the vehicle  100 . The interface  102  is also configured to receive electronic information, for example, from the sensing device  104 . 
     The control circuit  106  is coupled to the interface  102  and the sensing device  104 . It will be appreciated that as used herein the term “control circuit” refers broadly to any microcontroller, computer, or processor-based device with processor, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals, which is generally designed to govern the operation of other components and devices. It is further understood to include common accompanying accessory devices, including memory, transceivers for communication with other components and devices, etc. These architectural options are well known and understood in the art and require no further description here. The control circuit  106  may be configured (for example, by using corresponding programming stored in a memory as will be well understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or more of the steps, actions, and/or functions described herein. 
     The control circuit  106  is automatically configured to receive the sensed information from the sensing device  104  via the interface  102 , obtain financial information and delivery restrictions concerning the cargo via the interface  102 , and determine an economic priority of the cargo  142  based upon the financial information and delivery restrictions. 
     The control circuit  106  is further configured to determine, based upon the sensed information and the condition of the disabled delivery vehicle  140 , one or more proposed actions performable by the automated repair vehicle that would remedy the operational problems of the disabled delivery vehicle  140 . The control circuit  106  is then configured to select one of the proposed actions based upon the economic priority of the cargo  142 . The control circuit  106  is further configured to subsequently cause the automated autonomous repair vehicle  100  to perform the selected action. 
     In one example, the selected action is to tow the vehicle  140  to a service center or to some other location. In aspects, the control circuit  106  is configured to maneuver the automated autonomous repair vehicle  100  into a position to tow the disabled delivery vehicle  140 . The control circuit  106  transmits an electronic signal to actuate the towing apparatus  110  when the automated autonomous repair vehicle  100  is in the position. 
     In another example, the selected action is to repair the vehicle  140 . In aspects, the control circuit  106  is configured to maneuver the automated autonomous repair vehicle  100  into a position to repair the disabled delivery vehicle  140 . The control circuit  106  transmits an electronic signal to actuate the repair apparatus  112  when the automated autonomous repair vehicle  100  is in the position. 
     Information relating to the economic priority of the cargo  142  may be represented in a variety of forms. In some aspects, the economic priority of the cargo  142  comprises a relative importance of delivery of the cargo  142  based upon a financial value of the cargo, or a liability or risk of leaving cargo  142  in place. Other examples of economic priority are possible. The economic priority information may be transmitted to the vehicle  100  from a central control center  144 . 
     Condition information of the disabled vehicle  140  also may be of a variety of different types and forms. For instance, the condition of the disabled delivery vehicle  140  may comprise the physical position of the disabled delivery vehicle with respect to the automated autonomous repair vehicle, or an operational status (e.g., operative, inoperative, moving, not-moving) of the disabled delivery vehicle  140 . Other examples are possible. The condition information may be transmitted to the vehicle  100  from the disabled vehicle  140  (e.g., the disabled vehicle  140  may transmit a signal with condition information), or may be sensed by the measurement device  104 . In other aspects, the condition information may be transmitted to the vehicle  100  from a central control center  144  (via the interface  102 ). 
     Financial information of the cargo  142  may also be a variety of different forms. For example, the financial information may relate to the financial value of the cargo, the cold chain requirements concerning the cargo, or legal, regulatory, or administrative guidelines concerning delivery of the cargo. Other examples are possible. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , one example of an approach for servicing a disabled vehicle is described. At step  202 , an automated repair vehicle is maneuvered to a location of a disabled delivery vehicle that is delivering a cargo. The automated repair vehicle can be directed by the disabled vehicle, by a central control center, or by a combination of these devices. 
     At step  204 , information concerning physical characteristics of the disabled delivery vehicle is sensed. In examples, the physical characteristics may include the location (e.g., obtained from a location service such as a GPS service) or the condition of the vehicle (e.g., operate, inoperative, moving, or not moving). Physical characteristics can be determined, for example, by processing images from a camera. For instance, smoke or fire coming from a vehicle indicates that the vehicle is disabled. The images may also indicate that the vehicle is on its side or off the road further indicating the vehicle is inoperative. 
     At step  206 , financial information and delivery restrictions concerning the cargo is obtained. For example, the financial information and delivery restrictions may include the price (or other financial value) of the cargo, or cold chain requirements concerning the cargo. 
     At step  208 , an economic priority of the cargo based upon the financial information and delivery restrictions is determined. In examples, the economic priority of the cargo comprises a relative importance of delivery of the cargo based upon a financial value of the cargo, or a liability or risk of leaving cargo in place. 
     At step  210 , the condition of the disabled delivery vehicle is determined based upon the sensed readings. At step  212 , one or more proposed actions performable by the automated autonomous repair vehicle that would remedy the operational problems of the disabled delivery vehicle are identified. For example, if the vehicle is along the side of the road and accessible, then towing and/or repair actions may be possible. However, if the vehicle has left the road way and is positioned in a ditch, the only option may be to save the cargo. In other examples, no action may be possible. 
     At step  214 , one of the proposed actions is selected based upon the economic priority of the cargo. For example, if the actions are towing the vehicle or repairing the vehicle in place and the economic value of the cargo is high, then the towing option may be selected. Otherwise, the repair-in-place option may be selected. 
     At step  216 , the automated autonomous repair vehicle is caused to perform the selected action. For example, the vehicle may be maneuvered to the proper location, the towing mechanism actuated and attached to the disabled vehicle, and the disabled vehicle towed. In another example, the vehicle may be maneuvered to the proper location, the repair apparatus or device (e.g., drones) actuated and repairs made to the disabled vehicle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , one example of an approach for determining proposed actions based upon the condition of a disabled vehicle is described. 
     At step  302 , the condition of the disabled vehicle is determined based upon sensed readings. For example, an image taken by a camera can be analyzed (using image analysis techniques as known to those skilled in the art) to determine whether the vehicle is accessible. The condition may also be sensed by a sensing device. For instance, the disabled vehicle may report or broadcast condition information via a transmitter. 
     In this example, three conditions exist: fully accessible, partially accessible, or inaccessible. Inaccessible means any condition where the disabled vehicle is not available or reachable for any reason. For example, the disabled vehicle may be turned on its side, may be burning, or may be otherwise damaged. The disabled vehicle may also be inaccessible because it has been involved in an accident (e.g., and the police have not yet released the vehicle). Fully accessible means that the vehicle is completely accessible and that there are no restrictions in accessing the vehicle. Partially accessible, means that the disabled vehicle has partial accessibility, but that not all actions are possible. In this example, partial accessibility means that the cargo is accessible, but the vehicle cannot be moved. 
     At step  304 , it has been determined that the disabled vehicle is fully accessible. The potential actions are to repair the vehicle on site, towing the vehicle, remove the cargo and transport to a different location, tow the vehicle, or do nothing. 
     At step  306 , it has been determined that the disabled vehicle is partially accessible. The potential actions are to remove the cargo and transport to a different location, or do nothing. 
     At step  308 , it has been determined that the disabled vehicle is inaccessible. The only action is to do nothing. In this case, the vehicle is left where it sits. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , one example of an approach for selecting proposed actions is described. In this example, the actions of  FIG. 3  are filtered by the algorithm of  FIG. 4 . 
     At step  402 , the economic priority of the cargo is determined based upon the financial information and delivery restrictions. Financial information may include the absolute value of the cargo. Delivery restrictions may relate to cold chain requirements. In examples, the economic priority of the cargo comprises a relative importance of delivery of the cargo based upon a financial value of the cargo, or a liability or risk of leaving cargo in place. 
     In this example, the economic priority can be high, medium, and low. High priority cargo are premium items such as premium frozen grocery items, or high-valued electronic. Medium priority items may be items of average value, for example, within a certain price range. Low priority items are items that are easily replaceable or below a value threshold. 
     Each action is evaluated for selection based upon the economic priority. 
     At step  404 , repairing the vehicle on site is evaluated. This option is selected if the priority is medium. 
     At step  406 , removing the cargo and transport to a different location is evaluated. This option is selected if the priority is high. 
     At step  408 , towing the vehicle is considered. This option is selected if the priority is low, and a repair center is within a predetermined distance of the disabled vehicle. 
     At step  410 , doing nothing is evaluated. This option is selected as a default or if the priority is low and the vehicle is beyond a predetermined distance to a repair center. 
     It will be appreciated that the approaches of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  are examples only and that other algorithms are possible. It is all possible that multiple actions can be performed. For example, repairing the vehicle may be first attempted, and if the repairs are not successful then the vehicle can be towed. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.