Patent ID: 12233889

In the different figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference characters, which is why these identical parts are also generally described only once.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure is directed to a system for implementing automated vehicle assistance functions, the system including at least one vehicle having functional units, with which the vehicle assistance functions are executable, and at least one cloud system, which is connectable to the vehicle via a communication link.

A problem addressed by the disclosure is that of enabling an automated generation and variation of vehicle-specific automation sequences, which are formed from a sequence of vehicle assistance functions. The vehicle may include one or more processors that execute computer code (e.g., software) stored in memory of the vehicle for implementing feature and functions described herein, including communications with other vehicles and the cloud system described herein.

According to the disclosure, the problem is solved by a system having the features described herein, including, for example, a cloud system of which is configured to receive predefined rule specifications assigned to the vehicle assistance functions, checking whether the rule specifications meet predefined original equipment manufacturer regulations and/or customer requirements and/or regional legal requirements, or not, storing those rule specifications that meet the predefined original equipment manufacturer regulations and/or customer requirements and/or regional legal requirements, assigning a certain set of stored rule specifications to data specific for the vehicle, and storing this certain set for the vehicle in a manner that is downloadable via the communication link.

It should be noted that the features and measures described individually in the following description can be combined with each other in an arbitrary, technically meaningful way and show further embodiments of the present disclosure. The description additionally characterizes and specifies the disclosure, in particular in conjunction with the figures.

According to the disclosure, a vehicle-specific, certain set of vehicle assistance functions is generated for the vehicle, in particular the delivery vehicle, and stored for the vehicle in a manner that is downloadable from the cloud system. For this purpose, rule specifications assigned to the vehicle assistance functions can be established by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) or by fleet managers and uploaded to the cloud system, for example, an OEM cloud system. The cloud system can then check whether the uploaded rule specifications meet predefined original equipment manufacturer regulations and/or customer requirements and/or regional legal requirements, or not. On the basis of this check, the cloud system can store those rule specifications that meet the predefined original equipment manufacturer regulations and/or customer requirements and/or regional legal requirements for further processing. A distributed global database can be used for this purpose, the database managing all rule specifications that originate from various sources and can target various vehicles. As a function of data specific for the vehicle, for example, a vehicle identification number, the cloud system can assign a certain set of stored rule specifications to the vehicle and store this certain set for the vehicle in a manner that is downloadable via the communication link. After the download, the particular set of stored rule specifications, which can establish an automation sequence for various vehicle assistance functions, can be locally run within a vehicle structure of the vehicle, in particular upon the arrival of the vehicle at a destination or upon the departure from the destination.

Original equipment manufacturers and fleet managers can interact with the cloud system using a suitable communication technology, which can be based on a wireless communication technology, for example, the Internet, or on a mobile radio technology, but is not intended to be limited thereto. The vehicle can also interact with the cloud system using a suitable communication technology, which can also be based on a wireless communication technology, for example, the Internet, or on a mobile radio technology, but is not intended to be limited thereto.

The particular functional unit of the vehicle can be, for example, an electric motor-operated functional unit, an electronic functional unit, and/or an electric functional unit, with which any vehicle assistance function is executable. A vehicle assistance function can be, for example, stopping/starting the engine, switching the ignition off/on, closing/opening the windows, switching the hazard warning lights on/off, locking/unlocking the delivery truck, or the like. The system preferably includes multiple, in particular a plurality of, vehicles, each of which can communicate with the cloud system.

The vehicle can include an electronic vehicle structure having at least one communication unit, via which the communication link to the cloud system is establishable, in order to exchange information between the vehicle and the cloud system and to be able to download the particular certain set of rule specifications from the cloud system. Moreover, the vehicle structure can include at least one data processing system, with which the downloaded rule specifications can be managed and the downloaded set of rule specifications can be evaluated in real time. In addition, the vehicle structure can include at least one local rule database for storing the downloaded rule specifications. These components of the vehicle structure can interact with each other using a suitable communication technology. The communication technology can be based, for example, on a controller area network (CAN), a local interconnect network (LIN), an Ethernet technology, or the like, but is not intended to be limited thereto.

The cloud system may include a computer network, which is available via the Internet or other suitable networks, and can provide a memory for memory space, one or more processors for processing power, and application software stored in the memory and executable by the one or more processors, in order to implement the disclosure.

With the system according to the disclosure, therefore, automation sequences of vehicle functions can be varied and updated in an automated and rule-based manner, in order to be able to implement various sequences of automated vehicle assistance functions.

According to one advantageous embodiment, the cloud system is configured in such a way that, after every receipt of new predefined rule specifications, the cloud system generates an update request and transmits the update request to the vehicle via the communication link, the update request prompting the vehicle to transmit its specific data via the communication link to the cloud system, wherein the cloud system is configured in such a way that, after receipt of the specific data, the cloud system assigns a new certain set of checked and stored rule specifications to these specific data and stores this new certain set for the vehicle in a manner that is downloadable via the communication link. As a result, the certain set of rule specifications assigned to the particular vehicle is always kept up-to-date, in order to always be able to operate the vehicle with optimum functionality.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the vehicle is configured to download the certain set of rule specifications via the communication link and to store the certain set of rule specifications, and to check the stored rule specifications under consideration of sensor data of the vehicle to determine whether an application condition of the particular rule specification has been satisfied, or not, and to execute the vehicle assistance function assigned to the particular satisfied rule specification. As a result, the system can dynamically adapt an automation sequence of vehicle assistance functions, for example, to the vehicle state and/or to the surroundings state, on the basis of sensor data. For this purpose, the aforementioned vehicle structure can include at least one delivery assistance unit, which can carry out the automation of vehicle functions and the adaptation of the automation sequences, for example, by communicating with the aforementioned data processing unit. The vehicle structure includes, for this purpose, at least one sensor system, which generates the sensor data and, as a result, can transmit information regarding the instantaneous vehicle state and/or regarding the instantaneous surroundings state to the data processing unit and to the delivery assistance unit. According to the present advantageous embodiment, the system can be referred to as a rule-based, dynamic delivery assistance system. A rule specification can establish, for example, that, when it is raining, the windows of the vehicle are not opened again when the delivery driver re-enters the vehicle, even though this vehicle assistance function is included in the particular automation sequence.

A rule language can be defined for this purpose. Each rule can be made up of a freely selectable left side, followed by an arrow symbol→and a right side. The syntax and semantics of the left side can be based on linear temporal logic (LTL), which describes the behavior of reactive systems due to the introduction of temporal modalities. The right side can be made up of an instruction for defining the operating state of the particular vehicle assistance function. Primarily, these are instructions for activating or deactivating the particular vehicle assistance function. These instructions are executed only when the left side of the rule yields the value “true.” With this syntax definition, rules can now be defined for extraordinary applications, in order to be able to dynamically adapt the behavior of the system. In order, for example, to deactivate the vehicle assistance function for opening and closing the windows when it begins to rain, the following rule can be described: possible RAIN→window vehicle assistance function=deactivated. In order to deactivate a vehicle assistance function for locking and unlocking the doors of the vehicle when a passenger is in the vehicle, the following rule can be described: DriverOutside and Passengerinside→locking and unlocking vehicle assistance function=deactivated. This makes, in particular, an adaptation of the system in real time possible.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the vehicle is configured to output a notification signal every time a sequence of the vehicle assistance functions to be executed by the vehicle is varied as a function of the sensor data. As a result, the dynamic adaptation of the system can be made noticeable to the delivery driver, for example, via optical and/or acoustic information. The notification signal can be output, for example, by means of a human-machine interface.

The above-described problem is also solved by a method having the features described herein, including, for example, predefined rule specifications are assigned by a cloud system to the vehicle assistance functions is checked to determine whether these rule specifications meet predefined original equipment manufacturer regulations and/or customer requirements and/or regional legal requirements, or not, those rule specifications that meet the predefined original equipment manufacturer regulations and/or customer requirements and/or regional legal requirements are stored, a certain set of stored rule specifications is assigned to data specific for a vehicle, and this certain set for the vehicle is stored in a manner that is downloadable from the cloud system via the communication link.

The advantages mentioned above with reference to the system are therefore associated with the method. In particular, the system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments or a combination of at least two of these embodiments with each other can be used for carrying out the method.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the method, the cloud system is configured in such a way that, after every receipt of new predefined rule specifications, the cloud system generates an update request and transmits the update request to the vehicle via the communication link, the update request prompting the vehicle to transmit its specific data to the cloud system via the communication link, wherein, after receipt of the specific data, a new certain set of checked and stored rule specifications is assigned to these specific data by the cloud system, and this new certain set for the vehicle is stored in a manner that is downloadable via the communication link.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the method, it is provided that the certain set of rule specifications is downloaded by the vehicle via the communication link and the certain set of rule specifications is stored, and the stored rule specifications are checked under consideration of sensor data of the vehicle to determine whether an application condition of the particular rule specification has been satisfied, or not, and the vehicle assistance function assigned to the particular satisfied rule specification is carried out.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the method, a notification signal is output by the vehicle every time a sequence of the vehicle assistance functions to be executed by the vehicle is varied as a function of the sensor data.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a computer program is described, which has commands that prompt a system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments or a combination of at least two of these embodiments with each other to carry out, when executed by a processor, a method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments or a combination of at least two of these embodiments with each other.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a computer-readable medium is presented, on which the aforementioned computer program is stored.

With reference toFIG.1, shown is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system1according to the disclosure for implementing automated vehicle assistance functions.

The system1includes at least one vehicle2that has electrically actuatable functional units (not shown), with which the vehicle assistance functions are executable. The vehicle2is a transport vehicle, in particular a delivery vehicle.

In addition, the system1includes a cloud system4, which is connectable to the vehicle2via a communication link3. The cloud system4is configured to receive, for example, from original equipment manufacturers (OEM) or from fleet managers, predefined rule specifications5assigned to the vehicle assistance functions via a communication link6.

Moreover, the cloud system4is configured to check whether the rule specifications5meet predefined original equipment manufacturer regulations and/or customer requirements and/or regional legal requirements, or not. The cloud system4includes a data processing unit7for this purpose.

In addition, the cloud system4is configured to store those rule specifications5that meet the predefined original equipment manufacturer regulations and/or customer requirements and/or regional legal requirements. The cloud system4includes a memory unit8and a global rule database9for this purpose.

In addition, the cloud system4is configured to assign a certain set10of stored rule specifications5to data specific for the vehicle2and to store this certain set10for the vehicle2in the global rule database9in a manner that is downloadable via the communication link3. The cloud system4includes an assignment unit20for this purpose.

The cloud system4is also configured in such a way that, after each receipt of new predefined rule specifications5, the cloud system4generates an update request and transmits the update request to the vehicle2via the communication link3, the update request prompting the vehicle2to transmit its specific data to the cloud system4via the communication link3. The cloud system4is configured in such a way that, after receipt of the specific data, the cloud system4assigns a new certain set10of checked and stored rule specifications5to these specific data and stores this new certain set10for the vehicle2in a manner that is downloadable via the communication link3.

The vehicle2is configured to download the certain set10of rule specifications5via the communication link3and to store the certain set10of rule specifications5, and to check the stored rule specifications5under consideration of sensor data of the vehicle2to determine whether an application condition of the particular rule specification5has been satisfied, or not, and to execute the vehicle assistance function assigned to the particular satisfied rule specification5. The vehicle2has a vehicle structure11for this purpose.

The vehicle structure11includes a communication unit12, via which the communication link3to the cloud system4is establishable. Moreover, the vehicle structure11includes a data processing unit13, which is configured to manage the rule specifications5and to evaluate the particular rule set10in real time. As a result, the data processing unit13can adapt the behavior of the vehicle2and the vehicle assistance functions of the vehicle2. In addition, the vehicle structure11includes a local rule database14, which is a managed store for downloaded rule specifications5. In addition, the vehicle structure11includes a delivery assistance unit15, which carries out the actual automation of vehicle assistance functions. The delivery assistance unit15can dynamically adapt the particular automation sequence by communicating with the data processing unit13. The vehicle structure11also includes a sensor system16, which transmits information regarding the vehicle state and/or the surroundings state to the data processing unit13and the delivery assistance unit15. Moreover, the vehicle structure11has a human-machine interface17, with which dynamic changes of the automation sequence can be communicated to the delivery driver, in order to make the adaptation of the automation sequence noticeable to the delivery driver. As a result, the vehicle2is configured to output a notification signal every time a sequence of the vehicle assistance functions to be executed by the vehicle2is varied as a function of the sensor data. The notification signal can be output acoustically and/or visually. For example, the notification signal can be output as a text message on a screen, preceded by an acoustic signal. The components12through17of the vehicle structure11can communicate via a suitable communication technology, for example, via a controller area network (CAN), a local interconnect network (LIN), or via the Ethernet.

FIG.2shows an exemplary embodiment of an assignment of a rule premise or condition “possible RAIN”21to specific vehicle data22,23, and24(XYZ, ABC, and GHI). In the upper area, a rule is described, which establishes that the vehicle assistance function25, for example, “Open windows when the driver enters the vehicle,” is deactivated when it rains. The vehicle having the specific vehicle data22, for example, the vehicle identification number XYZ, can assign its signal26(b_is_raining) to the condition “possible RAIN” and, in this way, apply the rule. The vehicle having the specific vehicle data23, for example, the vehicle identification number ABC, can also assign its signal27(rain_state) to the condition “possible RAIN” and, in this way, apply the rule. The vehicle having the specific vehicle data24, for example, the vehicle identification number GHI, does not have a signal28(not applicable) that could be assigned to the condition “possible RAIN,” and so the rule cannot be taken into account by this vehicle.

FIG.3shows an exemplary embodiment of an interaction protocol for updating rule specifications within a vehicle structure (not shown) that can be designed according toFIG.1.

Initially, the cloud system4transmits an update request AA to the communication unit12of the vehicle structure after new rule specifications have been uploaded to the cloud system4. Subsequently, the communication unit12transmits the vehicle identification number FIN to the cloud system4. As a result, the cloud system4is now capable of deriving, from its global rule database, the correct assignment for each rule specification. The assigned rule specifications are then transmitted as a new rule set NR to the communication unit12, which indicates the successful download to the cloud system4via a success signal ES.

Thereafter, the communication unit12makes the downloaded new rule set NR available to the data processing unit13, which the data processing unit13acknowledges to the communication unit12with an acknowledge signal BS. The data processing unit13then initiates the storage of the new rule set NR in the local rule database14.

FIG.4shows an exemplary embodiment of a rule evaluation18and an execution19of implications from the perspective of a functional data stream with the aid of the data processing unit (not shown), which carries out a check for each rule from the local database14to determine whether the rule specification has been satisfied, or not, wherein the particular rule satisfies the above-described rule language. For this purpose, the sensor system16continuously delivers sensor data of assigned signals, which are required for evaluating the left side of the particular rule. The result of this evaluation is a satisfiability state EZ for each rule. The particular satisfiability state EZ is an input, on the basis of which the execution19of the right side of the particular rule is checked. The delivery assistance unit15is activated as a function of the result of this check.

FIG.5shows an exemplary embodiment of a setting of vehicle assistance functions from the perspective of an activity control flow.

Initially, the data processing unit13requests the rules R from the local rule database14using a request signal AS1and requests the sensor data S from the sensor system16using a request signal AS2, as the result of which the local rule database14runs the command B1for providing rules R and the sensor system16runs the command B2for providing the sensor data S. When both have been made available, the data processing unit13evaluates the rules R in the method step100and establishes the satisfiability status of the particular rule R in the method step101. If a rule R cannot be satisfied, which the data processing unit13checks in the method step102, the data processing unit13returns to the method step100and, in this way, continuously evaluates new data. If a rule R has been satisfied, the appropriate operating modes of the vehicle assistance functions are established by the data processing unit13in the method step103, wherein an appropriate operating mode request104is generated and transmitted to the delivery assistance unit15by the data processing unit, and so the delivery assistance unit15can adapt its behavior accordingly. The delivery assistance unit15establishes the operating modes and acknowledges the request in the method step105. In the method step106, the delivery assistance unit15generates a piece of information regarding the adapted or instantaneous operating modes, which the delivery assistance unit15transmits to the data processing unit13in the method step107, the data processing unit13updating the operating modes of the delivery assistance unit15in the method step108. Simultaneously, the piece of information is to the human-machine interface17, which generates a notification signal in the method step109, with which the delivery driver is informed that a dynamic change has been carried out.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1system2vehicle3communication link4cloud system5rule specification6communication link7data processing unit of 48memory unit of 49global rule database10rule set11vehicle structure12communication unit13data processing unit of 1114local rule database15delivery assistance unit16sensor system17human-machine interface18rule evaluation19implication execution20assignment unit21rule premise/condition22specific vehicle data23specific vehicle data24specific vehicle data25vehicle assistance function, for example, “Open windows when the driver enters the vehicle”26signal (b_is_raining)27signal (rain_state)28signal (not applicable)AA update requestABC vehicle identification numberAS1request signalAS2request signalBS acknowledge signalB1commandB2commandES success signalEZ satisfiability stateFIN vehicle identification numberGHI vehicle identification numberNR new rule setR rulesS sensor dataXYZ vehicle identification number100-109method steps