Patent ID: 12258039

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

FIG.1is a functional block diagram of a communications system10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As described in greater detail further below, the communications system10includes a vehicle12(also referred to herein as the “host vehicle”) that includes a control system11that is configured to determine and implement a continuous driving path for the vehicle in the absence of a navigational route, pursuant to the process200described further below in connection withFIG.2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

As described further below, in various embodiments, the control system11includes a processor38, a computer memory40, vehicle sensors72, and one or more displays67. In certain embodiments, the control system may also include a satellite-based location determining system component (e.g., GPS)42, among various other components.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle12comprises a semi-autonomous vehicle12with automated control over certain vehicle functionality via the control system11, for example including automated control of a vehicle powertrain17, braking system23, and/or steering system19, among other possible vehicle systems. In certain embodiments, the vehicle12may comprise a fully autonomous vehicle.

As depicted inFIG.1, in certain embodiments, a user (e.g., a driver)13also has a device15, such as a smart phone, computer, and/or other electronic device15, for example that may communicate with both the user (e.g., the driver)13and the vehicle12.

As depicted inFIG.1, the communications system10generally includes the vehicle12, along with one or more wireless carrier systems14, one or more land networks16, and one or more remote servers18. In various embodiments, the communications system10may also include one or more other vehicles90(e.g., a fleet of vehicles). In various embodiments, user (e.g., driver) preferences of the vehicle12may also be aggregated with user (e.g., driver) preferences of the other vehicles90for improved for improved decision making for travel of the various vehicles12,90, including situations in which a decision as to travel thereof may otherwise be indeterminate (e.g., when there is an upcoming intersection or t-junction, and/or in which a current lane merges or branches off into multiple different lanes, and so on).

It should be appreciated that the overall architecture, setup, and operation, as well as the individual components of the illustrated system are merely exemplary and that differently configured communications systems may also be utilized to implement the examples of the method disclosed herein. Thus, the following paragraphs, which provide a brief overview of the illustrated communications system10, are not intended to be limiting.

The vehicle12may be any type of mobile vehicle such as a motorcycle, car, truck, recreational vehicle (RV), boat, plane, farm equipment, or the like, and is equipped with suitable hardware and software that enables it to communicate over communications system10. As shown inFIG.1, in various embodiments the vehicle hardware20is disposed within a body75of the vehicle12, and includes a telematics unit24, a microphone26, a speaker28, and buttons and/or controls30connected to the telematics unit24. Operatively coupled to the telematics unit24is a network connection or vehicle bus32. Examples of suitable network connections include a controller area network (CAN), a media-oriented system transfer (MOST), a local interconnection network (LIN), an Ethernet, and other appropriate connections such as those that conform with known ISO (International Organization for Standardization), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), and/or IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards and specifications, to name a few.

The telematics unit24is an onboard device that provides a variety of services through its communication with the remote server18, and generally includes an electronic processing device (processor)38, one or more types of electronic memory40, a cellular chipset/component34, a wireless modem36, a dual mode antenna70, and a navigation unit containing a GPS chipset/component42. In one example, the wireless modem36includes a computer program and/or set of software routines adapted to be executed within electronic processing device38.

In various embodiments, the processor38provides processing functionality for the vehicle12, including autonomous functionality thereof. In various embodiment, the processor38is configured to determine and implement a continuous driving path for the vehicle12in the absence of a navigational route, pursuant to the process200described further below in connection withFIG.2.

In various embodiments, the processor38determines and implements the continuous driving path utilizing preferences from the driver13that are obtained via driver inputs as to the driver13's preferences with respect to travel options for the vehicle12during situations in which an automated decision would otherwise be indeterminable (e.g., including situations in which there is an upcoming intersection or t-junction, and/or in which a current lane merges or branches off into multiple different lanes, and so on).

In various embodiments, embodiments, the memory40stores the driver preferences as preference data85. In addition, in various embodiments, the memory40also stores map data80, including for a roadway on which the vehicle12is travelling.

In various embodiments, the telematics unit24can be an embedded/installed within the vehicle12at the time of manufacture, or may be an aftermarket unit that is installed after manufacture of the vehicle12. In various embodiments, the telematics unit24enables voice and/or data communications over one or more wireless networks (e.g., wireless carrier system14), and/or via wireless networking, thereby allowing communications with the remote server18and/or other vehicles and/or systems.

In various embodiments, the telematics unit24may use radio transmissions to establish a voice and/or data channel with the wireless carrier system14so that both voice and data transmissions can be sent and received over the voice and/or data channels. Vehicle communications are enabled via the cellular chipset/component34for voice communications and the wireless modem36for data transmission. Any suitable encoding or modulation technique may be used with the present examples, including digital transmission technologies, such as TDMA (time division multiple access), CDMA (code division multiple access), W-CDMA (wideband CDMA), FDMA (frequency division multiple access), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), and the like. In one embodiment, dual mode antenna70services the GPS chipset/component42and the cellular chipset/component34. In various embodiments, the telematics unit24utilizes cellular communication according to industry standards, such as LTE, 5G, or the like. In addition, in various embodiments, the telematics unit24carries out wireless networking between the vehicle12and one or more other network devices, for example using one or more wireless protocols such as one or more IEEE 802.11 protocols, WiMAX, or Bluetooth.

The telematics unit24may offer a number of different services for users of the vehicle12, including determining and implementing a continuous driving path for the vehicle12in the absence of a navigational route (e.g., pursuant to the process200described further below in connection withFIG.2), including via the use of inputs from the driver13and via automatically controlling one or more vehicle functions (such as the powertrain17, braking system23, steering system19, and/or other vehicle systems), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

In addition, in certain embodiments, the telematics unit24may also provide connection with electronic devices15. In various embodiments, the electronic devices may include, by way of example, various consumer electronic/mobile devices, such as a smart phone, a laptop, a smart wearable device, a tablet computer, a network computer, and/or one or more other electronic devices and/or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, one or more short-range wireless connection (SRWC) protocols (e.g., Bluetooth/Bluetooth Low Energy, or Wi-Fi) may be utilized. In various embodiments, once the SRWC is established, the electronic devices15may be become bonded and/or recognized as network participants for the telematics unit24, for example for current uses as well as in the future. For example, in certain embodiments, when the electronic device15is subsequently in wireless range with the telematics unit24after the initial pairing, telematics unit24(and/or the remote server18) may confirm that the electronic device15is recognized as already being paired or established as a network participant for communicating with the telematics unit24and receiving services therefrom.

In addition, in various embodiments, the telematics unit24may also provide other services, such as, by way of example: turn-by-turn directions and other navigation-related services provided in conjunction with the GPS chipset/component42; emergency assistance services, information requests from the users of the vehicle12(e.g., regarding points of interest en route while the vehicle12is travelling), and/or infotainment-related services, for example in which music, internet web pages, movies, television programs, videogames, and/or other content are downloaded by an infotainment center46that may be part of the telematics unit24and/or operatively connected to the telematics unit24via vehicle bus32and audio bus22, among various other types of possible services.

With respect to other electronic components utilized in connection with the telematics unit24, the microphone26provides the driver or other vehicle occupant with a means for inputting verbal or other auditory commands, and can be equipped with an embedded voice processing unit utilizing a human/machine interface (HMI) technology known in the art. Conversely, speaker28provides audible output to the vehicle occupants and can be either a stand-alone speaker specifically dedicated for use with the telematics unit24or can be part of a vehicle audio component64. In either event, microphone26and speaker28enable vehicle hardware20and remote server18to communicate with the occupants through audible speech. The vehicle hardware also includes one or more buttons and/or controls30for enabling a vehicle occupant to activate or engage one or more of the vehicle hardware components20. For example, one of the buttons and/or controls30can be an electronic pushbutton used to initiate voice communication with remote server18(whether it be a human such as advisor58or an automated call response system). In another example, one of the buttons and/or controls30can be used to initiate emergency services.

The audio component64is operatively connected to the vehicle bus32and the audio bus22. The audio component64receives analog information, rendering it as sound, via the audio bus22. Digital information is received via the vehicle bus32. The audio component64provides amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) radio, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and multimedia functionality independent of the infotainment center46. Audio component64may contain a speaker system, or may utilize speaker28via arbitration on vehicle bus32and/or audio bus22. In various embodiments, the audio component64includes radio system65(which also includes antenna70, as well as amplifiers, speakers, and the like, in certain embodiments).

Also in various embodiments, display component67provides a visual display for the driver13of the vehicle12. In various embodiments, the display components67provides a visual display for the driver13, for example as to potential routes for travel of the vehicle12.

Vehicle sensors72, connected to various sensor interface modules44are operatively connected to the vehicle bus32. In various embodiments, the vehicle sensors72include one or more input sensors21for receiving inputs from the driver13.

In various embodiments, the input sensors21receive driver inputs as to the driver's preferences with regard to potential options for travel of the vehicle12, including in situations involving otherwise indeterminable decisions for travel of the vehicle12(e.g., including situations in which there is no clear choice among potential options for travel of the vehicle12, for example including situations in which there is an upcoming intersection or t-junction, and/or in which a current lane merges or branches off into multiple different lanes, and so on). In certain embodiments, the input sensors21are coupled to one or more driver input devices, such as part of the display67, microphone26, and/or buttons and/or controls30. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments the driver inputs may be verbal, while in certain other embodiments the driver inputs may be expressed via a driver13's engagement of a touch screen and/or one or knobs, buttons, turn indicators, steering wheel, or the like. In certain embodiments, user inputs may also be obtained via the device15of the driver13.

In various embodiments, the vehicle sensors72may also include any number of different types of sensors including, by way of example, wheel speed sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, emission detection, and/or control sensors, and the like. Also in various embodiments, exemplary sensor interface modules44include powertrain control, braking control, steering control, climate control, and body control, to name but a few.

In various embodiments, the wireless carrier systems14may be any number of cellular telephone systems, satellite-based wireless systems, and/or any other suitable wireless systems, for example that transmits signals between the vehicle hardware20and land network16(and/or, in certain embodiments, that communicate directly with the vehicle12and/or the remote server18). According to certain examples, wireless carrier system14may include and/or be coupled to one or more cell towers48, satellites49, base stations and/or mobile switching centers (MSCs)50, as well as any other networking components required to connect the wireless carrier system14with land network16. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, various cell tower/base station/MSC arrangements are possible and could be used with wireless carrier system14.

The land network16can be a conventional land-based telecommunications network that is connected to one or more landline telephones, and that connects wireless carrier system14to remote server18. For example, the land network16can include a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and/or an Internet protocol (IP) network, as is appreciated by those skilled in the art. Of course, one or more segments of the land network16can be implemented in the form of a standard wired network, a fiber or other optical network, a cable network, other wireless networks such as wireless local networks (WLANs) or networks providing broadband wireless access (BWA), or any combination thereof.

The remote server18is designed to provide the vehicle hardware20with a number of different system back-end functions and, according to the example shown here, generally includes one or more switches52, servers54(e.g., including one or more processors), databases56, advisors58, as well as a variety of other telecommunication/computer equipment60. These various call center components are suitably coupled to one another via a network connection or bus62, such as the one previously described in connection with the vehicle hardware20. Switch52, which can be a private branch exchange (PBX) switch, routes incoming signals so that voice transmissions are usually sent to either advisor58or an automated response system, and data transmissions are passed on to a modem or other piece of telecommunication/computer equipment60for demodulation and further signal processing.

The modem or other telecommunication/computer equipment60may include an encoder, as previously explained, and can be connected to various devices such as a server54and database56. For example, database56could be designed to store subscriber profile records, subscriber behavioral patterns, or any other pertinent subscriber information. Although the illustrated example has been described as it would be used in conjunction with a remote server18that is manned, it will be appreciated that the remote server18can be any central or remote facility, manned or unmanned, mobile, or fixed.

FIG.2is a flowchart of a process200for determining and implementing a continuous driving path for a vehicle in the absence of a navigational route. In various embodiments, the process200can be implemented in connection with the communications system10ofFIG.1, including the vehicle12and control system11thereof, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

As depicted inFIG.2, in an exemplary embodiment, the process200begins at step202. In various embodiments, the process200begins when a driver enters the vehicle12and/or begins operation of the vehicle12, and/or when a current vehicle drive and/or ignition cycle begins.

In various embodiments, inputs are received at step204. In various embodiments, the inputs of step204may include initial driver inputs requesting that the control system11provide automatic control for vehicle movement. In addition, in certain embodiments, the initial driver inputs may also include an initial location or direction of travel for the vehicle12. In various embodiments, such initial drier inputs are obtained via one or more input sensors21ofFIG.1and/or via the electronic device15of the driver13. Also in various embodiments, the inputs include vehicle location data, for example as obtained via the navigation (e.g., GPS) system42ofFIG.1. In addition, in various embodiments, the inputs also include map data pertaining to the location of the vehicle12and surrounding roadways and areas, for example as obtained via the map80stored in the memory40ofFIG.1(or, for example, as obtained from the remote server18ofFIG.1).

In various embodiments, automatic control is provided for the vehicle (step206). In various embodiment, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) automatically controls movement of the vehicle12ofFIG.1in accordance with the inputs of step204(for example in accordance with a driver's request for automatic control and/or with respect to a direction or destination of travel for the vehicle12, as well as using the location data and map data, and so on). Also in various embodiments, the processor provides automatic movement of the vehicle12via automatic propulsion, acceleration, steering, braking, and so on in a manner that prioritizes the movement so as to minimize vehicle maneuvers, in accordance with instructions provided via a processor.

In various embodiments, a determination is made as to whether the vehicle has encountered an indeterminate route decision (step208). In various embodiments, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) makes this determination, using the location and map data from step204, as to whether the vehicle12is faced with a choice of multiple possible directions and/or places of travel, without a clear preferred choice. For example, such an indeterminate route decision may comprise a situation in which there is an upcoming intersection or t-junction, and/or in which a current lane merges or branches off into multiple different lanes, and so on. In various embodiments, such determinations of step208are repeated continuously throughout the process200during the automatic movement of the vehicle.

In various embodiments, if it is determined at step208that the vehicle has not encountered an indeterminate route decision, the process proceeds to step210. During step210, automatic movement of the vehicle continues. Specifically, in various embodiments, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) continues to control automatic movement of the vehicle12ofFIG.1, by continuing the actions of step206along the current continuous path. In various embodiments, the process200also proceeds to step212for a determination as to whether the process200is to continue, as described in greater detail further below.

Conversely, in various embodiments, if it is instead determined at step208that the vehicle has encountered an indeterminate route decision, the process proceeds instead to step214. During step214, a determination is made as to whether a confidence level is satisfied for a particular preference for the indeterminate route decision.

In various embodiments, the particular preference is obtained during step216, for use in the determination of step214. In various embodiments, during step216, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) retrieves preference data (e.g., preference data85stored in the memory40ofFIG.1, and/or stored in memory of the servers54ofFIG.1) as to preferences of the driver13(and/or in certain embodiments, as to other drivers of other vehicles90ofFIG.1) with respect to the indeterminate route decision. In certain embodiments, these driver preferences are previously obtained and/or updated during a prior iteration of steps226-228, described in greater detail further below.

With reference back to step214, in various embodiments, the confidence level is deemed to be satisfied when the user preferences (and/or in certain embodiments, other data as to typical vehicle movement in this location for various vehicles) provide a level of confidence or probability for a particular solution that exceeds a predetermined threshold with respect to certainty that the driver would be deemed to prefer a certain one of possible solutions (e.g., a particular vehicle path or maneuver) for the indeterminate route decision. In certain embodiments, the confidence level is deemed to be satisfied when an iterative confidence counter is satisfied for a particular driver preference for a particular solution (e.g., a particular path or maneuver) pertaining to the indeterminate route decision.

In various embodiments, if it is determined during step214that the confidence level is satisfied for a particular solution, then the particular solution is implemented (step218). Specifically, in various embodiments, the particular solution that is deemed to be preferred is implemented in accordance with instructions provided by a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1), and is utilized for the further movement of the vehicle12along a continuous path that is defined by the solution. In certain embodiment, the solution comprises a lane of travel. In certain embodiments, the solution may also comprise one or more vehicle maneuvers (e.g., including steering, acceleration, deceleration, and so on). In various embodiments, the process then returns to step204for continued inputs, for example in a new iteration.

Conversely, in various embodiments, if it is instead determined during step214that the confidence level is not satisfied for any particular solution, then the process instead proceeds to step220. In various embodiments, during step220, a determination is made as to whether the driver has provided a preemptive input. Specifically, in various embodiments, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) determines whether the driver13of the vehicle12has preemptively provided a driver input as to a driver's preference for a preferred solution with respect to the indeterminable decision. For example, in various embodiments, the driver may preemptively provide an input as the vehicle12approaches the location pertaining to the indeterminable decision, before being prompted by the control system11, such as by engaging a turn signal, touch screen, knob, button, or dial, or speaking into a microphone, or the like, in a manner that is detected by one or more input sensors21with respect to a pre-emptive preference for the driver (e.g., as to a preferred lane for the vehicle12to follow, or the like).

If it is determined during step220that the driver has provided a preemptive input, then a solution corresponding to the preemptive input is automatically implemented by the vehicle12, and the process proceeds to the above-described step218to implement that solution (e.g., a particular lane to follow, or the like), and is utilized for the further movement of the vehicle12along a continuous path that is defined by the solution. In various embodiments, the process then returns to step204for continued inputs, for example in a new iteration.

Conversely, if it is instead determined during step220that the driver has not provided a preemptive input, then the process proceeds instead to step222. In various embodiments, during step222, a determination is made as to whether a driver notification is warranted. Specifically, in various embodiments, during step222, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) determines whether the vehicle12is sufficiently close to a position requiring the indeterminate decision (such as intersection, splitting of lanes, ending of lanes, or the like) so as to require driver input. In various embodiments, this may be determined as whether the vehicle12is currently within a predetermined distance and/or time of reaching this position.

In various embodiments, if it is determined during step222that the driver notification is not warranted, then the process returns to step220. In an exemplary embodiments, steps220-222thereafter repeat in new iterations until a determination is made in an iteration of step222that a driver notification is warranted.

Once it is determined during step222that a driver notification is warranted, a notification is provided to the driver (step224). In various embodiments, a notification is provided to the driver as to whether the driver has any particular preferences for a solution for the indeterminable decision (e.g., as to whether the driver has a preferred lane or path to follow, and/or a particular vehicle maneuver, and so on). In various embodiments, the notification is provided to the driver13ofFIG.1via instructions provided by a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) to the display67and/or speaker28of the vehicle12ofFIG.1, and/or in certain embodiments, to the electronic device15of the driver13. In various embodiments, the driver's inputs are then received via the input sensors21ofFIG.1.

In various embodiments, a determination is made as to whether the driver has provided an adequate response (step226). Specifically, in various embodiments, a determination is made as to whether the driver has provided a preference for a solution for the indeterminable decision within a predetermined proximity (e.g., a predetermined distance and/or time) of the location pertaining to the indeterminable decision. In various embodiments, this determination is made by a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1).

In various embodiments, if it is determined during step226that the driver has provided an adequate response (e.g., by providing a preference for a solution within the predetermined proximity of the location), then the process adopts the solution per the driver's preference expressed in the driver inputs of steps224-226. Specifically, in various embodiments, the process200proceeds to step218, as the driver's preferred solution is implemented via automatic vehicle control. In various embodiments, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) provides instructions for the vehicle12to follow a particular path (e.g., by following a particular lane and/or taking a particular vehicle maneuver) consistent with the driver's preferred solution, and is utilized for the further movement of the vehicle12along a continuous path that is defined by the solution, in step218.

Also in various embodiments, the driver preferences are updated (step228). In various embodiments, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) provides instructions for the preference data85ofFIG.1to be updated to reflect the driver preferences and inputs of steps224-226, and the updated preference data85is re-stored in memory (such as the memory40ofFIG.1). In certain embodiments, the updated preference data85may also be stored in memory of the remote server18ofFIG.1, for example in one or more of the databases56thereof. In various embodiments, the updated user preference are also utilized in any subsequent iterations of steps216as reflected updated user preferences.

Conversely, in various embodiments, if it is instead determined during step226that the driver has not provided an adequate response (e.g., by not providing a preference for a solution within the predetermined proximity of the location), then the process instead proceeds to step230. In various embodiments, during step226, control is returned to the driver. Specifically, in various embodiments, during step226, a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) returns driving control to the driver13ofFIG.1for movement of the vehicle12(e.g., by the driver13's use of a steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, and so on thereof), rather than via automatic control via the control system11. In various embodiments, the process200also proceeds to step212for a determination as to whether the process200is to continue, as described in greater detail further below.

In various embodiments, during step212(e.g., following steps210and/or230), a determination is made as to whether the process is complete. In various embodiments, this determination is made by a processor (such as the processor38of the vehicle12and/or a processor of the servers54ofFIG.1) as to whether the current vehicle drive (or ignition cycle) is finished. In certain other embodiments, this determination is made by the processor as to whether the driver's current engagement or selection of autonomous vehicle control is finished. In certain embodiments, this determination is made throughout the process200.

In various embodiments, if it is determined during step212that the process is not complete, then the process returns to step204in a new iteration. Otherwise, in various embodiments, if it is determined during step212that the process is not complete, the process terminates at step240.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, methods and systems are provided for determining and implementing a continuous driving path in the absence of a navigational route for a vehicle with autonomous functionality. In various embodiments, driver inputs are obtained and used for learning and updating of preferences for selecting paths of travel for a vehicle when decisions would otherwise be indeterminable (e.g., when there is an upcoming intersection or t-junction, and/or in which a current lane merges or branches off into multiple different lanes, and so on).

It will be appreciated that the systems and methods may vary from those depicted in the Figures and described herein. For example, the communications system10ofFIG.1, including the vehicle12thereof and components thereof, may vary from that depicted inFIG.1and/or described herein, in various embodiments. It will similarly be appreciated that the process ofFIG.2may differ from those described herein and/or depicted inFIG.2, and/or that steps thereof may be performed simultaneously and/or in a different order as described herein and/or depicted inFIG.2, among other possible variations.

While at least one example has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the example or examples are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the example or examples. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.