Method for operating an autonomous vehicle
The present disclosure generally relates to a computer implemented method for operating an autonomous vehicle, specifically in relation to efficient planning of interactions with service providers. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding control system and computer program product.
1 . A computer implemented method for operating an autonomous vehicle travelling along a predetermined route using a control system provided as an onboard component of the autonomous vehicle, the predetermined route including a predetermined destination and a previously established time for arrival at the predetermined destination, the control system comprising a wireless transceiver and an electronic control unit (ECU) wherein the method comprises the steps of:
identifying, using the ECU, a service provider arranged within a predetermined distance from the autonomous vehicle, the service provider arranged to provide a service to the autonomous vehicle for extending a present operational duration,
establishing, using the wireless transceiver and the ECU, a networked communication with the service provider,
receiving, at the ECU, an offer from the service provider to provide the service,
estimating, using the ECU, a delay that would result from amending the predetermined route to include a stop at the service provider,
deciding, using a machine learning component provided in the ECU, whether to accept the offer from the service provider based on a combination of the present operational duration, the previously established time for arrival, and the estimated delay, wherein the machine learning component has been previously trained on historical data relating to the operation of a population of vehicles, and
in response to deciding to accept the offer:
(i) determining, using the ECU, an amended route that includes the stop at the service provider location, and
(ii) controlling, using the ECU, the autonomous vehicle to deviate from the predetermined route and follow the amended route including the stop at the service provider, thereby extending the present operational duration for the autonomous vehicle.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
providing, using the wireless transceiver and the ECU, information to the service provider that the offer from the service provider is accepted.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the information provided to the service provider comprises an estimated time of arrival at the service provider.
4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
providing, using the wireless transceiver and the ECU, a remotely located server an adjusted time for arrival at the predetermined destination.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein deciding whether to accept the offer from the service provider is further based on an estimated schedule of availability of the service.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the estimated schedule of availability of the service defines a waiting time for receiving the service.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the waiting time fluctuates over time.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of deciding whether to accept the offer from the service provider comprises optimizing the operational duration and/or optimizing an arrival time at the predetermined destination.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the service provider is at least one of a charging station and a washing station for the autonomous vehicle.
10 . A control system adapted to operate an autonomous vehicle travelling along a predetermined route using a control system, the predetermined route including a predetermined destination and a previously established time for arrival at the predetermined destination, the control system comprising a wireless transceiver and an electronic control unit (ECU), wherein the control system is provided as an onboard component of the autonomous vehicle and is adapted to:
identify, using the ECU, a service provider arranged within a predetermined distance from the autonomous vehicle, the service provider arranged to provide a service to the autonomous vehicle for extending a present operational duration,
establish, using the wireless transceiver and the ECU, a networked communication with the service provider,
receive, at the ECU, an offer from the service provider to provide the service,
estimate, using the ECU, a delay that would result from amending the predetermined route to include a stop at the service provider,
decide, using a machine learning component provided as in the ECU, whether to accept the offer from the service provider based on a combination of the present operational duration, the previously established time for arrival, and the estimated delay, wherein the machine learning component has been previously trained on historical data relating to the operation of a population of vehicles, and
in response to deciding to accept the offer:
(i) determine, using the ECU, an amended route that includes the stop at the service provider location, and
(ii) control, using the ECU, the autonomous vehicle to deviate from the predetermined route and follow the amended route including the stop at the service provider, thereby extending the present operational duration for the autonomous vehicle.
11 . The control system of claim 10 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
provide, using the wireless transceiver and the ECU, information to the service provider that the offer from the service provider is accepted.
12 . The control system of claim 11 , wherein the information provided to the service provider comprises an estimated time of arrival at the service provider.
13 . The control system of claim 10 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
provide, using the wireless transceiver and the ECU, a remotely located server an adjusted time for arrival at the predetermined destination.
14 . The control system of claim 10 , wherein deciding whether to accept the offer from the service provider is further based on an estimated schedule of availability of the service.
15 . The control system of claim 14 , wherein the estimated schedule of availability of the service defines a waiting time for receiving the service.
16 . The control system of claim 15 , wherein the waiting time fluctuates over time.
17 . An autonomous vehicle comprising the control system of claim 10 .