Autonomous vehicle control assessment and selection

• US 10,336,321 B1
• Filed: 11/06/2015
• Issued: 07/02/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm)
• Original Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm)
• Inventors: Fields, Brian Mark, Huang, Chien Che, Wazeer, Mohamed A., Bennett, Shawn C., Cielocha, Steven C., Bryant, Ronny S., Kohaus, Stephen, Quakenbush, Terry, Novak, Richard A., Chan, Aaron Scott, Main, Craig M., Wu, Weixin, Wollenschlager, Torri, Csanda, Carol Marie, Gorsuch, Stacey, Binion, Todd
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas G
• Assistant Examiner(s): Huynh, Luat T
• Application Number:
  US14/934,333
• Time in Patent Office: 1,334 Days
• Field of Search: 701 23
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02028 Determining haemodynamic parameters not otherwise provided for, e.g. cardiac contractility or left ventricular ejection fraction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4064 Evaluating the brain A61B5/031, A61B5/369, A61B5/14553 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4094 Diagnosing or monitoring seizure diseases, e.g. epilepsy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6893 Cars
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7282 Event detection, e.g. detecting unique waveforms indicative of a medical condition A61B5/4094, A61B5/4818, A61B5/349, A61B5/0823 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/80 Arrangements for controlling instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/85 Arrangements for transferring vehicle- or driver-related data
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/04 including control of propulsion units
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2040/0809 Driver authorisation; Driver identity check
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2040/0818 Inactivity or incapacity of driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/0071 Controller overrides driver automatically
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/0073 Driver overrides controller
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/0075 Automatic parameter input, automatic initialising or calibrating means
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/0215 Sensor drifts or sensor failures
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/046 involving external transmission of data to or from the vehicle, e.g. via telemetry, satellite, Global Positioning System [GPS]
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/143 Alarm means
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2420/403 Image sensing, e.g. optical camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/043 Identity of occupants
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/22 Psychological state; Stress level or workload
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/221 : Physiology, e.g. weight, heartbeat, health or special needs
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/26 : Incapacity
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2556/45 : External transmission of data to or from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2756/10 : Involving external transmission of data to or from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2900/00 : Indexing codes relating to the purpose of, or problem solved of road vehicle drive control systems not otherwise provided for in groups B60W30/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/06 : Automatic manoeuvring for parking
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/09 : Taking automatic action to avoid collision, e.g. braking and steering
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/0956 : the prediction being responsive to traffic or environmental parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/02 : related to ambient conditions
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/08 : related to drivers or passengers
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/09 : Driving style or behaviour
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/02 : Ensuring safety in case of control system failures, e.g. by diagnosing, circumventing or fixing failures
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/0205 : Diagnosing or detecting failures; Failure detection models
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/045 : Monitoring control system parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/082 : Selecting or switching between different modes of propelling
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/12 : Limiting control by the driver depending on vehicle state, e.g. interlocking means for the control input for preventing unsafe operation
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/14 : Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 60/0053 : from vehicle to occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 60/0059 : Estimation of the risk associated with autonomous or manual driving, e.g. situation too complex, sensor failure or driver incapacity
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 60/007 : Emergency override Handing over between remote control and on-board control or handing over between remote control arrangements G05D1/227
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 15/0285 : Parking performed automatically
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3407 : specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0055 : with safety arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0214 : in accordance with safety or protection criteria, e.g. avoiding hazardous areas monitoring the location of vehicles within a certain area, e.g. forbidden or allowed areas, in traffic control systems for road vehicles G08G1/13
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0278 : using satellite positioning signals, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/248 : generated by satellites, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/617 : Safety or protection, e.g. defining protection zones around obstacles or avoiding hazards arrangements for controlling the position or course of two or more vehicles for avoiding collisions therebetween G05D1/693; arrangements for reacting to or preventing system or operator failure G05D1/80
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 : Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0206 : Price or cost determination based on market factors
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 : Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0217 : involving input on products or services in exchange for incentives or rewards
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 : Insurance
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/02 : Registering or indicating driving, working, idle, or waiting time only apparatus forming part of taximeters G07B13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 : Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/10 : using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/091 : Traffic information broadcasting broadcasting communication H04H
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0962 : having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/14 : indicating individual free spaces in parking areas

Abstract

Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, an identity of a vehicle operator may be determined and a vehicle operator profile and/or operating data regarding autonomous operation features of the vehicle may be received after the vehicle operator opts into a rewards program and agrees to share their data. Autonomous operation and vehicle operator risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined. Based upon the risk levels and/or comparison thereof, one or more autonomous operation features may be disengaged. A preparedness level of the vehicle operator to assume or reassume control of operating the vehicle is determined prior to disengagement. If satisfactory, an alert is presented to the vehicle operator prior to disengagement of the autonomous operation features.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, comprising:

determining, by one or more processors, an identity of a vehicle operator;

receiving, at one or more processors, a vehicle operator profile associated with the vehicle operator;

receiving, at one or more processors, operating data regarding one or more autonomous operation features operating the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, wherein the operating data includes data from one or more sensors disposed within the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle regarding a current operating environment of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle;

determining, by one or more processors, one or more autonomous operation risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the received operating data, wherein the one or more autonomous operation risk levels indicate current risk for control of one or more aspects of vehicle operation within the current operating environment by the one or more autonomous operation features;

determining, by one or more processors, one or more operator risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the vehicle operator based upon the received operating data, wherein the one or more operator risk levels indicate current risk for control of the one or more aspects of vehicle operation within the current operating environment by the vehicle operator;

determining, by one or more processors, to disengage at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon a comparison of (i) the determined one or more autonomous operation risk levels and (ii) the determined one or more operator risk levels; and

presenting, by one or more processors, an alert to the vehicle operator regarding disengagement of the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving, by one or more processors, autonomous communication data from one or more external sources,

wherein determining to disengage at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features is further based upon the received autonomous communication data.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining, by one or more processors, a preparedness level of the vehicle operator to assume control of one or more functions of operating the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle controlled by the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features,

wherein determining to disengage at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features is further based upon the determined preparedness level of the vehicle operator.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising:

causing, by one or more processors, the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features not to disengage during operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle if the preparedness level of the vehicle operator is below a transfer threshold.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein, when the preparedness level is below the transfer threshold and above a minimum threshold, the alert is presented to the vehicle operator and the preparedness level is determined again after presentation of the alert.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising:

causing, by one or more processors, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to discontinue operation when the preparedness level is below a minimum threshold.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising:

causing, by one or more processors, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to discontinue operation when the autonomous operation risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features exceed a critical risk threshold and the preparedness level is below a transfer threshold.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining to disengage the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features includes determining that the one or more autonomous operation risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features exceed the corresponding one or more operator risk levels associated with the same control functions of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle as the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:

adjusting, by one or more processors, one or more costs associated with an insurance policy associated with the vehicle operator based upon the determination to disengage the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the determined one or more autonomous operation risk levels and the one or more operator risk levels.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting, by one or more processors, one or more insurance policies based upon a response of the vehicle operator to the presented alert, wherein the one or more insurance policies include at least one of:

a vehicle insurance policy, a life insurance policy, home insurance policy, a rental insurance policy, a condominium insurance policy, a disability insurance policy, a business insurance policy, a health insurance policy, or a liability insurance policy.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the operating data further includes one or more of the following for the current operating environmental:

traffic conditions, construction, road integrity, type of road, geographical location, time of day, precipitation, visibility, light levels, wind, or other weather conditions.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein a default vehicle operator profile is received when the vehicle operator cannot be identified.

13. A computer system for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, comprising:

one or more processors;

one or more sensors disposed within the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle and communicatively connected to the one or more processors; and

a program memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing executable instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the computer system to;

determine an identity of a vehicle operator;

receive a vehicle operator profile associated with the vehicle operator;

receive operating data regarding one or more autonomous operation features operating the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, wherein the operating data includes data from one or more sensors disposed within the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle regarding a current operating environment of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle;

determine one or more autonomous operation risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the received operating data, wherein the one or more autonomous operation risk levels indicate current risk for control of one or more aspects of vehicle operation within the current operating environment by the one or more autonomous operation features;

determine one or more operator risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the vehicle operator based upon the received operating data, wherein the one or more operator risk levels indicate current risk for control of the one or more aspects of vehicle operation within the current operating environment by the vehicle operator;

determine to disengage at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon a comparison of (i) the determined one or more autonomous operation risk levels and (ii) the determined one or more operator risk levels; and

present an alert to the vehicle operator regarding disengagement of the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features.

14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the program memory further stores executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

determine a preparedness level of the vehicle operator to assume control of one or more functions of operating the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle controlled by the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features; and

cause the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features not to disengage during operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle if the preparedness level of the vehicle operator is below a transfer threshold.

15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the program memory further stores executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

cause the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to discontinue operation when the autonomous operation risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features exceed a critical risk threshold and the preparedness level is below a transfer threshold.

16. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the program memory further stores executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

adjust one or more insurance policies based upon a response of the vehicle operator to the presented alert, wherein the one or more insurance policies include at least one of;

a vehicle insurance policy, a life insurance policy, home insurance policy, a rental insurance policy, a condominium insurance policy, a disability insurance policy, a business insurance policy, a health insurance policy, or a liability insurance policy.

17. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing executable instructions for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to:

determine an identity of a vehicle operator;

receive a vehicle operator profile associated with the vehicle operator;

receive operating data regarding one or more autonomous operation features operating the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, wherein the operating data includes data from one or more sensors disposed within the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle regarding the current operating environment of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle;

determine one or more autonomous operation risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the received operating data, wherein the one or more autonomous operation risk levels indicate current risk for control of one or more aspects of vehicle operation within the current operating environment by the one or more autonomous operation features;

determine one or more operator risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the vehicle operator based upon the received operating data, wherein the one or more operator risk levels indicate current risk for control of the one or more aspects of vehicle operation within the current operating environment by the vehicle operator;

determine to disengage at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon a comparison of (i) the determined one or more autonomous operation risk levels and (ii) the determined one or more operator risk levels; and

present an alert to the vehicle operator regarding disengagement of the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features.

18. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, further storing executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

determine a preparedness level of the vehicle operator to assume control of one or more functions of operating the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle controlled by the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features; and

cause the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features not to disengage during operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle if the preparedness level of the vehicle operator is below a transfer threshold.

19. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, further storing executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

cause the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to discontinue operation when the autonomous operation risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by the at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features exceed a critical risk threshold and the preparedness level is below a transfer threshold.

20. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, further storing executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

adjust one or more insurance policies based upon a response of the vehicle operator to the presented alert, wherein the one or more insurance policies include at least one of;

a vehicle insurance policy, a life insurance policy, home insurance policy, a rental insurance policy, a condominium insurance policy, a disability insurance policy, a business insurance policy, a health insurance policy, or a liability insurance policy.