Autonomous vehicle software version assessment

• US 9,946,531 B1
• Filed: 11/06/2015
• Issued: 04/17/2018
• 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): Zhen, Wei
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wu, Junchun
• Application Number:
  US14/934,347
• Time in Patent Office: 893 Days
• Field of Search: 717172
• 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: 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: 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 autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. In certain aspects, with the customer'"'"'s permission, a computer-implemented method for updating an autonomous operation feature may be provided. An indication of a software update associated with the autonomous operation feature may be received, and several autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the feature may be identified. The update may be installed within the several vehicles, such as via wireless communication. Also, a change in a risk level associated with the update to the autonomous operation feature may be determined, and an insurance discount may be determined or adjusted. As a result, an insurance discount may be provided to risk averse customers that affirmatively share their vehicle data with an insurance provider, and promptly and remotely receive new versions of software that operate autonomous vehicle safety features.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for updating an autonomous operation feature, comprising:

receiving, at one or more processors, an indication of an update associated with the autonomous operation feature;

identifying, by one or more processors, a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the autonomous operation feature;

collecting, by one or more processors, operating data for each of one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles during the operation of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

generating, by one or more processors, a plurality of risk levels associated with the update to the autonomous operation feature based upon virtual or physical testing of the update associated with the autonomous operation feature;

determining, by one or more processors, a weighted risk level for each of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, wherein each the weighted risk level is determined based upon the plurality of risk levels and the operating data from the respective one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

determining, by one or more processors, a risk level change associated with installation of the update for each of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

determining, by one or more processors, whether each risk level change meets one or more risk-related criteria for installing the update; and

causing, by one or more processors, the update to be installed within at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles for which the risk level change meets the one or more risk-related criteria.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or more risk-related criteria include a reduction in risk of at least a threshold magnitude, which threshold magnitude is greater than or equal to zero.

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

determining, by one or more processors, a change in at least one cost associated with an insurance policy based upon the determined risk level change associated with each of the respective one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles,

wherein the one or more risk-related criteria include a reduction in the at least one cost associated with the insurance policy of at least a threshold magnitude, which threshold magnitude is greater than or equal to zero.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further including:

causing, by one or more processors, a notification regarding the update to be presented to each of one or more insurance customers associated with the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles; and

receiving, at one or more processors, an indication of acceptance of the update from the one or more insurance customers;

wherein causing the update to be installed within the at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles includes transmitting, by the update module, the update to the at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in response to the received indication of acceptance.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the notification regarding the update includes information regarding a cost associated with the update and information regarding a change in at least one cost associated with an insurance policy associated with the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the indication of the update associated with the autonomous operation feature includes a request to provide the update to the plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the autonomous operation feature.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the update comprises an update to a version of software associated with the autonomous operation feature.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further including:

determining, by one or more processors, that the update has been installed within the at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles; and

adjusting, by one or more processors, an insurance policy associated with each of the at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles determined to have installed the update.

9. A computer system for updating an autonomous operation feature, comprising:

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;

receive an indication of an update associated with the autonomous operation feature;

identify a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the autonomous operation feature;

collect operating data for each of one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles during the operation of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

generate a plurality of risk levels associated with the update to the autonomous operation feature based upon virtual or physical testing of the update associated with the autonomous operation feature;

determine a weighted risk level for each of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, wherein each the weighted risk level is determined based upon the plurality of risk levels and the operating data from the respective one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

determine a risk level change associated with installation of the update for each of one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

determine whether each risk level change meets one or more risk-related criteria for installing the update; and

cause the update to be installed within at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles for which the risk level change meets the one or more risk-related criteria.

10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the program memory further includes executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

determine a change in at least one cost associated with an insurance policy based upon the determined risk level change associated with each of the respective one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles,

wherein the one or more risk-related criteria include a reduction in the at least one cost associated with the insurance policy of at least a threshold magnitude, which threshold magnitude is greater than or equal to zero.

11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the indication of the update associated with the autonomous operation feature includes a request to provide the update to the plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the autonomous operation feature.

12. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the update comprises an update to a version of software associated with the autonomous operation feature.

13. The computer system of claim 9, further including executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

determine that the update has been installed within the at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles; and

adjust an insurance policy associated with each of the at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles determined to have installed the update.

14. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing executable instructions for updating an autonomous operation feature that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to:

receive an indication of an update associated with the autonomous operation feature;

identify a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the autonomous operation feature;

collect operating data for each of one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles during the operation of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

generate a plurality of risk levels associated with the update to the autonomous operation feature based upon virtual or physical testing of the update associated with the autonomous operation feature;

determine a weighted risk level for each of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, wherein each the weighted risk level is determined based upon the plurality of risk levels and the operating data from the respective one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

determine a risk level change associated with installation of the update for each of one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles;

determine whether each risk level change meets one or more risk-related criteria for installing the update; and

cause the update to be installed within at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles for which the risk level change meets the one or more risk-related criteria.

15. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, further including executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

determine a change in at least one cost associated with an insurance policy based upon the determined risk level change associated with each of the respective one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles,

wherein the one or more risk-related criteria include a reduction in the at least one cost associated with the insurance policy of at least a threshold magnitude, which threshold magnitude is greater than or equal to zero.

16. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the update comprises an update to a version of software associated with the autonomous operation feature.

17. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, further including executable instructions that cause the computer system to:

determine that the update has been installed within the at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles; and

adjust an insurance policy associated with each of the at least one of the one or more of the identified plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles determined to have installed the update.