Autonomous vehicle operating status assessment

• US 10,166,994 B1
• Filed: 11/06/2015
• Issued: 01/01/2019
• 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): Nolan, Peter D
• Application Number:
  US14/934,385
• Time in Patent Office: 1,152 Days
• 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 one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for real-time determination of the status of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer'"'"'s permission, the operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be monitored to obtain operating data from one or more autonomous operation features. An operating status of the autonomous features may be determined based upon the operating data. After which, a change in the operating status of the autonomous features may be identified, and a report containing information regarding the change in the operating status of the autonomous features may be generated. Insurance discounts may be provided to risk averse customers that maintain their autonomous vehicles, and associated accident avoidance functionality, in good working condition.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for real-time determination of the status of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, comprising:

monitoring, by one or more processors, the operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to obtain operating data from one or more autonomous operation features;

determining, by one or more processors, an operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the operating data;

determining, by one or more processors, a change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the determined operating status by comparing the operating status with a previous operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features, wherein the change in operating status indicates an impairment of operation of the one or more autonomous operation features;

determining, by one or more processors, a risk level associated with operation of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the impairment;

when the risk level exceeds a threshold, implementing, by one or more processors, an action to reduce a risk associated with operation of the vehicle;

generating, by one or more processors, a report containing information regarding the change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features;

storing, in a computer-readable non-transitory memory, the report for subsequent use

determining, by one or more processors, an adjustment to a cost associated with an insurance policy associated with the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the determined change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features; and

causing, by one or more processors, the adjustment to the cost associated with the insurance policy to be implemented.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining the adjustment to the cost associated with the insurance policy includes determining, by one or more processors, an adjustment to a risk associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the determined change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the cost associated with the insurance policy includes at least one of the following:

a premium, a discount, a surcharge, a rate level, a cost based upon a distance traveled, a cost based upon a vehicle trip, or a cost based upon a duration of vehicle operation.

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

determining, by one or more processors, that the change in operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features causes the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features to pass an alert threshold;

wherein the threshold is the alert threshold; and

wherein implementing the action to reduce the risk associated with operation of the vehicle includes;

generating, by one or more processors, an alert indicating the impairment of the operation of the one or more autonomous operation features; and

causing, by one or more processors, the alert to be presented to a person associated with the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

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

determining, by one or more processors, that the change in operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features causes the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features to pass a critical threshold;

wherein the threshold is the critical threshold; and

wherein implementing the action to reduce the risk associated with operation of the vehicle includes;

causing, by one or more processors, control of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to be transferred to a vehicle operator.

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

determining, by one or more processors, that the change in operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features causes the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features to pass a critical threshold; and

determining, by one or more processors, that control of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle cannot safely be transferred to a vehicle operator;

wherein the threshold is the critical threshold; and

wherein implementing the action to reduce the risk associated with operation of the vehicle includes;

causing, by one or more processors, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to stop and discontinue operation.

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

determining, by one or more processors, that the change in operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features causes the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features to pass a critical threshold;

wherein the threshold is the critical threshold; and

wherein implementing the action to reduce the risk associated with operation of the vehicle includes;

preventing, by one or more processors, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle from beginning operation of at least one of the one or more autonomous operation features.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or more autonomous operation features comprise one or more sensors disposed within the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or more autonomous operation features of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle perform at least one of the following functions:

steering;

accelerating;

braking;

monitoring blind spots;

presenting a collision warning;

adaptive cruise control;

parking;

driver alertness monitoring;

driver responsiveness monitoring;

pedestrian detection;

artificial intelligence;

a back-up system;

a navigation system;

a positioning system;

a security system;

an anti-hacking measure;

a theft prevention system;

or

remote vehicle location determination.

10. A computer system for real-time determination of the status of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, comprising:

one or more processors;

one or more sensors 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;

monitor the operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to obtain operating data from one or more autonomous operation features;

determine an operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the operating data;

determine a change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the determined operating status by comparing the operating status with a previous operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features, wherein the change in operating status indicates an impairment of operation of the one or more autonomous operation features;

determine a risk level associated with operation of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the impairment;

when the risk level exceeds a threshold, implement an action to reduce a risk associated with operation of the vehicle;

generate a report containing information regarding the change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features;

store the report for subsequent use

determine an adjustment to a cost associated with an insurance policy associated with the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the determined change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features, wherein the cost associated with the insurance policy includes at least one of the following;

a premium, a discount, a surcharge, a rate level, a cost based upon a distance traveled, a cost based upon a vehicle trip, or a cost based upon a duration of vehicle operation; and

cause the adjustment to the cost associated with the insurance policy to be implemented.

11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the instructions that cause the computer system to determine the adjustment to the cost associated with the insurance policy include instructions that cause the computer system to determine an adjustment to a risk associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the determined change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features.

12. The computer system of claim 10, wherein:

the program memory further stores instructions that cause the computer system to determine that the change in operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features causes the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features to pass a critical threshold;

the threshold is the critical threshold; and

the executable instructions that cause the computer system to implement the action to reduce the risk associated with operation of the vehicle further cause the computer system to cause control of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to be transferred to a vehicle operator.

13. The computer system of claim 10, wherein:

the program memory further stores instructions that cause the computer system to;

determine that the change in operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features causes the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features to pass a critical threshold; and

determine that control of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle cannot safely be transferred to a vehicle operator;

the threshold is the critical threshold; and

the executable instructions that cause the computer system to implement the action to reduce the risk associated with operation of the vehicle further cause the computer system to cause the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to stop and discontinue operation.

14. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for real-time determination of the status of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to:

monitor the operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to obtain operating data from one or more autonomous operation features;

determine an operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the operating data;

determine a change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the determined operating status by comparing the operating status with a previous operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features, wherein the change in operating status indicates an impairment of operation of the one or more autonomous operation features;

determine a risk level associated with operation of the one or more autonomous operation features based upon the impairment;

when the risk level exceeds a threshold, implement an action to reduce a risk associated with operation of the vehicle;

generate a report containing information regarding the change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features;

store the report for subsequent use

determine an adjustment to a cost associated with an insurance policy associated with the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the determined change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features, wherein the cost associated with the insurance policy includes at least one of the following;

a premium, a discount, a surcharge, a rate level, a cost based upon a distance traveled, a cost based upon a vehicle trip, or a cost based upon a duration of vehicle operation; and

cause the adjustment to the cost associated with the insurance policy to be implemented.

15. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the instructions that cause the computer system to determine the adjustment to the cost associated with the insurance policy include instructions that cause the computer system to determine an adjustment to a risk associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle based upon the determined change in the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features.

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

determine that the change in operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features causes the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features to pass a critical threshold;

wherein the threshold is the critical threshold; and

wherein the instructions that cause the computer system to implement the action to reduce the risk associated with operation of the vehicle further cause the computer system to cause control of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to be transferred to a vehicle operator.

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

determine that the change in operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features causes the operating status of the one or more autonomous operation features to pass a critical threshold; and

determine that control of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle cannot safely be transferred to a vehicle operator;

wherein the threshold is the critical threshold; and

wherein the instructions that cause the computer system to implement the action to reduce the risk associated with operation of the vehicle further cause the computer system to cause the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to stop and discontinue operation.