DE102019216768A1 - System for managing a vehicle fleet - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles (2, 2-n) in a vehicle depot (3), comprising a detection unit (4) which is designed to identify the respective position of the vehicles (2, 2-n) of a first vehicle group (5-1) of the vehicle fleet arranged in a service area (3-1) of the vehicle depot (3), the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group ( 5-1) each have a first service plan which instructs the respective vehicle (2, 2-n) to carry out a vehicle service in the service area (3-1), a control unit (7) which is designed based on the detected respective Positions of the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1) in the service area (3-1) at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) one in a waiting area (3-2) of the vehicle depot (3) to assign a second service plan to the arranged second vehicle group (5-2), and a communication interface (6) which is designed to transmit the second service plan to the at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2), the second service plan being the at least one vehicle (2, 2- n) instructs the second vehicle group (5-2) to carry out a vehicle service in the service area (3-1) of the vehicle depot (3).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a system for managing a vehicle fleet, in particular a system for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles in a vehicle depot.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The changeover to at least partially autonomous vehicles poses the challenges for the operators of vehicle fleets and the corresponding mobility service providers to efficiently manage the corresponding vehicle fleets. The corresponding vehicles in the vehicle fleet must not only be made available to the user promptly, but continuous maintenance, cleaning and technical inspection of the vehicles must also be carried out in a vehicle depot.

In conventional vehicle depots, a manageable number of non-autonomous vehicles are usually manually serviced, cleaned and checked for technical errors by people with mechanical assistance. In the case of a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles with possibly hundreds or even more than a thousand vehicles, manual servicing of the respective vehicles can, however, under certain circumstances lead to undesirable delays and quality losses in the implementation of the vehicle service, and increase operating costs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an efficient concept for a system for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles in a vehicle depot, in which the performance of the system can be improved through a high degree of automation in order to reduce the time and operating costs required reduce vehicle service and at the same time ensure high service quality. Another object is also to ensure effective self-calibration of sensors of the vehicles in the vehicle fleet in the vehicle depot.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles in a vehicle depot, comprising a detection unit which is designed to detect the respective position of the vehicles of a first vehicle group of the vehicle fleet arranged in a service area of the vehicle depot , wherein the vehicles of the first vehicle group each have a first service plan which instructs the respective vehicle to carry out a vehicle service in the service area, a control unit which is designed based on the detected respective positions of the vehicles of the first vehicle group in the service area of at least one vehicle to assign a second service plan to a second vehicle group arranged in a waiting area of the vehicle depot, and a communication interface which is designed to send the second service plan to the at least one vehicle to transmit the second vehicle group, the second service plan instructing the at least one vehicle of the second vehicle group to carry out a vehicle service in the service area of the vehicle depot.

The service plan is in particular flexibly adaptable to the service requirement and to the utilization of the capacities of service stations in the vehicle depot. In particular, the system ensures an iterative review of the vehicle-specific service plans for optimal conditions, in particular with regard to operating costs, time and / or availability, and, if necessary, initiates an adaptation of the respective service plans.

The waiting area of the vehicle depot serves as a buffer zone in which the vehicles of the second vehicle group can wait before they can be transferred to the service area of the vehicle depot to carry out the vehicle services. As a result, fluctuations in capacity at the respective service stations in the service area can be compensated for, and any overcrowding or undercrowding of the service stations with vehicles can be avoided.

The service area can in particular be arranged at least in sections around the waiting area. This enables the vehicles of the second vehicle group advantageous access to different sections of the service area in order to reach the respective service station, in particular by driving short distances.

The vehicle fleet here comprises in particular a large number of, in particular hundreds or more than a thousand, at least partially autonomous moving vehicles, which are arranged inside the vehicle depot for the respective vehicle service and outside the vehicle depot for the respective driving use.

The first vehicle group of the vehicle fleet here includes in particular the vehicles of the vehicle fleet that are arranged in the service area of the vehicle depot at a given point in time in order to each carry out a vehicle service. The second vehicle group of the vehicle fleet here includes in particular the vehicles of the vehicle fleet that are waiting in the waiting area at the given point in time to be transferred to the service area.

The at least partially autonomous vehicles in the vehicle fleet can be, for example, motor vehicles, electric vehicles and / or hybrid vehicles.

At least partially autonomous vehicles include partially autonomous vehicles in which the driver assistance systems take over significant tasks in driving the respective vehicle, so that permanent monitoring by the driver is no longer required. At least partially autonomous vehicles here also include fully autonomous vehicles in which a driver is no longer required to drive the respective vehicle. In particular, the at least partially autonomous vehicles can move automatically, i.e. without intervention by the driver. In particular, automatically moving vehicles can also be moved remotely, in particular automatically by the system and / or manually by an operator.

The vehicle depot here comprises a service area and a waiting area, which in particular include enclosed and / or free-standing areas, the vehicles in the vehicle depot moving in particular automatically, in particular remotely. In particular, the vehicle depot comprises a single location in which the service area and the waiting area are arranged. As an alternative, the vehicle depot can also comprise several locations that are spatially separated from one another, the service area and waiting area being distributed over the several locations.

The first service plan and / or the second service plan here includes an instruction to the respective vehicle to carry out at least one vehicle service in the vehicle depot. The first and / or second service plan includes in particular the number of vehicle services, the sequence in which the respective vehicle services are carried out, the location of the respective vehicle services in the service area, the type of the respective vehicle services, and / or the duration of the respective vehicle services.

The basic idea of the present invention is that when performing vehicle services of a large number of at least partially autonomous vehicles in a vehicle fleet in a vehicle depot, a high degree of automation can be achieved, which ensures a high level of efficiency and quality in the execution of the respective vehicle services. In addition, the space requirements can be optimized and time can be saved through fast throughput times. This ensures a high availability of vehicles for the mobility service provider.

In particular, based on the information available about the positions of the vehicles in the vehicle depot, the system can continuously update the respective service plans for the vehicles in order to ensure efficient distribution of the vehicles, e.g. to unoccupied service stations, in the vehicle depot. Due to the ability of the at least partially autonomous vehicles to move in the vehicle depot in particular automatically, in particular remotely, the respective service plan can be implemented particularly efficiently by the respective vehicle in order to enable a highly effective dynamic distribution of the vehicles in the vehicle depot. Due to the high degree of automation, the number of manual work steps carried out by human workers can advantageously be reduced when the respective vehicle services are carried out in the vehicle depot.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waiting area has at least one exit point at which the vehicles of the second vehicle group leave the waiting area, the control unit being designed to assign the second service plan to the specific vehicle of the second vehicle group that is located at the exit point of the waiting area , and wherein the communication interface is designed to transmit the second service plan to the specific vehicle of the second vehicle group.

This has the advantage that the at least one exit point can provide defined points in the waiting area at which specifically selected vehicles of the second vehicle group can leave the waiting area so that a structured transfer of the vehicles from the waiting area to the service area can be ensured .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waiting area has at least one vehicle lane in which the vehicles of the second vehicle group are arranged in a sequence, the vehicles of the second vehicle group being particularly designed to automatically, in particular remotely control themselves in the vehicle lane in the arranged sequence to move.

This has the advantage that the sequence established by means of the vehicle lane enables the system to carry out a structured transfer of the vehicles from the waiting area to the service area. In particular, the waiting area has several vehicle lanes, which are in particular arranged parallel to one another and / or in particular each have an exit point, so that, for example, vehicles with a fast service requirement are moved on an express vehicle lane, whereas vehicles with a delayed service requirement are kept ready on a slow vehicle lane become.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waiting area, in particular the at least one vehicle lane, has at least one charging device for charging an electric vehicle battery of the vehicles of the second vehicle group, wherein the vehicles of the second vehicle group can be coupled to the charging device, in particular inductively and / or conductively to charge the respective vehicle batteries electrically. This has the advantage that the waiting time of the vehicles in the waiting area can be used effectively to charge the electric vehicle battery. The conductive coupling includes, in particular, a coupling of a sliding contact on the vehicle with a current-carrying device on the floor of the waiting area.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the service area has a plurality of service stations, at each of which a vehicle service is carried out, the first service plan instructing the respective vehicle of the first vehicle group and the second service plan instructing the vehicle of the second vehicle group, a vehicle service at a service station of the To carry out a plurality of service stations.

This has the advantage that an effective implementation of a large number of vehicle services for the vehicles is ensured at the service stations. Here, the respective service stations of the plurality of service stations are designed in particular to carry out different vehicle services on the respective vehicles, which are arranged at the respective service station. In particular, the service stations are designed to carry out the respective vehicle service automatically, in particular without manual intervention by a human worker.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit is designed to detect the occupancy of the service stations by vehicles of the first vehicle group, the control unit being designed to display the first service plan for at least one vehicle in the first vehicle group and / or the second service plan for the vehicle in the second vehicle group to update depending on the occupancy of the service stations, and wherein the communication interface is designed to transmit the updated first service plan to the at least one vehicle of the first vehicle group and / or the updated second service plan to the vehicle of the second vehicle group.

This has the advantage that the system continuously ensures optimal utilization of the individual service stations with vehicles and, by updating the service plans, enables a dynamic redistribution of vehicles to the respective service stations.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is designed to update the first service plan of at least one vehicle of the first vehicle group arranged in the service area based on the second service plan of the vehicle of the second vehicle group, the communication interface being designed to send the updated service plan to the at least to transmit a vehicle of the first vehicle group.

This has the advantage that the service plans of the vehicles can be updated in both directions, i.e. by updating the second service plan of the vehicle of the second vehicle group when entering the service area, and / or also by updating a first service plan of at least one Vehicle of the first vehicle group that is already in the service area. When the vehicle in the second vehicle group is transferred from the waiting area to the service area, the system can redistribute at least one vehicle in the first vehicle group in the service area, especially if the second service plan has a high priority, in order to give the vehicle in the second vehicle group priority for the respective vehicle service.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of service stations comprise at least two of the following Service stations, service station for registering a vehicle when entering the vehicle depot, service station for de-registering a vehicle in the vehicle fleet when leaving the vehicle depot, service station for cleaning the outside of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for cleaning the inside of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for checking the operating condition of the tires of a Vehicle of the vehicle fleet, service station for the visual inspection of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for checking the operating status of the electrical lines of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for self-calibration of sensors in a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for replacing a vehicle battery in a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for electrical charging a vehicle battery of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for parking a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for carrying out a test drive of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, service station for checking the driving characteristics of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, and / or service station for checking an acoustic profile of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet.

This has the advantage that the individual service stations can perform a large number of different vehicle services on the vehicles in the vehicle fleet.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle depot, in particular a service station for self-calibration of sensors of a vehicle of the vehicle fleet, has at least one reference object which can be detected by sensors of a vehicle of the vehicle fleet, the system, in particular the control unit and / or a control test bench of the Service station for self-calibration of sensors of a vehicle of the vehicle fleet, is designed to receive the data generated based on the detection of the reference object by the sensors of the vehicle, and to compare the received data with reference data in order to perform the self-calibration of the sensors of the vehicle.

This has the advantage that effective self-calibration of the sensors of the vehicle is ensured, so that errors can be excluded during operation in the at least partially autonomous vehicles of the vehicle fleet. Thus, during the operation of the at least partially autonomous vehicles, a technically perfect roadworthiness of the respective vehicle can be guaranteed and thus a release for participation in road traffic can be ensured.

In particular, the system, in particular the control unit and / or the service station for self-calibration of sensors of a vehicle in the vehicle fleet, has a position detection element, in particular at least one camera, which is designed to record the position of the vehicle during the detection of the reference object by the sensors of the vehicle to generate the reference data based on the position of the vehicle.

In particular, the reference data can include data that were generated based on the detection of the reference object by further sensors of the vehicle. Thus, the self-calibration of the sensors of the vehicle can be achieved by comparing different data sets which have been recorded by different sensors of the vehicle.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles in a vehicle depot, comprising detecting the respective position of the vehicles of a first vehicle group of the vehicle fleet arranged in a service area of the vehicle depot by a detection unit, whereby the vehicles of the first vehicle group each have a first service plan, which instructs the respective vehicle to carry out a vehicle service in the service area, assigning a second service plan to at least one vehicle of a second vehicle group arranged in the vehicle depot based on the recorded respective positions of the vehicles of the first vehicle group in the Service area by a control unit, and transmission of the second service plan to the at least one vehicle of the second vehicle group through the communication interface, the second service plan instructs the at least one vehicle of the second vehicle group to carry out a vehicle service in the service area of the vehicle depot.

Figure list

• 1 eine schematische Abbildung eines Systems zur Verwaltung einer Fahrzeugflotte in einem Fahrzeugdepot gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 2 eine schematische Abbildung eines Systems zur Verwaltung einer Fahrzeugflotte in einem Fahrzeugdepot gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 3 eine schematische Abbildung von durch Fahrzeugsensoren erfassten Bereichen eines Fahrzeugs, und
• 4 eine schematische Abbildung einer Servicestation zur Selbstkalibrierung von Sensoren eines Fahrzeugs gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

Further exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• 1 a schematic illustration of a system for managing a vehicle fleet in a vehicle depot according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 2 a schematic illustration of a system for managing a vehicle fleet in a vehicle depot according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 3 a schematic illustration of areas of a vehicle detected by vehicle sensors, and
• 4th a schematic illustration of a service station for self-calibration of sensors of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 1 for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles 2 in a vehicle depot 3 . In particular, the vehicle depot 3 a single location so that the service stations are united under one roof, or the vehicle depot 3 comprise a plurality of spatially spaced locations over which the service stations are distributed.

The switch to at least partially autonomous vehicles 2 will lead to a major change for the operators of vehicle fleets and for mobility service providers who take on the responsibility for managing the respective vehicle fleets. This does not only include the provision of the vehicles 2 and the planning for their use, but also the maintenance, cleaning and technical inspection of the vehicles 2 , which are usually in a vehicle depot 3 be performed.

In a vehicle depot 3 become the vehicles 2 checked and serviced, in particular the interior and exterior cleaning of the vehicle 2 , a review of the vehicle 2 for damage, an assessment of the condition and, if necessary, the refilling of operating materials in the vehicle 2 is carried out.

At least partially autonomous vehicles 2 partially include autonomous vehicles 2 in which the driver assistance systems perform significant tasks in driving the respective vehicle 2 take over, so that permanent monitoring by the driver is no longer required. At least partially autonomous vehicles 2 also include fully autonomous vehicles 2 in which there is no longer a driver to drive the respective vehicle 2 is needed. In particular, automatically moving vehicles 2 can also be controlled remotely, in particular automatically by the system 1 and / or manually by an operator.

For fleets of at least partially autonomous vehicles 2 may become fleet sizes of more than a thousand vehicles 2 where an efficient maintenance and service system must be provided. With correspondingly large fleet sizes, vehicles must 2 be kept in such a way that a fast and flexible delivery of the vehicles 2 to the respective maintenance and service station is possible at any time. The provision of the vehicles 2 can for example in a separate area of the vehicle depot 3 be carried out to ensure an effective supply of the vehicles held in reserve 2 from the separate area to the respective maintenance and service stations flexibly at any time.

Efficiently controlled use of the vehicle fleet at a high load reduces the available time window for maintenance of the fleet, in particular to the night times when there is a reduced need for mobility and the vehicles 2 the vehicle fleet can be advantageously maintained.

In this case, it is particularly advantageous to provide service, especially during the night, independently of human help and without manual control of the vehicles 2 the vehicle fleet, but rather through the independent movement of the at least partially autonomous vehicles 2 in the vehicle depot 3 perform.

The high level of automation achieved in this way enables a high throughput of the vehicles 2 can be ensured around the clock with a consistently high quality of maintenance work.

This in 1 illustrated system 1 comprises a detection unit 4th , which is designed, the respective position of the vehicles 2 one in a service area 3-1 a vehicle depot 3 arranged first vehicle group 5-1 of the vehicle fleet.

In the in 1 The illustrated embodiment includes those in the service area 3-1 of the vehicle depot 3 arranged first vehicle group 5-1 only a first vehicle 2-1 and a second vehicle 2 , however, the first vehicle group can 5-1 in particular several hundred, or even more than a thousand vehicles 2 include.

This in 1 illustrated system 1 further comprises a control unit 7th which is configured based on the detected respective positions of the vehicles 2 the first vehicle group 5-1 in the service area 3-1 at least one vehicle 2 one in a waiting area 3-2 of the vehicle depot 3 arranged second vehicle group 5-2 assign a second service plan.

This in 1 illustrated system 1 further comprises a communication interface 6th which is designed to apply the second service plan to the at least one vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 to submit, the second Serviceplan the at least one vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 instructs a vehicle service in the service area 3-1 of the vehicle depot 3 perform.

In the in 1 The illustrated embodiment includes that in the waiting area 3-2 of the vehicle depot 3 arranged second vehicle group 5-2 only a third vehicle 2-3, a fourth vehicle 2-4 and a fifth vehicle 2-5, however, the second vehicle group 5-2 in particular several hundred, or even more than a thousand vehicles 2 include.

The waiting area 3-2 in particular has at least one exit point 3-2a on which the vehicles 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 the waiting area 3-2 leave. The control unit 7th is in particular designed here for the second service plan for the specific vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 assign which is at the exit point 3-2a of the waiting area 3-2 located, the communication interface 6th is designed, the second service plan to the specific vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 to submit. In the present example, the communication interface transmits 6th the second service plan to the third vehicle 2-3 of the second vehicle group 5-2 .

The waiting area 3-2 has in particular at least one vehicle lane 3-2b on in which the vehicles 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 are arranged in an order. The vehicles 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 are in particular designed to be in the vehicle lane 3-2b to move automatically, in particular remotely, in the arranged order. For example, after receiving the second service plan, the third vehicle 2-3 can automatically, in particular remotely controlled, at the exit point 3-2a out of the vehicle lane 3-2b of the waiting area 3-2 drive out and into the service area 3-1 drive in, whereby the fourth and fifth vehicles 2-4, 2-5 can move up accordingly.

The waiting area 3-2 in particular also a plurality of in 1 Vehicle tracks not shown 3-2b with one exit point each 3-2a have in which the vehicles 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 are each arranged in an order.

Even if this is in 1 is not shown, in particular the service area 3-1 at least in sections around the waiting area 3-2 be arranged around so that one is out of the waiting area 3-2 exiting vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 can get to any location within the service area 2-1 on the shortest possible route.

In particular, the waiting area 3-2 , in particular the at least one vehicle lane 3-2b , at least one in 1 Charging device, not shown, for charging an electric vehicle battery of the vehicles 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 exhibit. The charging device can, for example, be one in a vehicle lane 3-2b arranged current-carrying device comprise. In this way, for example, in the case of a vehicle fleet driven by electric motors, it can be ensured that the electric vehicle batteries of the vehicles 2 while waiting in the waiting area 3-2 be charged advantageously. In particular, the vehicles are 2 here it can be coupled inductively and / or conductively to the charging device in order to charge the respective vehicle batteries electrically.

The waiting area 3-2 of the vehicle depot 3 guarantees fast and flexible delivery of vehicles 2 to the different service stations 8th in the service area 3-1 . In the waiting area 3-2 the vehicles gather 2 before entering the service area 3-1 . In particular, the waiting area includes 3-2 several vehicle lanes, especially those arranged in parallel 3-2b on which waiting vehicles 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 are located. In particular, park the vehicles 2 not stationary in the waiting area 3-2 , but drive through it on a rolling basis. This is possible due to the vehicles' ability to drive themselves 2 . After going through the waiting area 3-2 become the vehicles 2 On the service stations as required and in accordance with capacity 8th distributed.

The establishment of a particularly centrally arranged waiting area 3-2 has the following advantages. On the one hand, there can be fluctuations in the influx of vehicles 2 in the vehicle depot 3 be caught. This prevents capacity fluctuations at the service stations 8th occur that lead to a backlog and ultimately an inefficient process. The waiting area also enables 3-2 an additional degree of freedom to optimize the overall process, in the zones of different speeds in the waiting area 3-2 will be realized. For example, vehicles can be used on express lanes if necessary 2 be passed through the process faster. This may be necessary when driving fast 2 the vehicle depot 3 have to leave to compensate for fluctuations in demand.

The service area 3-1 of the vehicle depot 3 in particular has a plurality of service stations 8th on each of which a vehicle service is carried out. The first service plans for the vehicles 2 the first vehicle group 5-1 and the one on the vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 transmitted second service plan assigns the respective vehicle 2 in particular, a vehicle service at a service station 8th the majority of service stations 8th perform.

The registration unit 4th is designed in particular to occupy the service stations 8th by vehicles 2 to detect, the control unit 7th is designed, the first service plan of at least one vehicle 2 the first vehicle group 5-1 and / or the second service plan of the vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 depending on the occupancy of the service stations 8th to update. Here is the communication interface 6th in particular, the updated first or second service plans are designed for the respective vehicles 2 the first vehicle group 5-1 , or the second vehicle group 5-2 to submit.

In the in 1 The illustrated embodiment is the second service plan through the communication interface 6th to the third vehicle 2-3 of the second vehicle group 5-2 transmitted.

In particular, the service plan can be for the respective vehicle 2 the first or second vehicle group 5-1 , 5-2 instruct yourself to the selected service station 8th to move to perform the vehicle service. In the in 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the second service plan transmitted to the third vehicle 2-3 instructs the third vehicle 2-3 to go to a no-vehicle 2 occupied service station 8th , in particular to the second service station 8-2, in order to carry out the vehicle service there.

The various service stations 8th of the service area 3-1 are particularly around the waiting area 3-2 arranged around distances and call times from the waiting area 3-2 to minimize. The process enables vehicles to be allocated quickly and flexibly 2 to the various service stations 8th in the service area 1 . The illustrated, non-sequential process process enables the service stations 8th , with a high vehicle entrance in the vehicle depot 3 , to keep it in operation in a balanced manner and with the highest possible utilization. There are no start-up and expiry effects at the beginning and at the end of the service times, in which only the service stations upstream in the process are initially used 8th are used to full capacity while the service stations downstream in the process 8th still on the vehicles 2 who are going through the process. Thus, fluctuations in the inflow can be better balanced and the vehicle depot 3 overall less capacity has to be available.

The majority of the service stations 8th includes in particular at least two of the following service stations 8th , Service station 8th to register a vehicle 2 when driving into the vehicle depot 3 , Service station 8th to deregister a vehicle 2 of the vehicle fleet when leaving the vehicle depot 3 , Service station 8th for cleaning the exterior of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for cleaning the interior of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for checking the operating condition of the tires of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for the visual inspection of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for checking the operating status of the electrical lines of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for self-calibration of vehicle sensors 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for replacing a vehicle battery in a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for electrically charging a vehicle battery of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for parking a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th for performing a test drive of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet, service station 8th to check the driving characteristics of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet and / or service station 8th for checking an acoustic profile of a vehicle 2 the vehicle fleet.

In particular, the control unit 7th trained based on the second service plan of the vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 the first service plan for at least one vehicle 2 the one in the service area 3-1 arranged first vehicle group 5-1 to update, with the communication interface 6th is designed, the updated first service plan to the at least one vehicle 2 the first vehicle group 5-1 and / or the updated second service plan to the vehicle 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 to submit.

Thus, in particular, all vehicles have 2 in the vehicle depot 3 , comprising the vehicles 2 the first vehicle group 5-1 and the vehicles 2 the second vehicle group 5-2 each has a service plan, which can be updated if necessary.

The control unit 7th performs the calculation of the service plan and / or the additional service plan in particular on the basis of numerical solution methods, in particular Monte Carlo simulations, or by means of recursively self-optimized artificial intelligence.

The control unit thus has 7th about the position of each vehicle 2 the first vehicle group 5-1 within the service area 3-1 of the vehicle depot 3 , as well as the occupancy of the Service stations 8th by vehicles 2 so that an effective allocation of vehicles 2 the one in the waiting area 3-2 arranged second vehicle group 5-2 to the respective service stations 8th in the service area 3-1 becomes possible.

2 shows a schematic diagram of a system 1 for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles 2 in a vehicle depot 3 according to a further embodiment. In the 2 is just a service area 3-1 of the vehicle depot 3 but not a waiting area 3-2 of the vehicle depot 3 , shown. In the 2 is the registration unit 4th , the communication interface 6th and the control unit 7th of the system 1 not shown.

The first service station 8-1 comprises a service station 8th to register a vehicle 2 when driving into the vehicle depot 3 . The second service station 8-2 comprises a service station 8th for cleaning the exterior of a vehicle 2 . Like in the 2 is shown, the second service station 8-2 from a vehicle 2 the first vehicle group 5-1 occupied.

The third service station 8-3 includes a service station 8th for cleaning the interior of a vehicle 2 . The fourth service station 8-4 includes a service station 8th for replacing a vehicle battery in a vehicle 2 . The fifth service station 8-5 includes a service station 8th for checking the operating condition of the tires of a vehicle 2 . The sixth service station 8-6 includes a service station for visual inspection of a vehicle 2 . The seventh service station 8-7 includes a service station 8th for checking the operating status of the electrical lines of a vehicle 2 . The eighth service station 8-8 includes a service station 8th for self-calibration of vehicle sensors 2 .

The ninth service station 8-9 comprises a service station 8th for parking a vehicle 2 and for electrically charging a vehicle battery of the vehicle 2 . The tenth service station 8-10 includes a service station 8th to check the driving characteristics of a vehicle 2 . The eleventh service station 8-11 includes a service station 8th for checking an acoustic profile of a vehicle 2 . The twelfth service station 8-12 includes a service station 8th to deregister a vehicle 2 when driving out of the vehicle depot 3 . The thirteenth service station 8-13 includes a service station 8th for performing a test drive of a vehicle 2 .

Like in the 2 you can see the transitions between the service stations 8th in particular only possible along the arrows shown schematically, either unidirectionally in one direction or bidirectionally in both directions.

Due to the large number of possible arrangements of the individual vehicles 2 of the vehicle fleet at the respective service stations 8th there is a large number of possibilities as a single vehicle 2 the respective service stations 8th can go through.

With the reference number 10 is a repair service station 10 marked of a vehicle 2 is fed when there is a specific test at one of the service stations 8th does not exist.

For further details, see the remarks relating to the 1 referenced.

3 shows a schematic illustration of areas of a vehicle detected by vehicle sensors 2 . The through the sensors of the vehicle 2 detected areas overlap here at least partially, so that an object can be detected by more than one sensor in the corresponding overlap areas. Corresponding sensors of the vehicle 2 can in particular comprise ultrasonic sensors for the short range and / or wheel sensors for the long range.

4th shows a schematic illustration of a service station 8th for self-calibration of vehicle sensors 2 according to one embodiment. For at least partially autonomous vehicles 2 it is crucial that the sensors of the vehicle 2 are fully functional and do not provide incorrect results, as intervention by a human driver cannot be guaranteed in all situations.

In the 4th Service station shown 8th assigns a reference object 11 on which by the sensors of the vehicle 2 is detectable. A control test bench 12th the service station 8th is designed based on the detection of the reference object 11 through the vehicle's sensors 2 Receive captured data and compare it with reference data to the vehicle's sensors 2 to calibrate. The reference data from the control test bench can be used here 12th in particular by a position detection unit 13th , in particular a camera, are recorded.

The reference object 11 can in particular include patterns or be designed as calibration panels or three-dimensional shapes or three-dimensional reference objects 11 include.

For this purpose, the corresponding data must be able to be transferred between the vehicle 2 and the control test bench 12th be ensured.

The self-calibration includes not only the comparison of the vehicle positions, measured on the one hand by the sensors of the vehicle 2 and on the other hand by the position detection unit 13th , in particular also the comparison of individual measured values from various sensors in the vehicle 2 against each other. This comparison can in particular be carried out by the control unit 7th of the system 1 happen that for this purpose all measurement data from all sensors of the vehicle 2 receives and processed, or alternatively can be done by an evaluation unit in the vehicle 2 be performed.

The reference object 11 includes in particular a plurality of reference objects 11 , which in particular in the service station 8th around the vehicle 2 are arranged around that multiple sensors share the same reference object 11 be able to measure during the passage. These are the reference objects 11 positioned so that they are in overlap areas of two or more sensors of the vehicle 2 can be recorded, for example in the 3 is shown.

The data from the vehicle's sensors 2 can be validated against each other and checked for plausibility by comparing them with one another for the same measurement results. When the vehicle is passing through 2 become the same reference objects 11 scanned by several sensors one after the other. This results in an advantage over a static measurement in which only individual pairs of sensors that have overlapping measuring ranges can be validated against each other. The dynamic measurement allows the data from all sensors to be checked for the same reference object 11 recognized.

The in 4th Self-calibration of the vehicle's sensors shown 2 becomes a fully automatic, fast and reliable check of the sensors of a vehicle 2 enables a highly relevant service step as part of a service check of a vehicle 2 represents.

In particular, the in 4th Self-calibration of the vehicle's sensors shown 2 also outside of a service station 8th be carried out, for example at a location in the service area 3-1 between two service stations 8th so that the self-calibration of the vehicle's sensors 2 for example during the transfer of the vehicle 2 between two service stations 8th can be carried out.

For that according to the 4th described system 1 must be next to the vehicle's sensors 2 To monitor the environment, data transmission between the vehicle is also possible 2 and an evaluation unit must be ensured in order to transmit the data. The evaluation unit can be in the system 1 be arranged itself, in particular in the control unit 7th of the system 1 and / or in the control test bench 12th the service station 8th for self-calibration of the sensors. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit can also be in the vehicle 2 be arranged by yourself.

The evaluation unit can perform the following functions in particular, query and receive sensor data, process, filter and combine raw data, create an environment model, evaluate the data with regard to recognizing calibration fields and determining the vehicle position, comparing the measurement results from the reference objects 11 in quantity and quality, validation for congruent results, self-adjustment and auto-calibration of faulty sensors, both hardware and software.

In the 4th The method described enables a fully automatic, quick and reliable check of the sensors of a vehicle 2 .

List of reference symbols

1

system

2

vehicle

2-n

nth vehicle

3

Vehicle depot

3-1

Service area

3-2

waiting room

3-2a

Exit point

3-2b

Vehicle lane

4th

Registration unit

5-1

First vehicle group

5-2

Second vehicle group

6th

Communication interface

7th

Control unit

8th

Service station

8-n

nth service station

10

Repair service station

11

Reference object

12th

Control test bench

13th

Position detection unit

Claims (10)

System (1) for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles (2, 2-n) in a vehicle depot (3), comprising: a detection unit (4) which is designed to detect the respective position of the vehicles (2, 2-n) of a first vehicle group (5-1) of the vehicle fleet arranged in a service area (3-1) of the vehicle depot (3), wherein the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1) each have a first service plan which instructs the respective vehicle (2, 2-n) to carry out a vehicle service in the service area (3-1), a control unit (7), which is designed based on the detected respective positions of the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1) in the service area (3-1) of at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) a second vehicle group (5-2) arranged in a waiting area (3-2) of the vehicle depot (3) to be assigned a second service plan, and a communication interface (6) which is designed to send the second service plan to the at least one vehicle (2, 2- n) to transmit the second vehicle group (5-2), the second Service plan that instructs at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2) to carry out a vehicle service in the service area (3-1) of the vehicle depot (3). System (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the waiting area (3-2) has at least one exit point (3-2a) at which the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2) leave the waiting area (3-2), the control unit (7) is designed to assign the second service plan to the specific vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2), which is located at the exit point (3-2a) of the waiting area (3-2), and where the communication interface (6) is designed to transmit the second service plan to the specific vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2). System (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the waiting area (3-2) has at least one vehicle lane (3-2b) in which the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2) are arranged in a sequence, the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2) are in particular designed to move automatically, in particular remotely, in the vehicle lane (3-2b) in the arranged order. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the waiting area (3-2), in particular the at least one vehicle lane (3-2b), has at least one charging device for charging an electric vehicle battery of the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2), and wherein the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2) can be coupled to the charging device, in particular inductively and / or conductively, in order to electrically charge the respective vehicle batteries. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the service area (3-1) has a plurality of service stations (8, 8-n), at each of which a vehicle service is carried out, the first service plan being the respective vehicle (2, 2 -n) of the first vehicle group (5-1) and the second service plan instructs the vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2) to service a vehicle at a service station (8, 8-n) of the plurality of service stations (8, 8-n). System (1) according to Claim 5 , wherein the detection unit (4) is designed to detect the occupancy of the service stations (8, 8-n) by vehicles (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1), and wherein the control unit (7) is designed , the first service plan of at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1) and / or the second service plan of the vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2) depending on the occupancy of the service stations (8, 8-n), and wherein the communication interface (6) is designed to send the updated first service plan to the at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1) and / or the to transmit updated second service plan to the vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2). System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (7) is designed, based on the second service plan of the vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2), the first service plan of at least one vehicle (2 To update 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1) arranged in the service area (3-1), the communication interface (6) being designed to send the updated service plan to the at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1). System (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 5 to 7th , wherein the plurality of service stations (8, 8-n) comprises at least two of the following service stations (8, 8-n), service station (8, 8-n) for registering a vehicle (2, 2-n) when entering the Vehicle depot (3), service station (8, 8-n) for deregistering a vehicle (2, 2-n) from the vehicle fleet when leaving the vehicle depot (3), service station (8, 8-n) for cleaning the exterior of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, service station (8, 8-n) for cleaning the inside of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, Service station (8, 8-n) for checking the operating condition of the tires of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, service station (8, 8-n) for visual checking of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, service station (8, 8-n) for checking the operating status of the electrical lines of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, service station (8, 8-n) for self-calibration of sensors of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, Service station (8, 8-n) for replacing a vehicle battery of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, service station (8, 8-n) for electrically charging a vehicle battery of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, service station (8, 8-n) for parking a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, service station (8, 8-n) for performing a test drive of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, service station (8, 8 -n) for checking the driving characteristics of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, and / or service station (8, 8-n) for practice rcheck an acoustic profile of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle depot (3), in particular a service station (8, 8-n) for self-calibration of sensors of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, has at least one reference object (11) , which can be detected by sensors of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, the system (1), in particular the control unit (7) and / or a control test bench (12) of the service station (8, 8-n) for self-calibration of sensors of a vehicle (2, 2-n) of the vehicle fleet, is designed to receive the data generated by the sensors of the vehicle (2, 2-n) based on the detection of the reference object (11), and the received data with reference data to compare in order to carry out the self-calibration of the sensors of the vehicle (2, 2-n). A method for managing a vehicle fleet of at least partially autonomous vehicles (2, 2-n) in a vehicle depot (3), comprising: Detection of the respective position of the vehicles (2, 2-n) of a first vehicle group (5-1) of the vehicle fleet arranged in a service area (3-1) of the vehicle depot (3) by a detection unit (4), the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5-1) each have a first service plan which instructs the respective vehicle (2, 2-n) to carry out a vehicle service in the service area (3-1), Assigning a second service plan to at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) of a second vehicle group (5-2) arranged in the vehicle depot (3) based on the recorded respective positions of the vehicles (2, 2-n) of the first vehicle group (5 -1) in the service area (3-1) by a control unit (7), and Transmission of the second service plan to the at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group (5-2) through the communication interface (6), the second service plan the at least one vehicle (2, 2-n) of the second vehicle group ( 5-2) instructs to carry out a vehicle service in the service area (3-1) of the vehicle depot (3).

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