Abstract: A lead autonomous vehicle (AV) includes a sensor configured to observe a field of view in front of the lead AV. Following AVs are on the same road behind the lead AV. A processor of the lead AV is configured to detect an unknown object within the field of view by comparing sensor data received from the sensor and a map data. The processor determines a lane occupied by the unknown object. The processor sends a first message to the following AVs comprising location coordinates of the unknown object and instructions to divert the lane. The processor instructs the lead AV to navigate around the unknown object. While navigating around the unknown object, the processor sends a plurality of second messages to an operation server, comprising sensor data related to the unknown object. The operation server updates the map data, indicating the unknown object at the location coordinates.

Abstract: A lead autonomous vehicle (AV) includes a sensor configured to observe a field of view in front of the lead AV. Following AVs are on the same road behind the lead AV. A processor of the lead AV is configured to detect a construction zone. The processor sends a first message to an operation server, indicating that the construction zone is detected. The processor updates driving instructions of the lead AV to navigate around the construction zone. While navigating around the construction zone, the processor sends sensor data associated with the construction zone to the operation server. The operation server determines an extent of the construction zone. If the operation server determines that the construction zone is extensive, it sends re-routing instructions to the AVs. If the operation server determines that the construction zone is not extensive, it sends instructions to navigate around the construction zone to the AVs.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting non-operational design domain (ODD) scenarios are disclosed. In one aspect, a server includes a network communication device configured to communicate with an autonomous vehicle over a network, a memory, and a processor configured to receive information related to the navigation of the autonomous vehicle from a plurality of data sources. The processor is further configured to predict whether the autonomous vehicle will encounter a non-ODD scenario based on the received information and transmit a signal to the autonomous vehicle in response to predicting that the autonomous vehicle will encounter the non-ODD scenario.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes features that allows the AV to comply with applicable regulations and statues for performing safe driving operation. An example method for operating the AV includes determining a trajectory related information of a vehicle operating on a roadway on which the AV is operating; receiving sensor data of a first area that includes the vehicle; determining an additional trajectory related information for the AV by comparing the trajectory related information of the vehicle to a current trajectory related information of the AV, wherein the additional trajectory related information is based on a category to which the vehicle belongs, and wherein the additional trajectory related information allows the AV to maintain at least a distance between the AV and the vehicle; and causing the AV to operate in accordance with the additional trajectory related information.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes features that allows the AV to comply with applicable regulations and statues for performing safe driving operation. An example method for operating an AV includes receiving, by a computer located in the AV, sensor data that indicates a condition of one or more devices in the AV or of a roadway on which the autonomous vehicle is operating; and causing, by the computer and based on the sensor data, the autonomous vehicle to operate in accordance with a maneuver by sending instructions to one or more devices in the autonomous vehicle, wherein the maneuver is configured to bring the autonomous vehicle to a complete stop. In some embodiments, the maneuver may be selected from a plurality of maneuvers in response to determining an occurrence of a fault condition based on the sensor data.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes features that allows the AV to comply with applicable regulations and statues for performing safe driving operation. An example method for operating the AV includes determining a trajectory related information of a vehicle operating on a roadway on which the AV is operating; receiving sensor data of a first area that includes the vehicle; determining an additional trajectory related information for the AV by comparing the trajectory related information of the vehicle to a current trajectory related information of the AV, wherein the additional trajectory related information is based on a category to which the vehicle belongs, and wherein the additional trajectory related information allows the AV to maintain at least a distance between the AV and the vehicle; and causing the AV to operate in accordance with the additional trajectory related information.

Abstract: A system comprises an autonomous vehicle (AV) and a control device operably coupled with the AV. The control device receives, from an operation server, a command to navigate the AV to avoid an expected road condition. The control device receives, from sensors of the AV, sensor data comprising location coordinates of a plurality of objects ahead of the AV. The control device determines whether at least one object from the plurality of objects impedes performing the command. In response to determining that at least one object impedes performing the command, the control device updates the command, such that the updated command comprises one or more navigation instructions to avoid the at least one object while performing the command. The control device navigates the AV according to the updated command.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are configured to generate, based on a user profile, one or more dynamic inspection task checklists for a respective autonomous vehicle (AV) of one or more AVs in an AV fleet based on a first enterprise-defined task protocol. The one or more dynamic inspection task checklists are associated with one or more respective AV subsystems, and the user profile is associated with a respective user role such that the one or more dynamic inspection task checklists differ dependent upon the respective user role. The method, apparatus and computer program product are also configured to cause the one or more dynamic inspection task checklists to be rendered via an interactive inspection interface of a user computing device associated with the user profile such that one or more respective inspection tasks comprised in the one or more dynamic inspection task checklists are interactive.

Abstract: A system includes an autonomous vehicle (AV) comprising a sensor, a control subsystem, and an operation server. The control subsystem receives sensor data comprising location coordinates of the AV from the sensor. The operation server detects an unexpected event from the sensor data, comprising at least one of an accident, an inspection, and a report request. The operation server receives a message from a user comprising a request to access particular information regarding the AV and location data. The operation server associates the AV with the user if the location coordinates of the AV match location data of the user. The operation server establishes a communication path between the user and a remote operator for further communications.

Abstract: A system accesses a plurality of data streams, each providing information about an environment associated with at least a portion of a predetermined routing plan of an autonomous vehicle. The system determines that the plurality of data streams in the aggregate indicates a route-altering event. In response to determining that the plurality of data streams in the aggregate indicate the route-altering event, the system updates the predetermined routing plan of the autonomous vehicle and communicates the updated routing plan to the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A lead autonomous vehicle (AV) includes a sensor configured to observe a field of view in front of the lead AV. Following AVs are on the same road behind the lead AV. A processor of the lead AV is configured to detect a road structural change on the particular road. The processor updates driving instructions of the lead AV to navigate through the structural change using driving instructions related to the structural change. The processor sends a first message to the operation server indicating that the structural change is detected. The operation server updates the first portion of the map data, reflecting the structural change. The operation server sends the updated map data to the one or more following AVs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for automated following behind a lead vehicle. The lead vehicle navigates a path from a starting point to a destination. The lead vehicle and the following vehicle are connected via V2V communication, allowing one or more following vehicles to detect the path taken by the lead vehicle. A computerized control system on the following vehicle (a Follow-the-Leader, or FTL, system) allows the following vehicle to mimic the behavior of the lead vehicle, with the FTL system controlling steering to guide the following vehicle along the path previously navigated by the lead vehicle. In some embodiments, the lead vehicle and following vehicle may both use Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates. In some embodiments, the following vehicle may also have a system of sensors to maintain a gap between the following and lead vehicles.

Abstract: A system includes an autonomous vehicle (AV) comprising a sensor, a control subsystem, and an operation server. The control subsystem receives sensor data comprising location coordinates of the AV from the sensor. The operation server detects an unexpected event from the sensor data, comprising at least one of an accident, an inspection, and a report request. The operation server receives a message from a user comprising a request to access particular information regarding the AV and location data. The operation server associates the AV with the user if the location coordinates of the AV match location data of the user. The operation server establishes a communication path between the user and a remote operator for further communications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for granting access to autonomous vehicles are disclosed. In one aspect, an autonomous vehicle includes an access sensor located on an exterior of the autonomous vehicle and configured to receive user credentials from an authorized user, a door configured to provide access to the autonomous vehicle, and a network communications subsystem configured to communicate with a remote oversight system. The autonomous vehicle further includes a processor configured to receive the user credentials from the access sensor, transmit the user credentials to the oversight system via the network communications subsystem, receive a confirmation from the oversight system that the user credentials are associated with a user authorized to access the autonomous vehicle, and unlock the door in response to receiving the confirmation to provide the user access to the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting non-operational design domain (ODD) scenarios are disclosed. In one aspect, a server includes a network communication device configured to communicate with an autonomous vehicle over a network, a memory, and a processor configured to receive information related to the navigation of the autonomous vehicle from a plurality of data sources. The processor is further configured to predict whether the autonomous vehicle will encounter a non-ODD scenario based on the received information and transmit a signal to the autonomous vehicle in response to predicting that the autonomous vehicle will encounter the non-ODD scenario.

Abstract: A system comprises a fleet of autonomous vehicles and a scheduling server. The scheduling server accepts input comprising at least one preferred performance criteria to complete a mission trip. The scheduling server determines a routing plan to complete the mission trip based on the input. The routing plan is determined to optimize the at least one preferred performance criteria. The scheduling server identifies at least one autonomous vehicle that can perform the mission trip according to the determined routing plan. The scheduling server assigns the at least one autonomous vehicle to perform the mission trip.

Abstract: A system comprises an autonomous vehicle (AV) and an operation server operably coupled with the AV. The operation server accesses environmental data associated with a road traveled by the AV. The environmental data is associated with a time window during which the AV is traveling along the road. The operation server compares the environmental data with map data that comprises expected road conditions ahead of the AV. The operation server determines whether the environmental data comprises an unexpected road condition that is not included in the map data. In response to determining that the environmental data comprises the unexpected road condition that is not included in the map data, the operation server determines a location coordinate of the unexpected road condition, and communicates a command to the AV to maneuver to avoid the unexpected road condition.

Abstract: A system comprises a lead autonomous vehicle (AV), a control device associated with the lead AV, and a following AV. The control device receives a command to navigate the lead AV to avoid an unexpected road condition. The control device receives sensor data from a sensor of the lead AV, comprising location coordinates of objects ahead of the lead AV. The control device accesses environmental data associated with a portion of a road between the lead AV and following AV. The environmental data comprises location coordinates of objects between the lead AV and following AV. The control device determines whether an object in the sensor data or environmental data impedes performing the command by the following AV. The control device updates the command, if the control device determines that an object impedes performing the command by the following AV, and communicates the updated command to the following AV.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating with third parties external to autonomous vehicles are disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus may be configured to receive a signal from a first user interface mounted to an exterior of an autonomous vehicle, establish a two way communication between the first user interface and a remote system, authenticate a third party, and in response to the third party being authenticated, establish a connection with a second user interface.