Abstract: A computer system operates to determine a traction value for each of a plurality of regions of a road network. The computer system identifies a region of the road network for which the traction value is known. The computer system may direct a vehicle to operate over a region of the road network where the traction value is known, in order to obtain sensor data that is indicative of a traction capability of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system of a self-driving vehicle (SDV) can process sensor data from the sensor system to autonomously operate acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the SDV throughout a given region. The control system can receive a transport directive from a transport facilitation system to service a pick-up request from a requesting user, the transport directive indicating an inputted pick-up location by the requesting user. The control system can then autonomously operate the acceleration, braking, and steering systems along a current route to a pick-up area encompassing the inputted pick-up location. The control system can further determine a corresponding set of pick-up location options for the pick-up area, and as the SDV approaches the pick-up area, perform a hierarchical operation to identify, via the sensor data, an optimal pick-up location to rendezvous with the requesting user.

Abstract: A computing system can receive sensor view data from each self-driving vehicle (SDV) in a fleet of SDVs operating throughout a given region. The system may further determine, based on the sensor view data, a set of properties of one or more vehicles external to the SDV. Based on the set of properties of the one or more vehicles, the system can generate traffic models for the given region and generate map data for users that indicate traffic flow for at least part of the given region.

Abstract: A transport system can receive vehicle data from each self-driving vehicle (SDV) in a fleet of SDVs operating throughout a given region. The transport system may further detect, in the vehicle data, a set of properties of one or more other vehicles external to the SDV. Based on the set of properties of the one or more vehicles, the transport system can construct traffic model(s) for the given region. Utilizing the traffic model(s), the transport system can provide estimated time of arrival (ETA) data, corresponding to SDVs in the fleet, to users of a transportation arrangement service in the given region.

Abstract: A vehicle determines a traction value for a surface of a road segment, and associates the traction value with a location of the surface. The vehicle stores the traction value and location as part of a traction map.

Abstract: A control system of a self-driving vehicle (SDV) can process sensor data from the sensor system to autonomously operate acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the SDV throughout a given region. The control system can receive a transport directive from a transport facilitation system to service a pick-up request from a requesting user, the transport directive indicating an inputted pick-up location by the requesting user. The control system can then autonomously operate the acceleration, braking, and steering systems along a current route to a pick-up area encompassing the inputted pick-up location. The control system can further determine a corresponding set of pick-up location options for the pick-up area, and as the SDV approaches the pick-up area, perform a hierarchical operation to identify, via the sensor data, an optimal pick-up location to rendezvous with the requesting user.

Abstract: A control system of a self-driving vehicle (SDV) can process sensor data from the sensor system to autonomously operate acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the SDV throughout a given region. The control system can receive a transport directive from a transport facilitation system to service a pick-up request from a requesting user, the transport directive indicating an inputted pick-up location by the requesting user. The control system can then autonomously operate the acceleration, braking, and steering systems along a current route to a pick-up area encompassing the inputted pick-up location. The control system can further determine a corresponding set of pick-up location options for the pick-up area, and as the SDV approaches the pick-up area, perform a hierarchical operation to identify, via the sensor data, an optimal pick-up location to rendezvous with the requesting user.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) can receive a pick-up location to rendezvous with a rider and a set of configuration instructions to configure one or more adjustable components of the configurable interior system for the rider. The AV can analyze sensor data to autonomously control acceleration, steering, and braking systems along a route to the pick-up location. Prior to arriving at the pick-up location, the AV can execute the set of configuration instructions to configure the one or more adjustable components of the configurable interior system for the rider.

Abstract: A computer system maintains, for a given geographic region, a data structure that identifies a traction value for each of a plurality of locations of a road network within a geographic region. At least of a start or destination location is determined for the trip. The computer system may plan the trip, including selecting at least one of a route or a vehicle to use for the trip, based on the traction values of one or more of the plurality of locations.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) can receive a pick-up location to rendezvous with a rider and a set of configuration instructions to configure one or more adjustable components of the configurable interior system for the rider. The AV can analyze sensor data to autonomously control acceleration, steering, and braking systems along a route to the pick-up location. Prior to arriving at the pick-up location, the AV can execute the set of configuration instructions to configure the one or more adjustable components of the configurable interior system for the rider.

Abstract: A computer system operates to determine a traction value for each of a plurality of regions of the road network. A region of the road network for which the traction value is unknown is identified. A vehicle is directed to operate over the region of the road network to obtain additional data that is indicative of a current traction value.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) can receive a pick-up location from a backend transport facilitation system to service a pick-up request from a requesting user. The AV can further process sensor data from a sensor array of the AV to dynamically identify potential hazards while autonomously operating the AV along a current route to the pick-up location. The AV can receiving, from the backend transport facilitation system, a set of configuration instructions to configure adjustable components of an interior of the AV based on comfort preferences of the requesting user, and determine an optimal timing schedule to implement each of the set of configuration instructions. Thus, the AV can execute the set of configuration instructions based on the optimal timing schedule to configure the adjustable components of the configurable interior system prior to arriving at the pick-up location.

Abstract: A control system of a self-driving vehicle (SDV) can process sensor data from the sensor system to autonomously operate acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the SDV throughout a given region. The control system can receive a transport directive from a transport facilitation system to service a pick-up request from a requesting user, the transport directive indicating an inputted pick-up location by the requesting user. The control system can then autonomously operate the acceleration, braking, and steering systems along a current route to a pick-up area encompassing the inputted pick-up location. The control system can further determine a corresponding set of pick-up location options for the pick-up area, and as the SDV approaches the pick-up area, perform a hierarchical operation to identify, via the sensor data, an optimal pick-up location to rendezvous with the requesting user.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle operates to obtain sensor data for a road segment that is in front of the vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can include a control system which processes the sensor data to determine an interference value that reflects a probability that at least a detected object will interfere with a selected path of the autonomous vehicle at one or more points of the road segment. The control system of the autonomous vehicle can adjust operation of the autonomous vehicle based on the determined interference value.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) can receive a pick-up location from a backend transport facilitation system to service a pick-up request from a requesting user. The AV can further process sensor data from a sensor array of the AV to dynamically identify potential hazards while autonomously operating the AV along a current route to the pick-up location. The AV can receiving, from the backend transport facilitation system, a set of configuration instructions to configure adjustable components of an interior of the AV based on comfort preferences of the requesting user, and determine an optimal timing schedule to implement each of the set of configuration instructions. Thus, the AV can execute the set of configuration instructions based on the optimal timing schedule to configure the adjustable components of the configurable interior system prior to arriving at the pick-up location.

Abstract: A computer system operates to determine a traction value for each of a plurality of regions of the road network. A region of the road network for which the traction value is unknown is identified. A vehicle is directed to operate over the region of the road network to obtain additional data that is indicative of a current traction value.

Abstract: A system and method to control a vehicle, provides for directing light onto a region of a road surface on which the vehicle is moving. A variation in a characteristic of a reflection of the directed light is determined. Accumulated precipitation is detected on at least the region of the road based on the determined variation.

Abstract: A vehicle determines a traction value for a surface of a road segment, and associates the traction value with a location of the surface. The vehicle stores the traction value and location as part of a traction map.

Abstract: A computer system operates to determine a traction value for each of a plurality of regions of a road network. The computer system identifies a region of the road network for which the traction value is known. The computer system may direct a vehicle to operate over a region of the road network where the traction value is known, in order to obtain sensor data that is indicative of a traction capability of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automated or autonomous vehicle obtains measurements from at least a first tire sensor, where the measurements reflect a grip state and/or grip margin. The tire sensor information be synchronized with location information, identifying a location where the tire sensor information was obtained.