DE102024102435A1 - Task management procedures and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method (100) for task management, comprising:
- detecting (110), by an environmental sensor system of a first vehicle (210), an environmental area and providing corresponding first environmental data;
- generating (120) a task completion request (AEA) based on the first environmental data, wherein the task completion request (AEA) comprises information about a task to be completed in the environmental area and position information with respect to the environmental area;
- sending (130), by the first vehicle (210), the task completion request (AEA) to at least one external unit (220);
- detecting (140), by the environmental sensor system of the first vehicle (210) or an environmental sensor system of at least one second vehicle (230), the surrounding area and providing corresponding second environmental data; and
- Determine (150), based on the second environmental data, whether the task corresponding to the task completion request (AEA) has been completed.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method for task management and a system for task management. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the use of a vehicle fleet to offer tasks and monitor the completion of the tasks, such as garbage disposal.

State of the art

The problem of litter on roadsides or in meadows is a widespread and disturbing phenomenon that not only impairs the aesthetics of our surroundings but also has significant ecological and health consequences. Carelessly discarded litter not only pollutes the landscape but also endangers wildlife, which is often harmed by plastic debris or toxic substances. Furthermore, improper disposal of litter can lead to soil degradation and cause long-term ecological damage.

Public awareness of this problem is continually increasing. However, people are often aware of the problem but unable to dispose of their waste on their own. Furthermore, it is often difficult to immediately identify or contact the responsible individuals or agencies to ensure proper waste disposal.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a task management method and a task management system that enable at least partially automated task management. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to enable reliable waste disposal.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a (computer-implemented) method for task management is specified. The method comprises detecting, by an environmental sensor system of a first vehicle, an environmental area and providing corresponding first environmental data; generating a task completion request based on the first environmental data, wherein the task completion request comprises information about a task to be completed in the environmental area and position information with respect to the environmental area; sending, by the first vehicle, the task completion request to at least one external unit; detecting, by the environmental sensor system of the first vehicle or an environmental sensor system of at least one second vehicle, the environmental area and providing corresponding second environmental data; and determining, based on the second environmental data, whether the task corresponding to the task completion request has been completed.

According to the invention, the environmental sensors and the location of the first vehicle are used to enable the user of the first vehicle to send a task completion request, such as garbage removal on a meadow or at the side of the road, to a third party. Later that same day or on a different day, the first vehicle or other vehicles can then check or validate whether the task has been completed. If this is the case, money can be paid, for example, by the user of the first vehicle or the client to the person who completed the task. This can result in automated task management.

The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, vans, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles used to transport people.

In some embodiments, the task to be performed may relate to cleanup work, such as removing garbage (e.g., cleaning a littered meadow or roadside), debris (e.g., parts on the roadway), plants (e.g., broken branches or fallen trees), animals (e.g., dead animals on the roadway), etc. In further embodiments, the task to be performed may relate to repair work, such as damage to traffic infrastructure (e.g., road damage, broken traffic lights). However, the present disclosure is not limited to cleanup and repair work, and other applications for the task management according to the invention are conceivable.

Preferably, the environmental sensor system of the first vehicle and/or the environmental sensor system of the at least one second vehicle comprises at least one LiDAR system and/or at least one radar system and/or at least one camera and/or at least one ultrasound system. The environmental sensor system can process the environmental data (also referred to as "environmental data") that depict the surrounding area of the respective vehicle.

Preferably, the first vehicle comprises a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one external unit, such as a central unit or the at least one second vehicle, in order to implement the functionalities according to the invention. For example, the task completion request can be transmitted to the at least one external unit via the communication module.

Similarly, the at least one second vehicle may comprise a communication module configured to communicate with the at least one external unit and/or the first vehicle to implement the functionalities according to the invention.

Preferably, the communication module of the first vehicle and/or the communication module of the at least one second vehicle are configured for communication via a mobile network. The mobile network can be, for example, an LTE network or a 5G network.

Preferably, the communication module of the first vehicle and/or the communication module of the at least one second vehicle is configured for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. This allows the first vehicle and the at least one second vehicle to communicate directly with each other to implement the functionalities according to the invention.

Preferably, the at least one external unit comprises the at least one second vehicle. For example, the first vehicle can transmit the task completion request directly via a mobile network or V2V to vehicles in its vicinity, which then inform their users/drivers accordingly about the task completion request.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one external unit comprises a central unit, in particular a server or a backend. For example, multiple users can be registered with the central unit, so that task management is carried out by registered users. For example, incoming task completion requests can only be accepted from registered users and/or forwarded to registered users.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one external unit comprises a dedicated contact point for task reporting and/or task completion, or comprises a unit (e.g., server or backend) connected to the dedicated contact point for task reporting and/or task completion. For example, a city cleaning service can be contacted for cleanup work, or a road traffic authority for repair work. The assignment of incoming task completion requests or the contact point can be contacted by the central unit, so the user does not need to know the correct contact point and/or its contact details.

Preferably, the method further comprises receiving a first user input in the first vehicle, wherein the task completion request is generated upon receipt of the first user input. For example, the driver of the first vehicle may detect cleanup and/or repair work that needs to be done and provide a corresponding user input so that the task completion request is sent, for example, to a server for further processing in accordance with the present disclosure.

Preferably, the method further comprises outputting a first visual representation of the surrounding area on a display device based on the first environmental data. For example, an image of the surrounding area can be displayed on a display device of the vehicle.

The display device may comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display. Additionally or alternatively, the display device may comprise a projection device configured to project information directly into the driver's field of vision, in particular onto a windshield. In some embodiments, the display device may be a central information output device of an infotainment system, such as a head unit or a pillar-to-pillar display. The display device is preferably permanently installed in the vehicle.

Preferably, the first user input is made with respect to the first visual representation. For example, the user can select an area of an image of the surrounding area, e.g., displayed on a touchscreen, that is to be cleaned. This information can then be transmitted, along with position information of the selected area, to the at least one external unit in the form of the task completion request.

Preferably, the method further comprises determining, by the first vehicle, at least one first predetermined environmental property of the environmental area based on the first environmental data, wherein the generation of the task completion request is carried out automatically by the first vehicle when the at least one first predetermined environmental property is detected in the environmental area.

The at least one first predetermined environmental characteristic can, for example, indicate or be the presence of garbage, debris, broken branches, potholes, etc. The at least one first predetermined environmental characteristic can, for example, be detected by conventional object detection from the first environmental data of the environmental sensor system of the first vehicle.

Preferably, the detection of the surrounding area and the provision of corresponding second environmental data for validating the completion of the task are performed multiple times by a plurality of second vehicles. In other words, a plurality of second vehicles can detect and validate the completion of the task. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the detection of the surrounding area and the provision of corresponding second environmental data for validating the completion of the task can be performed by a single second vehicle.

Preferably, the determination, based on the second environmental data, of whether a task corresponding to the task completion request has been completed is carried out by the at least one first vehicle, the at least one second vehicle or the at least one external unit, such as a central unit.

In some embodiments, the at least one second vehicle can itself evaluate the second environmental data, e.g., using object recognition, and determine whether the task has been completed. This can be done, for example, based on at least one second predetermined environmental characteristic. The at least one second predetermined environmental characteristic can, for example, indicate or be the absence of garbage, debris, broken branches, potholes, etc. For example, the central unit can inform the at least one second vehicle that it should check for the presence of certain objects when driving past a certain position (according to the information from the task completion request). If these objects are not present, it can be concluded that the task has been completed. The central unit can specifically commission vehicles in the area of the task to be completed.

In other embodiments, the central unit may receive the second environmental data or information relating to the second environmental data (e.g., information on detected objects, in particular type and position) from the at least one second vehicle and determine, e.g., based on the at least one second predetermined environmental property, whether the task has been completed.

In yet other embodiments, the first vehicle may receive the second environmental data or information relating to the second environmental data (e.g., information on detected objects, in particular type and position) from the at least one second vehicle and determine, e.g., based on the at least one second predetermined environmental property, whether the task has been completed.

Preferably, the method further comprises performing at least one action when it is determined that the task corresponding to the task completion request has been completed.

Preferably, the at least one action comprises sending a completion notification to the first vehicle and/or a mobile device of the user of the first vehicle or the client. This can inform the user that the desired task has been completed. For example, an image of the surrounding area based on the second environmental data of the at least one second vehicle can be displayed to the user in the first vehicle or on their mobile device, so that the user can see that the desired task has been completed.

The term mobile device includes in particular smartphones, but also other mobile telephones or cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, notebooks, smart watches, smart glasses and all current and future electronic devices equipped with communication technology.

Preferably, the at least one action comprises performing a payment transaction with a third party. The third party can, for example, be the person who completed the task. For example, a confirmation of the completion of the task can be sent to the client, whereupon the client confirms or authorizes the payment using a second user input in the first vehicle or on their mobile device.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be configured to be executed on processors and thereby to carry out the task management method described in this document.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium may comprise a software program configured to be executed on processors and thereby execute the task management method described in this document.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is provided. The software is configured to implement the task management method when the software runs on software-controlled devices.

According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for task management is provided. The system includes processors; and memories coupled to the processors and containing instructions executable by the processors to perform the task management method described in this document.

A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e. a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby drives an algorithm (process).

Short description of the drawings

• 1 ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Aufgabenmanagement gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung,
• 2 schematisch ein System zum Aufgabenmanagement gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung, und
• 3A und 3B schematisch Fahrzeuge und einen Umgebungsbereich, in dem eine Aufgabe zu erledigen ist.

Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show:

• 1 a flowchart of a method for task management according to embodiments of the present disclosure,
• 2 schematically shows a system for task management according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and
• 3A and 3B schematically vehicles and an area in which a task has to be completed.

Embodiments of the disclosure

In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

1 shows a flowchart of a method 100 for task management according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 2 schematically shows a system for task management according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 3A and 3B schematically show vehicles and an area in which a task has to be completed.

The method 100 comprises, in block 110, detecting, by an environmental sensor system of a first vehicle 210, a surrounding area and providing corresponding first environmental data; in block 120, generating a task completion request AEA based on the first environmental data, wherein the task completion request AEA comprises information about a task to be completed in the surrounding area and position information with respect to the surrounding area; in block 130, sending, by the first vehicle 210, the task completion request AEA to at least one external unit 220; in block 140, detecting, by the environmental sensor system of the first vehicle 210 or an environmental sensor system of at least one second vehicle 230, the surrounding area and providing corresponding second environmental data; and in block 150, determining, based on the second environmental data, whether the task corresponding to the task completion request AEA has been completed.

In some embodiments, the task to be performed may involve cleanup work, such as removing garbage (e.g., cleaning a littered meadow or roadside), debris (e.g., items on the roadway), plants (e.g., broken branches or fallen trees), animals (e.g., dead animals on the roadway), etc. In other embodiments, the task to be performed may involve repair work, such as damage to traffic infrastructure (e.g., road damage, broken traffic lights).

In some embodiments, the at least one external unit 220 may be a central unit, such as a server or a backend. The at least one external unit 220 may transmit the task completion request AEA received from the first vehicle 210 or corresponding offers ANG to potential contractors 140, for example, in the vicinity of the task and/or at other locations. For example, potential contractors 140 are offered a sum of money determined by the client for completing the task.

Completion of the task is validated by the at least one second vehicle 230. For this purpose, the at least one second vehicle 230 recognizes, for example, that the garbage ( 3A) has now been eliminated ( 3B) . The at least one second vehicle 230 can report the completion of the task by transmitting a corresponding order completion confirmation AEB to the central unit 220.

When the order completion confirmation AEB is received in the central unit 220, at least one predetermined action can be performed.

In some embodiments, the at least one action comprises sending a completion notification to the first vehicle 210 and/or a mobile device of the user of the first vehicle 210 or the client. This can inform the user that the requested task has been completed.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one action may include performing a payment transaction with a third party. The third party may, for example, be the person who completed the task. For example, a confirmation of the completion of the task may be sent to the client, whereupon the client confirms or authorizes the payment via a user input in their vehicle 210 or on their mobile device.

According to the invention, the environmental sensors and the location of the first vehicle are used to enable the user of the first vehicle to send a task completion request, such as garbage removal on a meadow or at the side of the road, to a third party. Later that same day or on a different day, the first vehicle or other vehicles can then check or validate whether the task has been completed. If this is the case, money can be paid, for example, by the user of the first vehicle or the client to the person who completed the task. This can result in automated task management.

Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that embodiments mentioned by way of example really only represent examples that are not to be understood in any way as limiting the scope of protection, possible applications, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and the description of the figures enable those skilled in the art to specifically implement the exemplary embodiments. The skilled person, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims (10)

A method (100) for task management, comprising: - detecting (110) an environmental area by an environmental sensor system of a first vehicle (210) and providing corresponding first environmental data; - generating (120) a task completion request (AEA) based on the first environmental data, wherein the task completion request (AEA) comprises information about a task to be completed in the environmental area and position information with respect to the environmental area; - sending (130) the task completion request (AEA) by the first vehicle (210) to at least one external unit (220); - detecting (140) the environmental area by the environmental sensor system of the first vehicle (210) or an environmental sensor system of at least one second vehicle (230) and providing corresponding second environmental data; and - determining (150), based on the second environmental data, whether the task corresponding to the task completion request (AEA) has been completed. Procedure (100) according to Claim 1 , further comprising: - receiving a first user input in the first vehicle (210), wherein the generation of the task completion request (AEA) occurs upon receipt of the first user input. Procedure (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , further comprising: - outputting a first optical representation of the surrounding area on a display device based on the first environmental data, in particular in particular, the first user input is made in relation to the first visual representation. Procedure (100) according to Claim 1 , further comprising: - determining, by the first vehicle (210), at least one first predetermined environmental property of the environmental area based on the first environmental data, wherein the generation of the task completion request (AEA) is carried out automatically by the first vehicle (210) when the at least one first predetermined environmental property is detected in the environmental area. Method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , wherein the at least one external unit (220) comprises: - the at least one second vehicle; and/or - a central unit, in particular a server or a backend; and/or - a dedicated contact point for task reporting and/or task completion or a unit connected to the dedicated contact point for task reporting and/or task completion. Method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , whereby the detection of the surrounding area and the provision of corresponding second environmental data are carried out multiple times by several vehicles. Method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , wherein the determination, based on the second environmental data, of whether a task corresponding to the task completion request (AEA) has been completed is carried out by the at least one first vehicle (210), the at least one second vehicle (230) or the at least one external unit (220). Method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , further comprising: - performing at least one action when it is determined that the task corresponding to the task completion request (AEA) has been completed. Procedure (100) according to Claim 8 , wherein the at least one action comprises: - sending a completion notification to the first vehicle (210) and/or a mobile terminal of the user of the first vehicle (210); and/or - performing a payment transaction to a third party, in particular wherein the third party has completed the task. A system comprising: processors; and memories connected to the processors and containing instructions executable by the processors to perform the method (100) according to any one of Claims 1 until 9 to execute.