US 11,231,709 B2 · Autonomous vehicle mode regulator

Abstract

An autonomous vehicle mode regulator system and method comprise transmitting authorization signals from autonomous driving infrastructure on a roadway to a controller module to authorize or inhibit operation of a vehicle in different levels of automation. The controller module controls the level of automation under which the autonomous driving system of the vehicle operates based on the signals received from the autonomous driving infrastructure. In this regard, the controller module can prevent the autonomous driving system of the vehicle from operating in certain levels of automation unless appropriate authorizations signals are received. Similarly, the controller module can permit or even require operation of the vehicle in certain levels of automation upon receipt of certain authorization signals. Still further, the controller module can inhibit or disengage operation of a vehicle in certain levels of automation upon receipt of signals from autonomous driving infrastructure associated with certain driving hazards on the roadway.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An Autonomous Vehicle Mode Regulator (AVMR) comprising:

a controller module adapted to wirelessly receive authorization and/or control signals from autonomous driving infrastructure;
wherein the controller module is operatively connected to an autonomous driving system of a vehicle adapted to operate in different levels of automation;
wherein the controller module controls the level of automation under which the autonomous driving system of the vehicle operates based on the signals received from the autonomous driving infrastructure;
wherein the signals received from the autonomous driving infrastructure indicate the level of automation under which the vehicle is permitted or is required to operate;
wherein the controller module prevents the autonomous driving system of the vehicle from operating in one or more of the different levels of automation each having at least some degree of autonomous operation upon receiving signals from autonomous driving infrastructure indicating that only certain levels of automation are permitted;
and
wherein the controller module is adapted to wirelessly transmit a signal to the autonomous driving infrastructure indicating a current mode of operation of the vehicle.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Autonomous vehicle mode regulator

Life of this patent

Autonomous vehicle mode regulator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21