Methods and systems for semi-autonomous vehicular convoys
AssigneePeloton Technology, Inc.
InventorsJoshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Eugene Berdichevsky
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.
Claims17
In a computerized vehicular convoying control system, a vehicular convoying method for controlling a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle, the convoying method comprising:
- communicating data over a communication link between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;
- determining a gap to be established and maintained between the ordered lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle;
- and
- controlling acceleration and deceleration of the at least one follower vehicle to maintain the gap between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle;
- and
- wherein at least one of the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle use a cruise control system to set the speed, and the cruise control system speed set-point is determined in part by one or more of the grade angle of the road and the upcoming road.
A method for cruise control for a vehicle, wherein
- the cruise control system is used to set the speed, comprising:
- determining the cruise control system speed set-point in part using one or more of the grade angle of the road and the upcoming road.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.