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.
Claims19
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 close following gap distance to be established and maintained between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;
- controlling acceleration and deceleration of the at least one follower vehicle to maintain the gap between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle to be the close following gap distance;
- receiving an input signal to increase the gap;
- and
- increasing the gap between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.