Vehicle Merging Method and Apparatus

A vehicle merging method, implemented by a first vehicle, wherein the vehicle merging method comprises:

• sending a merge request to a traffic controller;
• and
• performing first steps or seconds steps in response to the merge request,
• wherein the first steps comprise:
• receiving a first instruction from the traffic controller in response to the merge request, wherein the first instruction instructs the first vehicle to slow down or to stop;
• driving according to the first instruction, and
• wherein the second steps comprise:
• receiving a second instruction from the traffic controller, wherein the second instruction instructs the first vehicle to merge;
• and
• driving according to the second instruction.

A vehicle merging apparatus, comprising:

• a transceiver configured to
• receive a first merge request from a first vehicle;
• and
• send a first instruction to the first vehicle;
• and
• a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to:
• obtain a merging priority of each vehicle in a merging area when the transceiver receives the first merge request or when the first vehicle has entered the merging area;
• determine whether a first merging priority of the first vehicle is less than a second merging priority of a second vehicle in the merging area;
• and
• determine the first instruction;
• determine a second instruction, and
• wherein the transceiver is further configured to:
• send the first instruction to the first vehicle when the second merging priority is greater than the first merging priority, wherein the first instruction instructs the first vehicle to slow down or to stop such that the second vehicle takes priority to merge;
• and
• send the second instruction to the first vehicle when the second merging priority is less than the first merging priority, wherein the second instruction instructs the first vehicle to merge.

A vehicle merging apparatus, comprising:

• a transceiver configured to:
• send a merge request to a traffic controller;
• and
• receive a first instruction from the traffic controller, wherein the first instruction is for controlling a first vehicle to slow down or to stop;
• and
• receive a second instruction from the traffic controller, wherein the second instruction instructs the first vehicle to merge;
• and
• a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to:
• control the first vehicle to drive according to the first instruction;
• and
• control the first vehicle to drive according to the second instruction.