METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS
First Claim
1. A method for commanding torque, comprising:
- receiving information about a second vehicle via a communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle;
receiving information from a sensor system regarding a gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and
commanding torque of the first vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle can have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved.
7 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for commanding torque, comprising:
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receiving information about a second vehicle via a communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle; receiving information from a sensor system regarding a gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and commanding torque of the first vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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12. The method of claim 12, wherein the time comprises a time it will take for the second vehicle to travel a distance to reach a current location of the first vehicle.
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28. A system for commanding torque, the system comprising:
a control unit configured to; receive information about a second vehicle via a communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle; receive information from a sensor system regarding a gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and command engine torque of the first vehicle.
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29. A system for vehicle convoying, the system comprising:
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a first control unit configured to; receive information about a second vehicle via a communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle; and receive information from a sensor system regarding a gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and a second control unit configured to; command engine torque of the first vehicle.
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30. A system for commanding torque, the system comprising:
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a first control unit configured to receive information about a second vehicle via a communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle; a second control unit configured to receive information from a sensor system regarding a gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and a third control unit configured to command engine torque of the first vehicle.
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Specification