×

Autonomous vehicle travel control systems and methods

  • US 7,979,172 B2
  • Filed: 03/17/2008
  • Issued: 07/12/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for enabling semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle travel, comprising:

  • arranging communication systems in each vehicle to wirelessly receive instructions pertaining to travel of the vehicle;

    creating restricted travel lanes for vehicle travel in which vehicles equipped with the communication systems are permitted to travel;

    determining the location of vehicles in the restricted travel lanes using a vehicle-location determining system;

    deriving instructions using a processor for the vehicles to travel in the restricted travel lanes based on the location of vehicles in the restricted travel lanes as determined by the location determining system; and

    providing the derived instructions to the vehicles in the restricted travel lanes via the communication systems in the vehicles to enable the vehicles to travel in the restricted lanes in a manner which maximizes speed and to enable a plurality of vehicles to travel in the same restricted travel lane with a minimum separation distance therebetween.

View all claims
  • 6 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×